
Cover the Bases: Sports Betting News and Notes from the Past Week
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Recent Massachusetts Sports Betting Proposal Includes Massive Tax Increase and Prohibition on Live Betting
Massachusetts sports betting might look entirely different if a new expense proposed in the Senate is successful. And if history is any indication, regulated sports betting in other states could likewise change considerably.
SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. “An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting” aims to increase the present sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete ban on live sports betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.
The main point to remember is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting policies. 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 expense was introduced not long after previous 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 bill, it’s likely to affect other states that offer controlled sports betting.
A closer take a look at SD 1657
Tax
Starting with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has actually been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legal session, however it was rejected. This boost would have been available 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 greatest.
Prohibiting live betting and prop betting
The step prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be allowed, limiting sportsbooks to using only moneyline, spread, and overalls.
While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on collegiate wagering, this would affect even professional sporting events.
The bill also seeks to add perks and same-game parlays to the category of “unjust and misleading practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” portion, the quantity of money they keep off each $1 wagered.
Player Limits
SD 1657 likewise intends to develop obligatory everyday and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘cost assessment’ which involves examining savings account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.
Massachusetts would end up being the very first market to need a cost evaluation on bettors.
Advertising limitations
Keenan also wants to eliminate advertising throughout televised sporting events. The procedure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into creating a ban on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national TV offers make this hard to impose.
Will the step pass?
The measure is harsh in its modifications 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 market supporters.
Because of this, the step will likely be battled in the Senate and your home of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.
He would need to persuade the other senators who did not support his initiative before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is difficult to tell how it will be received.