
Recent Massachusetts Sports Betting Proposal Contains Substantial Tax Boost and Prohibition on In-Play Betting
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Latest MA Sports Betting Bill Contains Substantial Tax Boost & Prohibition on Live Betting
Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely various if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indication, controlled sports betting in other states could likewise 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%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan requires a total ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.
The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting guidelines. The second thing to know is that the language of this bill resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.
This bill 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 regulation.
So, while this is currently a Massachusetts costs, it’s likely to affect other states that use managed sports betting.
A closer take a look at SD 1657
Tax
Beginning with the tax rate increase, bringing sports betting to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax increase at the last legal session, but it was rejected. This boost would have can be found in the state’s spending plan expense.
Only three markets have tax rates of 51%, the greatest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks sixth highest.
Prohibiting live betting and prop betting
The step prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be permitted, limiting sportsbooks to providing just moneyline, spread, and overalls.
While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on college wagering, this would affect even expert sporting events.
The bill also seeks to include perks and same-game parlays to the classification of “unreasonable and misleading practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” portion, the amount of money they keep off each $1 bet.
Gamer Limits
SD 1657 likewise intends to produce mandatory everyday and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘price 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 price evaluation on bettors.
Advertising limitations
Keenan also wants to eliminate marketing during televised sporting events. The measure would forbid sportsbooks from running ads throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into developing a ban on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national television offers make this hard to enforce.
Will the step pass?
The step is harsh in its changes to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely cause pushback from local sportsbooks and industry fans.
Because of this, the procedure will likely be battled in the Senate and your home of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.
He would have to convince the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.