
Recent Massachusetts Sports Betting Bill Contains Substantial Tax Increase & Prohibition on Live Betting
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Recent Massachusetts Sports Betting Bill Includes Massive Tax Boost & Ban on Live Betting
Massachusetts sports betting could look totally different if a new costs proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indicator, controlled sports betting in other states might likewise change significantly.
SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. “An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting” aims to increase the current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete restriction 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 regulations. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this costs resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.
This expense was introduced not long after former Massachusetts Governor and present NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting guideline.
So, while this is presently a Massachusetts costs, it’s likely to affect other states that use controlled 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 legislative session, however it was turned down. This increase would have can be found in the state’s budget 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 forbids in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be allowed, restricting sportsbooks to using only moneyline, spread, and totals.
While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on collegiate wagering, this would impact even expert sporting occasions.
The bill also seeks to add rewards and same-game parlays to the classification of “unreasonable and deceptive practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” portion, the amount of money they deflect each $1 bet.
Player Limits
SD 1657 also intends to create obligatory daily and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘price assessment’ which involves inspecting bank accounts. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.
Massachusetts would become the very first market to need a cost assessment on bettors.
Advertising constraints
Keenan likewise wants to eliminate advertising during televised sporting events. The procedure would restrict sportsbooks from running ads throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually looked into creating a ban on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television offers make this hard to implement.
Will the procedure pass?
The procedure 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 industry fans.
Because of this, the procedure will likely be combated in the Senate and your house of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.
He would need to convince the other senators who did not support his initiative before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is difficult to inform how it will be received.