A transformative proposal regarding Massachusetts’s sports betting regulations is currently being evaluated by state lawmakers. This legislation, known as Senate Bill 302, was introduced by Senator John Keenan and is making its way through the State House, with the deadline for reporting now extending to March 6, 2026.
This initiative aims to significantly increase the state’s online sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%, bringing it in line with New York’s premium rate and positioning Massachusetts as one of the highest-taxed mobile betting regions in the nation. The current tax rate is dictated by Chapter 23N of existing law.
Besides the tax increase, the bill proposes to prohibit two widely favored types of bets, specifically in-play betting and proposition bets. These betting methods, which many sportsbooks utilize to boost user engagement, would be replaced by a more conventional selection of pregame lines.
The legislation also focuses on curtailing advertising and incentives for high-stakes betting. It intends to ban all sports betting advertisements during live televised events and eliminate VIP programs that offer dedicated hosts, customized offers, and expedited service for high-volume clients.
Under the financial oversight measures outlined in the bill, bettors looking to place wagers exceeding $1,000 in a single day or $10,000 within a month will face an affordability assessment. Betting operators will need to verify that such expenditures do not surpass 15% of the bettor’s available bank balance.
The proposed regulations have ignited discussions among legislators, industry operators, and public health advocates. Proponents of the bill maintain that these measures are crucial for reducing gambling addiction and enhancing consumer protections. Conversely, critics—particularly within the gaming industry—warn that these rules could hinder the legal market’s operations and inadvertently push users toward unregulated gambling platforms.
Senator Keenan, who was also a supporter of the initial legalization of sports betting in Massachusetts, voiced his apprehensions during a November hearing about the market’s current trajectory. “When I voted to legalize sports betting, I never anticipated it would evolve into what it is today,” he stated.