Increasing gambling taxes, implementing affordability checks, and banning in-play betting are potential moves Massachusetts may consider.

In a bid to enhance consumer protection and address the growing concerns of gambling addiction, Senator John Keenan has introduced a new proposal titled "An Act Addressing Economic, Health and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting." This legislation, which is a more ambitious take on the new legislation regarding consumer protection, seeks to implement affordability checks for regulated companies like BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel.

The proposed bill is an ideological offshoot of the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation. Senator Keenan, who has been trying to work around a similar legislation in 2024, is now doubling down on his efforts in the new sessions.

The proposal aims to shield consumers from harm in the sports gambling industry by requiring companies to verify whether a customer has the financial means to gamble. To achieve this, no more than 15% of a person's money in their bank account may be wagered in a single day, according to Senator Keenan's suggestion.

In addition, the legislation seeks to limit the rising rates of gambling addiction in Massachusetts, particularly among young men. To combat this, Senator Keenan is proposing that companies pay $2m to various responsible gambling initiatives, a two-fold increase from the $1m they are currently paying.

Moreover, the proposed legislation aims to raise the tax rate for iGaming transactions to 51% from its current 20%. This move is expected to generate significant revenue for the state, which could be used to fund various social programmes aimed at addressing the economic, health, and social harms caused by sports betting.

The proposal also includes tougher advertising rules to protect vulnerable consumers from over-exposure to sports and casino gambling ads on television. All organizations that receive federal funding would be affected by Senator Keenan's proposal for Affordability Checks.

It is important to note that the proposed legislation does not repeat the aim to shutter in-play betting, implement affordability checks, or regulate companies like BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Neither does it specify any limits on daily or monthly wagers beyond the 15% of a person's bank account mentioned earlier.

Massachusetts has a history of enforcing strict rules in its sports betting industry, and the proposed legislation is a reflection of the state's commitment to consumer protection. However, it is important to note that the proposed legislation is not necessarily the view of all lawmakers in Massachusetts.

The expansion of regulatory oversight over the sports betting industry in Massachusetts is a significant step towards ensuring a safer and more responsible gambling environment. As the legislation progresses, it will be interesting to see how it evolves and what impact it will have on the industry and the consumers in the state.

Increasing gambling taxes, implementing affordability checks, and banning in-play betting are potential moves Massachusetts may consider.