Senate Bill 302 Targets Major Overhaul of Massachusetts Sports Betting

Massachusetts lawmakers are reviewing legislation that could significantly reshape the state’s online sports betting market. 

Senate Bill 302 would raise the Massachusetts mobile sports betting tax from 20% to 51%, one of the highest rates in the country. The proposal also restricts certain wager types, including live bets and prop bets, requires financial monitoring of high-spending bettors, and bans sportsbook advertising during live sporting events.

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Key Provisions of Senate Bill 302

If enacted, the bill would:

• Increase the state’s mobile sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%, far above the national average.
• Prohibit in-play wagering and prop bets, which regulators associate with higher-risk betting behavior.
• Ban Massachusetts sports betting apps from advertising during televised sporting events to reduce exposure to younger and more vulnerable audiences.
• Eliminate VIP and host programs that reward employees based on customer wagering or deposit activity.
• Require affordability checks for high-spending customers, including financial assessments for daily wagers over $1,000 or monthly wagers over $10,000, with betting capped at 15% of available funds.

Tax Rate Among the Highest in the Country

The proposed 51% tax rate would place Massachusetts near the top of U.S. sports betting jurisdictions. Most other markets impose rates between the mid-teens and low 30s. Such a steep increase could affect sportsbook operations, Massachusetts sportsbook promotions, and betting options.

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Expanded Consumer Protections

Senate Bill 302 also strengthens regulatory oversight by expanding compliance and reporting requirements for licensed operators. The measures aim to protect bettors and encourage responsible gaming while maintaining state oversight of high-risk practices.

Legislative Review and Timeline

Senate Bill 302 is under review in the Massachusetts Legislature. Committees are expected to hear testimony from stakeholders, including public health advocates, operators, and industry analysts, before potential amendments are considered. If approved, the bill would move to full Senate and House votes, with revisions likely as lawmakers balance consumer safeguards against market competitiveness.