Mississippi Reignites Push for Statewide Online Sports Betting with New Bill
Mississippi lawmakers are taking another shot at legalizing online sports betting with the introduction of House Bill 682. Filed by Democratic Representative Cedric Burnett, the bill aims to allow digital sports wagering across the state. If passed, the law would take effect on July 1, 2025, making it a pivotal moment for the state’s gaming industry.
What the Bill Proposes
The legislation lays out a clear framework to bring online sports betting to the Magnolia State, emphasizing broader accessibility and streamlined operations. Here’s a breakdown of its key provisions:
Statewide Access: The bill would permit residents to place bets online from anywhere in Mississippi. Mobile betting platforms would also be allowed to operate within casinos.
Licensing Oversight: Only licensed casinos or authorized online sports betting operators working with casinos would be eligible to run these platforms.
Tax Structure: Operators would continue paying the current tax rates, ranging from 6% to 8%, with a specific 8% tax on digital revenue exceeding $134,000 per month.
Fantasy Sports Addition: The bill expands fantasy sports betting to include collegiate athletes, giving bettors more options.
Launch Date: If approved, the digital betting framework would roll out by mid-2025.
Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders
While the proposed bill is a step forward, it faces opposition. David Blount, Chairman of the Senate Gaming Committee, has expressed reservations, stating that online sports betting may not drive economic growth or boost tourism—two key goals for Mississippi’s gaming industry.
Additionally, some casino operators worry that digital platforms could siphon customers away from brick-and-mortar establishments.
In a separate but related development, Senator David Blount, Chair of the Senate Gaming Committee, has previously expressed skepticism about advancing online sports betting legislation.
Blount stated he would only consider such measures if requested by the Mississippi Gaming Commission (MGC). However, Jay McDaniel, MGC’s Executive Director, has maintained that the push for online betting legislation should come from the legislature itself.
A Second Attempt to Legalize
This isn’t Representative Burnett’s first effort to introduce online sports betting. A similar proposal in 2024 failed to advance past the committee stage.
By reintroducing the measure, Burnett hopes to align Mississippi with neighboring states like Louisiana and Tennessee, which have already embraced online betting with considerable success.
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