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Massachusetts lawmakers are reviewing changes to the state sports betting law less than two years after legal wagering began. A new bill now moving through the legislature proposes wide-ranging adjustments to taxes, betting options, advertising, and player spending limits.
Good to Know
Senate Bill 302, filed by Senator John Keenan, remains under consideration at the Massachusetts State House. Lawmakers extended the bill reporting deadline to March 6, 2026, allowing additional time for review and debate.
The proposal focuses first on taxation. Current law sets the online sports betting tax rate at 20% under Chapter 23N. Senate Bill 302 would raise that rate to 51%. If enacted, Massachusetts would match New York and rank among the highest-taxed mobile sports betting markets in the United States.
Beyond taxation, the bill would narrow the types of wagers available to bettors. In-play betting and proposition bets would no longer be permitted. Sportsbooks would instead offer a more limited slate of pregame betting lines. These changes would remove two categories that operators often rely on to drive engagement during live events.
Advertising rules also appear in the proposal. The bill would prohibit sports wagering advertisements during televised sporting events. It would also eliminate VIP programs that provide high-volume bettors with personal hosts, tailored incentives, and expedited service.
Financial monitoring requirements form another major section of the bill. Bettors attempting to wager more than $1,000 in a single day or $10,000 in a month would face an affordability review. Operators would need to confirm that the proposed spending does not exceed 15% of the individual available bank balance.
Supporters of Senate Bill 302 argue that the changes would strengthen consumer protection and reduce gambling-related harm. Public health advocates point to limits on live betting, advertising exposure, and high-stakes incentives as necessary tools.
Industry representatives and some lawmakers have raised concerns about the scope of the proposal. Critics warn that higher taxes and reduced betting options could weaken the regulated market and push users toward offshore or unlicensed platforms.
Senator Keenan previously backed the legalization of sports betting in Massachusetts. During a legislative hearing in November, he raised concerns about how the market has evolved since launch.
“When I voted to legalize sports betting, I never thought it would become what it is,” he said.