Latest Massachusetts Sports Betting Bill Includes Substantial Tax Hike and Ban on In-Play Betting
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Massachusetts sports betting might look totally different if a new bill proposed in the Senate achieves success. And if history is any sign, controlled sports betting in other states might also alter dramatically.
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SD 1657 existed by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" intends to increase the current sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Furthermore, Sen. Keenan requires a complete restriction on live betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.
The main point to bear in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of more stringent sports betting regulations. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this expense is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.
This bill 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 regulation.
So, while this is currently a Massachusetts costs, it's most likely to affect other states that offer controlled 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 boost at the last legal session, but it was declined. This boost would have come in the state's budget plan costs.
Only three markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the country: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks sixth greatest.
Banning live betting and prop betting
The measure restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be enabled, restricting sportsbooks to offering only moneyline, spread, and totals.
While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on collegiate betting, this would impact even expert sporting occasions.
The costs likewise seeks to add benefits and same-game parlays to the classification of "unfair and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of cash they deflect each $1 bet.
Gamer Limits
SD 1657 likewise aims to develop necessary daily and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'cost evaluation' which involves examining checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the amount in their account.
Massachusetts would end up being the first market to need an affordability evaluation on bettors.
Marketing restrictions
Keenan likewise wishes to remove advertising during televised sporting occasions. The procedure would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out developing a restriction on in-game advertisements before. However, this did not go through as national television deals make this tough to impose.
Will the procedure pass?
The measure is harsh in its modifications to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely lead to pushback from local sportsbooks and market supporters.
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Because of this, the measure will likely be battled in the Senate and your home of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan stopped working to raise the tax rate.
He would have to persuade the other senators who did not support his effort before to alter their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is difficult to inform how it will be gotten.