Massachusetts legislators are considering major changes to the state’s sports betting framework in response to the rapid growth of online and mobile gambling. Senate Bill 302 aims to address financial, social, and health concerns while updating regulations to match the current market.
Key Reforms In The Proposal
The bill would raise the state tax on sports betting revenue from 20 percent to 51 percent and prohibit in-play or live betting, removing wagers placed during games. Operators would be required to perform affordability checks to ensure a bettor’s total wagers do not exceed 15 percent of available bank funds.
“I don’t want the government to have to be sort of like the nanny of people, but I also want people to have realization that when they’re in that moment, you know, if you’re spending more than 15 percent of your available cash, you may not be able to make your rent this month or you may not be able to make your car payment,” said Representative Lindsay Sabadosa.
The legislation also bans advertising during televised sporting events, ends prop bets, and bars employees from earning compensation tied to bets or deposits, aiming to reduce gambling-related harms and prevent conflicts of interest.
Advocates Voice Support
David Nangle, executive director of Stop iGaming in Massachusetts, called the proposal a positive step for consumer protection. Reflecting on his own gambling struggles, he said, “Kids are smart with technology. We know that and they can access…They’re able to access through their parents’ accounts or their older siblings’ accounts via their credit cards via their information, and so it’s really a grave concern to me because of my own history. So, I’ve dedicated my time, whatever time I have left, to educate anyone about problem gambling.”
A poll commissioned with SIGMA shows 76 percent of residents distrust online gambling providers to prevent addiction, and 63 percent doubt technology can block underage access. Nangle added, “iGaming is continuous. It’s rapid and it’s designed for repetition. The technology is built to keep people playing for as long as possible.”
Potential Market Impact
If enacted, the bill would make Massachusetts one of the most restrictive sports betting states. High taxes and removal of popular bet types could push bettors toward offshore or unregulated platforms. Since wagering launched on January 31, 2023, the state has collected over $408 million in taxes and fees.
Joe Maloney, CEO of the Sports Betting Alliance, said, “Given the growth of illegal, unregulated, and now federally regulated platforms enticing bettors across the state, policy efforts should strengthen Massachusetts’ legal and regulated markets, not weaken it. Blanket prohibitions accomplish nothing, shifting activity away from regulated markets back to other settings, and eliminating integrity oversight that has caught bad actors and brought people to justice.”
Senate Bill 302 has cleared committee but still needs full House and Senate approval. If passed, sportsbook operators must remove live betting options and integrate affordability checks.
Source:
“Proposed bill looks to make changes to sports betting rules“, westernmassnews.com. Mar 26, 2026
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