
Latest Massachusetts Sports Betting Bill Includes Substantial Tax Increase & Restriction on In-Play Betting
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Recent MA Sports Betting Proposal Features Massive Tax Hike and Prohibition on Live Betting
Massachusetts sports betting could look completely different if a brand-new costs proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any indicator, controlled sports betting in other states might likewise change considerably.
SD 1657 existed 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 calls for a total restriction on live sports betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.
The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the forefront of more stringent sports betting guidelines. The 2nd thing to know is that the language of this costs resembles the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation presented in 2024.
This expense was introduced not long after former Massachusetts Governor and existing NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting guideline.
So, while this is currently a Massachusetts costs, it’s likely to impact other states that provide managed sports betting.
A closer take a look at SD 1657
Taxation
Beginning with the tax rate boost, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legal session, but it was turned down. This increase would have come in the state’s spending plan costs.
Only 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the greatest in the country: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts presently ranks sixth greatest.
Banning live betting and prop betting
The step forbids in-play (live sports betting) or prop sports betting. Just straight wagers would be enabled, restricting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and overalls.
While Massachusetts and other markets have restrictions on collegiate wagering, this would affect even professional sporting occasions.
The costs likewise seeks to include rewards and same-game parlays to the classification of “unjust and deceptive practices.” Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high “hold” percentage, the amount of money they deflect each $1 wagered.
Gamer Limits
SD 1657 also intends to produce compulsory day-to-day and month-to-month limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an ‘affordability evaluation’ which involves inspecting checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.
Massachusetts would become the first market to require a price evaluation on bettors.
Advertising limitations
Keenan likewise wishes to get rid of advertising during telecasted sporting occasions. The measure would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has looked into developing a ban on in-game ads before. Nevertheless, this did not go through as nationwide TV offers make this tough to enforce.
Will the procedure pass?
The measure is harsh in its modifications to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop sports betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely result in pushback from local sportsbooks and market advocates.
Because of this, the measure 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 have 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.