Mississippi’s Online Sports Betting Bill Hangs On as House Fights to Keep It Alive
Mississippi’s push to legalize online sports betting is still in play, thanks to determined efforts in the House of Representatives. The House Gaming Committee recently tucked the bill’s provisions into two Senate measures, breathing new life into a proposal that’s hit roadblocks before.
House Keeps the Ball Rolling
The bill, originally passed by the House last month, would allow online sports betting statewide, while currently, such bets are confined to casino grounds. To sidestep Senate inaction, the House Gaming Committee merged its language into two Senate bills.
Now, the House must re-pass these revised measures, and the Senate needs to sign off before the session wraps up. Time’s running short, but the effort persists.
The proposal outlines a 12% tax on online sports bets, with revenue channeled to all 82 counties via the Emergency Road and Bridge Repair Fund.
Estimates peg annual tax income between $40 million and $80 million. It also lets casinos partner with up to two online betting platforms and bans credit card payments for wagers, a nod to financial responsibility.
Senate Standoff
The Senate remains the sticking point. Its Gaming Committee, led by Senator David Blount, has stalled similar efforts in the past, including last year’s failed attempt.
Blount opposes the bill, arguing it muddies the waters by linking sports betting to the Tidelands Act, which protects coastal public lands from overdevelopment.
He believes these issues deserve separate debates, not a bundled approach. Secretary of State Michael Watson shares this frustration, lamenting the tie-in.
Blount also raises concerns about consumer protections and the impact on existing gambling markets. His resistance has split the casino industry too. Some operators back the bill for its revenue potential, while others worry about market shifts.
Why It Matters
Legalizing online sports betting could shift Mississippi’s gaming landscape. Since the NFL season began, the state logged 8.69 million attempts to access legal mobile betting platforms, hinting at pent-up demand.
The bill aims to capture this interest, cutting into offshore illegal markets while boosting state funds. The projected $40–80 million in yearly revenue could bolster infrastructure without raising income taxes—a practical win if it passes.
The bill’s survival hinges on a last-minute breakthrough. The House’s maneuver shows resolve, but the Senate’s stance, especially Blount’s, casts a long shadow. With session deadlines closing in, Mississippi’s online betting hopes teeter on the edge.
Recommended