New Massachusetts Sports Betting Bill to Ban In-Play Betting and Double Tax Rate
A new Massachusetts sports betting bill would force operators to stop offering in-play wagering. In addition, lawmakers propose increasing the state’s tax on sportsbook operators. On the other hand, lawmakers in Mississippi want to legalize online sports betting.
On January 17th, Senator John Keenan of Massachusetts proposed eliminating in-play bets, introducing affordability checks, doubling the wagering tax rate, and other measures. The measure is called “An Act Addressing Economic, Health and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting,” its wording is identical to the federal SAFE Bet Act submitted last autumn.
According to sports betting tutorials and news sites, Massachusetts has a reputation for being one of the US states with the strictest regulations around legal betting. Present limitations are, however, not addressed by Keenan’s approach. Place prop bets now; in-play wagers are available to Massachusetts bettors. Betting on collegiate teams from the Bay State is already illegal unless the games are part of a tournament. This has been a problem for operators; since becoming digital in March 2023, sites like BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel have been punished.
New Massachusetts Sports Betting Bill
Also, under Keenan’s plan, gamblers must show proof of affordability before wagering more than $1,000 per day or $10,000 monthly. At this time, affordability checks are not required by any US state. A bettor’s bank account balance cannot exceed “15% of the amount” every day or per month, as stated in the bill language. In two sessions, Keenan proposed increasing the digital betting tax rate from 20% to 51% for the second time. The state budget package that would have included his 2024 proposal was ultimately rejected.
Another recently-mentioned concern is that operators and sports betting operators can’t be compensated in any way for the bets or deposits made by their customers, according to the most recent plan. Many national sportsbooks pay their VIP hosts a commission that is directly tied to the deposits or bets made by their customers.
According to political news reports, Keenan wants operators to pay $2 million instead of $1 million toward the problem and responsible gaming programs, in addition to the taxes already imposed.
Operators would be subject to stricter advertising regulations, prohibiting betting adverts during live sports events. However, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission abandoned the idea, noting the impracticality of enforcing such a prohibition, especially for nationally broadcasted events.
Online Betting Proposal in Mississippi
Mississippi did not need new legislation to join the states that legalized sports betting. The retail betting market launched in August 2018, but lawmakers have repeatedly turned down internet gambling.
Congressional candidate Cedric Burnett is attempting reelection this year. Legislation allowing digital betting on a statewide level (HB 682) was swiftly forwarded to the House Gambling Committee. There is no set date for the hearing just yet.
Gross gaming income (GGR) over $134,000 per month would be subject to an 8% tax in the state, similar to in-person betting. The most recent plan does not even include the 4% local tax that retail sportsbooks pay.
Licensed gambling establishments might launch digital betting platforms or partner with an existing management services provider. The Magnolia State is home to thirty-one legal gambling establishments. Lottery giants, including Bally’s, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, and FanDuel, have agreements to run in-person wagering in the state. In this measure, independent betting sites are not authorized. Thus, the state will be strict on those thinking of becoming a bookie.