Massachusetts sports betting could look entirely different if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indicator, controlled sports betting in other states could 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 present 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 regulations. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this bill is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This bill 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 currently a Massachusetts bill, it's likely to impact other states that use managed 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 boost at the last legal session, however it was turned down. This boost would have come in the state's budget plan expense.

Only three markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the country: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks 6th greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Only straight wagers would be allowed, limiting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and totals.

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

The bill also looks for to add benefits and same-game parlays to the category of "unjust and deceptive practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the quantity of money they deflect each $1 wagered.

Player Limits

SD 1657 also aims to create compulsory day-to-day and month-to-month limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price assessment' which includes checking checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.

Massachusetts would become the first market to need an affordability evaluation on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan likewise wants to get rid of marketing during televised sporting events. The step would prohibit sportsbooks from running advertisements throughout video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out developing a restriction on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide television deals make this difficult to enforce.

Will the step pass?

The measure is extreme in its changes 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 measure 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 need to encourage the other senators who did not support his initiative before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this step, it is impossible to tell how it will be received.

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