Latest MA Sports Betting Bill Contains Significant Tax Increase and Restriction on Real-Time Betting
Massachusetts sports betting could look totally different if a brand-new expense proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any sign, controlled sports betting in other states could also alter significantly.
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SD 1657 was presented by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" intends to increase the existing sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan calls for a total ban on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.
The main point to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting policies. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this bill resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.
This costs was introduced not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting policy.
So, while this is presently a Massachusetts costs, it's most likely to affect other states that use controlled sports betting.
A closer look at SD 1657
Tax
Starting 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 legislative session, however it was declined. This increase would have come in the state's budget plan expense.
Only three markets have tax rates of 51%, the greatest in the country: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks 6th greatest.
Prohibiting live betting and prop betting
The step prohibits in-play (live betting) or prop sports betting. Just straight wagers would be allowed, limiting sportsbooks to using only moneyline, spread, and overalls.
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While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on collegiate wagering, this would affect even professional sporting occasions.
The expense also looks for 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 cash they keep off each $1 bet.
Gamer Limits
SD 1657 also intends to create compulsory day-to-day and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost assessment' which includes inspecting bank accounts. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.
Massachusetts would end up being the first market to require a price assessment on bettors.
Advertising restrictions
Keenan also wants to get rid of marketing throughout televised sporting events. The procedure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads throughout games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out creating a restriction on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide TV deals make this tough to implement.
Will the measure pass?
The procedure is extreme in its modifications to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop sports betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely lead to pushback from local sportsbooks and industry supporters.
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Because of this, the measure will likely be fought in the Senate and your home of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working 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 impossible to tell how it will be received.