
Recent Massachusetts Sports Betting Bill Features Massive Tax Increase & Restriction on In-Play Betting
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Recent MA Sports Betting Proposal Includes Massive Tax Boost and Restriction on Live Betting
Massachusetts sports betting could look totally various if a new costs proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indicator, controlled sports betting in other states might also change dramatically.
SD 1657 was presented by Sen. John Keenan. “An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting” aims to increase the existing sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan requires a total restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.
The main thing to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually 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 bill 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 presently a Massachusetts expense, it’s most likely to impact other states that offer regulated sports betting.
A closer take a 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 legal session, however it was turned down. This boost would have come in the state’s budget plan expense.
Just three markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks sixth highest.
Banning live betting and prop betting
The measure forbids in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be permitted, limiting sportsbooks to using only moneyline, spread, and overalls.
While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on college wagering, this would affect even professional sporting occasions.
The costs likewise seeks to include rewards and same-game parlays to the category of “unjust and misleading practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” percentage, the quantity of money they keep off each $1 wagered.
Gamer Limits
SD 1657 likewise aims to develop necessary day-to-day and month-to-month limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘cost assessment’ which includes inspecting savings account. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.
Massachusetts would end up being the very first market to require an affordability evaluation on bettors.
Advertising limitations
Keenan likewise wants to eliminate marketing during telecasted sporting events. The measure would forbid sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into developing a ban on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national TV offers make this tough to implement.
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 step will likely be fought in the Senate and your house 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 step, it is difficult to tell how it will be gotten.