Mississippi’s Mobile Online Sports Betting Task Force Discusses Legalization and Regulations
Posted on: October 25, 2023, 10:24h.
Last updated on: October 25, 2023, 02:08h.
The Mississippi Mobile Online Sports Betting Task Force convened this week to discuss the potential legalization of online sports wagering in the state. The task force, comprised of 13 members, explored best regulatory practices to expand online gambling.
Mississippi was at the forefront of legalizing sports betting in the US after the federal law that limited single-game betting to Nevada was struck down by the Supreme Court in May 2018.
Under Mississippi’s current sports betting law, wagers can only be placed in person at the state’s casinos. However, there is a provision that allows casino patrons to place bets through a mobile app while on the casino premises. Currently, MGM Resorts is the only operator utilizing this option with its BetMGM app at Beau Rivage in Biloxi and Gold Strike Casino in Tunica.
To gather insights and suggestions, the Mississippi legislature established the Mobile Online Sports Betting Task Force earlier this year. The agency aims to learn from other states with legalized online sportsbook platforms and develop recommended regulations.
Retail Restrictive
However, not all members of the task force are convinced that expanding online sports betting is in the best interest of Mississippi’s gaming industry.
State Senator Mike Thomas (R-Long Beach) expressed concern about potentially jeopardizing the “destination gaming” experience that Mississippi’s casinos offer.
Our casinos have historically attracted visitors who also explore the surrounding communities, dine at local restaurants, and engage in other leisure activities. Preserving the destination gaming product is crucial for the entire coast.
On the other hand, supporters of online sports betting argue that it won’t deter casino patrons, as many are already using offshore sites or crossing state borders to place bets in neighboring states like Arkansas, Tennessee, and Louisiana where online betting is legalized.
Mississippi’s current requirement of in-person sports betting severely limits the handle (total bets placed) and gross revenue (profits of oddsmakers).
In September alone, Mississippi sportsbooks took $51.6 million in bets and generated $8.1 million in revenue. In comparison, Iowa, a similarly populated state that offers online wagering, recorded over $245.7 million in bets and won approximately $24 million in revenue.
Legislative Proposal
Representative Casey Eure (R-Saucier), co-chair of the Mobile Online Sports Betting Task Force and chair of the House Gaming Committee, announced plans to introduce a bill for expanding online sports betting in Mississippi during the next legislative session starting in January 2024.
Eure encouraged dissenting opinions on online betting to actively participate in upcoming discussions at the task force’s final meeting on November 13. The task force is due to submit its findings and recommendations to the state’s Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review (PEER) by December 15.
Jason Tosches, Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations at Penn Entertainment, spoke at the task force meeting and emphasized that online sports betting would contribute to the growth of Mississippi’s gaming industry and generate additional tax revenue. Penn Entertainment operates four casinos in the state.