A new bill in the Massachusetts Senate aims to more than double the sportsbook revenue tax from 20% to 51%. This would make it the joint highest rate in the country, alongside New York, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. SD 1657, introduced by Senator John Keenan, also proposes banning in-play betting and prop bets.
blocking sports betting ads during live sporting event broadcasts
Massachusetts already limits prop betting on individual college athletes, but this measure would extend that to professional events. Other notable inclusions in SD 1657 are a ban on same-game parlays due to their high profit margins for operators, mandatory betting limits, and blocking sports betting ads during live sporting event broadcasts.
Keenan attempted to increase betting taxes in 2024 and 2025. If successful this time, the introduction of affordability checks on bettors would be a nationwide first.
SD 1657 proposes limiting bets of $1,000 per day and $10,000 per month, unless the customer undergoes an affordability assessment. They won’t be able to stake anything over 15% of what is in their checking account.
The extensive nature of the bill likely means that it will face an uphill battle to gain the necessary support.
