Massachusetts Lawmakers Propose New Limits on Sports Betting

Massachusetts Senator John Keenan (Norfolk/Plymouth-D) has taken the lead on the Bettor Health Act, a significant legislative proposal aimed at regulating online sports betting in the state. This bill seeks to impose stringent limitations on sports betting activities and prohibits operators from advertising during televised sporting events. Supported by fellow Democratic lawmakers, this initiative underscores the growing concerns surrounding responsible gambling practices.

Growing Concerns Over Gambling Ads

Recent discussions on Beacon Hill, as reported by The Boston Globe’s Chris Serres, highlighted alarming insights from both state legislators and individuals in recovery from gambling addiction. There is a consensus that oversight on advertising from online gaming platforms has been inadequate, raising critical questions about the potential for addiction and related public health issues.

In the past year, calls to the state’s problem gambling helpline have dramatically increased, prompting some advocates against sports betting to draw troubling parallels with the opioid crisis. Senator Keenan emphasized the urgency of addressing these concerns, stating, “If we don’t heed the lessons of the opioid epidemic, we will find ourselves in the very same situation. If we don’t get out ahead of it, we will have a public health crisis.”

Key Provisions of the Bettor Health Act

If enacted, the Bettor Health Act would significantly alter the landscape of sports betting in Massachusetts, straying from the fun and excitement associated with wagering. Here are the critical components of the proposed legislation:

Limitations on Betting Amounts: The bill proposes restrictions on the amount individuals can wager daily.
Prop Betting Ban: All forms of prop betting, which involve wagers on specific events or occurrences that do not directly determine a game’s outcome, would be eliminated. Currently, prop betting is already banned for college sports in Massachusetts, but this bill would extend those restrictions to professional leagues such as the NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB.
Advertising Restrictions: The measure would prohibit all advertising related to sports wagering during live broadcasts of sporting events, ensuring a deeper concern for the potential addiction of viewers.
Increased Tax Rates: The Bettor Health Act would also raise the tax rate on gross gaming revenues for sports betting operators from 20% to a staggering 51%. This move aligns Massachusetts with neighboring states like New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island but may create unintended consequences. The state’s current tax burden on sports betting operators is already above the national median of 14%, which could push more bettors towards unregulated offshore sportsbooks.

The Implications for Massachusetts Bettors

Since the launch of mobile sports betting in March 2023, Massachusetts residents have wagered over $13 billion on various platforms. However, if the Bettor Health Act passes, it could stifle this growth and negatively impact future revenue figures in a lucrative market. With trends indicating a robust interest in sports betting, regulating such activities requires a balanced approach—emphasizing responsible gambling while safeguarding the state’s economic interests.

In conclusion, the Bettor Health Act represents a pivotal moment for the Massachusetts gambling industry. As regulators grapple with the fine line between consumer protection and industry viability, the ongoing debate highlights the need for comprehensive strategies that address addiction without stymying the growth of a burgeoning industry.