Mississippi casino operators and a majority of state voters are strongly opposed to proposals aimed at expanding online gambling, according to new polling data and a formal letter addressed to state leadership.

A survey conducted by Bradley Research Group for the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG) in January showed that 74.2% of Mississippi voters oppose the legalization of mobile sports betting once informed that it would permit betting statewide via smartphones and other devices. Opposition to iGaming rose to 80.8% after voters learned of its 24/7 availability.

The NAAiG is a group formed last year to oppose the expansion of online gambling in the US. Among the key figures leading NAAiG are high-ranking executives at several large casino operators, including Churchill Downs, Cordish Companies, Red Rock Resorts, and others.

Polling results reflected consistent opposition across all congressional districts and major demographic groups, both before and after voters were given further context about the proposals.

A coalition of Mississippi casino operators, along with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians’ Pearl River Resorts, has also sent a letter to state leaders on January 21 opposing the legalization of online sports betting and iGaming.

The coalition argued that expanding into digital platforms would undermine decades of investment in brick-and-mortar facilities and jeopardize jobs within the local hospitality and gaming sectors.

“This data proves that online gambling is a product Mississippi simply does not want,” said Oliver Barie, Government Relations Director for NAAiG. “When residents envision what this policy means in practice—the ‘casino in your pocket’ at all hours—they move decisively away from legalization.”

In its letter, the casino coalition emphasized the disparity between operators who support online expansion and those who do not. Companies resisting the move reported that 55% of their total properties are located in Mississippi, compared to 22% among operators in favor of online gambling.

Concerns raised in the letter included anticipated economic impacts such as reduced foot traffic to physical casinos, limited local job retention, and diminished tax benefits. The coalition noted that out-of-state OSB operators often cover corporate overhead before profits reach in-state entities, while expected additional tax revenue was projected at only $11 million, an amount described by the group as “not a material amount” relative to Mississippi’s $7 billion budget.

Public health risks were also cited. The letter referenced studies linking the legalization of online sports betting to a 67% rise in gambling addiction-related search interest and a 30% increase in bankruptcies among households with low savings. One cited study reported a 372% increase in irresponsible gambling behavior following legalization in other states.

“The people of Mississippi are speaking clearly: they value their communities, their local jobs, and their families more than the minimal tax revenue promised by out-of-state tech companies,” the coalition stated.

Signatories of the letter include representatives from Churchill Downs, Foundation Gaming & Entertainment, Full House Resorts, Gulfside Casino Partnership, Palace Casino Resort, Pearl River Resorts, Saratoga Gaming, and Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel.