latest-ma-sports-betting-legislation-features-massive-tax-boost-and-prohibition-on-live-betting

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Massachusetts sports betting might look completely various if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any sign, regulated sports betting in other states might likewise change significantly.

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%. In Addition, Sen. Keenan calls for a total restriction on live betting (in-game betting) and prop bets.
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The main thing to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has been at the forefront of stricter sports betting policies. 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 costs was presented not long after previous Massachusetts Governor and present NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting guideline.

So, while this is presently a Massachusetts expense, it's most likely to affect other states that provide regulated sports betting.
bet9ja.com A closer look at SD 1657 Taxation
Beginning 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 legislative session, however it was rejected. This increase would have been available in the state's spending plan bill.

Only three markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the nation: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks 6th highest.
Prohibiting live betting and prop betting
The measure restricts in-play (live betting) or prop betting. Just straight wagers would be permitted, limiting sportsbooks to providing just moneyline, spread, and overalls.

While Massachusetts and other markets have limitations on college betting, this would affect even professional sporting events.

The costs also looks for to include rewards and same-game parlays to the classification of "unfair and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" portion, the amount of money they keep off each $1 bet.
Gamer Limits
SD 1657 also intends to develop obligatory day-to-day and regular monthly limits for bettors. Bettors might not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which includes checking bank accounts. A gamer can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would become the very first market to need an affordability assessment on bettors.
Marketing constraints
Keenan also wants to remove marketing throughout televised sporting events. The would restrict sportsbooks from running advertisements during games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has checked out creating a ban on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national television offers make this hard to implement.
Will the procedure pass?
The procedure is severe in its modifications 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.
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Because of this, the step will likely be combated 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 initiative before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this procedure, it is difficult to tell how it will be received.