A proposed bill in the Massachusetts legislature aims to reform the state’s sports betting framework, including introducing gambling affordability checks – a first in the US.
Senate Docket No. 1657, filed by Sen. John F. Keenan of Norfolk and Plymouth, proposes significant changes to Massachusetts’ sports betting laws. Key amendments include a tax hike for digital operators from 20% to 51%, aligning with New York’s rate, the highest in the US. This is Keenan’s second attempt to push for this tax increase after an earlier effort failed last year.
The bill also introduces strict player protections, setting daily and monthly wagering limits of $1,000 and $10,000, respectively, unless bettors pass affordability checks. These checks would ensure that wagers above the limits do not exceed 15% of a person’s available bank account balance.
If passed, Massachusetts would become the first US state to mandate affordability checks, a move that could reshape its sports betting landscape.
The proposed bill introduces stringent restrictions on sports betting advertising, incentives, and betting types. Key measures include banning in-play and prop bets, prohibiting sports betting ads during televised events, and categorizing bonuses and promotions like odds boosts and same-game parlays as deceptive under consumer protection laws. Operators would also be barred from offering commission-based compensation tied to customer activity.
Additionally, the bill doubles operator contributions to responsible gaming initiatives, increasing annual funding from $1 million to $2 million to support programs addressing gambling addiction and related harm.
