The discussion regarding the legalization of mobile sports betting in Mississippi has been reignited, with Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann urging state senators to dismiss the proposal due to worries about gambling addiction, its effects on traditional casinos, and the dubious economic benefits it may present.

On the social media platform X, Hosemann cautioned that online mobile sports betting increases the chances of gambling-related issues compared to in-person betting, particularly for young individuals who can receive betting alerts directly on their mobile devices at any time.

“Mobile sports betting online amplifies the potential for gambling addiction and associated harm versus traditional in-person betting. Our youth are especially vulnerable and can get betting notifications on their phones round the clock,” Hosemann stated.

He also pointed out that the earlier mobile sports betting bill passed by the Mississippi House of Representatives incorporated a 25% tax reduction for casinos and would not generate new employment opportunities within the state.

“The Senate should persist in dismissing this damaging legislation,” he added.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Trey Lamar contended that residents are already engaging in sports betting through unauthorized online platforms.

“Anyone wanting to place wagers on their mobile devices already does so today. Thus, suggesting that we do not need this is, respectfully, disconnected from the current reality in Mississippi,” Lamar asserted.

Lamar emphasized that lawmakers have a choice between formalizing mobile sports betting under the supervision of the existing casino operators in the state or intensifying crackdowns on illegal gambling websites.

“We can either legalize mobile sports betting and let our current casinos help regulate the sector, or we can uphold the law as it stands and seriously go after those profiting illegally from Mississippians,” he stated.

Lamar expressed confidence that opposition in the Senate would not impede the House’s efforts to bring mobile sports betting into legality.

Research from the University of Mississippi indicates that online gambling is already prevalent among college students in the state.

Dr. George McClellan, a higher education professor at the university who conducts gambling studies, shared that a survey of four-year college students revealed approximately 40% had gambled in the last year, with over half of those sports bettors participating online.

“We surveyed four-year college students in Mississippi — around 40% reported gambling within the past year — and more than half of those who bet on sports indicated they did so online,” McClellan noted.

McClellan highlighted that online betting correlates with elevated rates of gambling addiction, though his research team does not advocate for any specific legislative conclusion.

“We must enhance data collection and support systems. The reality is, we cannot stop gambling altogether,” he concluded.