Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely various if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indication, managed sports betting in other states might likewise alter 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 current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan requires a total ban on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.

The main point to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of stricter sports betting guidelines. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this bill is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.
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This expense was introduced not long after former Massachusetts Governor and present NCAA president Charlie Baker affirmed in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting regulation.

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts costs, it's most likely to impact other states that offer managed sports betting.
bet9ja.com A closer take a look at SD 1657 Tax
Beginning with the tax rate boost, 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 turned down. This boost would have can be found in the state's budget plan expense.

Only 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the greatest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks 6th highest.
Prohibiting live betting and prop betting
The procedure restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be permitted, limiting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and totals.

While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on collegiate wagering, this would impact even expert sporting events.

The costs likewise seeks to add bonuses and same-game parlays to the classification of "unfair and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of money they keep off each $1 bet.
bet9ja.com Gamer Limits
SD 1657 likewise aims to produce obligatory everyday and monthly limitations for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'affordability assessment' which includes examining savings account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.
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Massachusetts would become the first market to need a price assessment on bettors.
Advertising restrictions
Keenan also wishes to get rid of advertising during televised sporting occasions. The measure would forbid sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into creating a ban on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as nationwide 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 supporters.

Because of this, the step will likely be combated in the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.

He would need to encourage the other senators who did not support his effort before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is difficult to inform how it will be gotten.