After efforts failed in Might, lawmakers in Mississippi are as soon as once more trying to legalize cellular and on-line sports activities betting with a brand new legislative session getting underway.
Rep. Cedric Burnett (D) filed Home Invoice 682 final week to permit these within the state to make wagers from their cell phones and computer systems. The state already permits betting at casinos and the usage of cellular apps to wager on sports activities whereas at these properties, however has but to permit cellular wagering from anyplace else within the state.
Particulars On The Plan
Below the plan, sports activities betting would nonetheless be taxed no increased than 8%. The invoice would enable for the state’s casinos to use for a license to supply on-line betting and companion with one cellular wagering firm every.
The same invoice received broad approval within the Home final 12 months however didn’t obtain a vote within the Senate. A number of neighboring states have additionally legalized on-line sports activities betting lately together with Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana, maybe placing added strain on Mississippi officers to maintain up.
There are some indicators that the problem could have some bipartisan assist. Final 12 months the concept acquired backers from each events and was handed by each homes of the legislature. Nevertheless, the problem then died throughout rehearing.
Nevertheless, there may be additionally some key opposition. Sen. David Blount (D), the Senate Gaming Committee Chairman, has stated he would solely assist a invoice if the Mississippi Gaming Fee (MGC) requested one. MGC Govt Director Jay McDaniel hasn’t requested for a invoice, in response to studies.
Blount has additionally expressed reservations about what the business may convey to the state.
“The rationale now we have gaming within the state is for tourism, to convey new folks to the state, to encourage funding within the type of motels and facilities to develop the economic system, and to assist the roles of the tens of 1000’s of individuals,” Blount informed WTNM. “Cell sports activities betting doesn’t do any of that. Cell sports activities betting doesn’t drive tourism. It doesn’t drive any financial funding in our state.”
There seems to be loads of curiosity for sports activities betting within the state. Geolocation agency Geocomply not too long ago reported that there have been about 10 million makes an attempt by folks situated in Mississippi to entry authorized sportsbooks from Sept. 5 to Jan. 5. The location additionally famous that bettors from the state had over 200,000 lively accounts throughout the identical interval, up 77% from the earlier 12 months.
The transfer towards legalization comes because the state’s dwell on line casino business has seen a little bit of a downturn. In 2023, Mississippi’s 29 casinos totaled $2.48 billion in gross gaming income, whereas providing almost 42,000 jobs. In 2024, nonetheless, income fell barely to $2.23 billion.
