New Massachusetts Sports Betting Bill Contains Significant Tax Increase And Restriction On Real-Time Betting

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Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely various if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indication, controlled sports betting in other states could also alter considerably.


SD 1657 was presented by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" intends to increase the current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for a total ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.
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The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting regulations. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this expense is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.


This expense was introduced not long after former Massachusetts Governor and current NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting guideline.


So, while this is presently a Massachusetts bill, it's likely to affect other states that provide regulated sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657
Taxation

Beginning with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legal session, however it was declined. This boost would have been available in the state's spending plan bill.


Only 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the greatest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks sixth greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure restricts in-play (live betting) or prop sports betting. Only straight wagers would be allowed, restricting sportsbooks to offering just moneyline, spread, and totals.


While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on college betting, this would affect even professional sporting events.


The expense likewise seeks to include perks and same-game parlays to the classification of "unjust and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of cash they keep off each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 also aims to create mandatory day-to-day and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability assessment' which involves inspecting savings account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.


Massachusetts would become the very first market to require a cost evaluation on bettors.

Advertising constraints

Keenan also wishes to remove advertising throughout televised sporting events. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into producing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as national TV offers make this difficult to enforce.

Will the procedure pass?

The measure is harsh in its changes to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely result in pushback from local sportsbooks and industry supporters.
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Because of this, the step will likely be fought in the Senate and your home of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.


He would have to encourage the other senators who did not support his effort before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.