Posted on: October 25, 2023, 10:24h.
Last updated on: October 25, 2023, 10:24h.
Mississippi’s Mobile Online Sports Betting Task Force held a meeting this week to discuss the potential legalization of online sports wagering in the state. The task force consists of 13 members who focused on examining the benefits of expanding online gambling and developing effective regulatory practices.
Mississippi was among the first US states to legalize sports betting following the Supreme Court’s decision in 2018. However, the current law restricts betting to in-person wagers at physical casinos. Only MGM Resorts has taken advantage of the provision allowing patrons on the casino premises to place bets via an app.
The limited availability of in-person sports betting in Mississippi has led to a small handle and revenue for sportsbooks. To expand the market, proponents of online sports betting argue that it will not detract from the traditional casino experience and can capture bettors currently using offshore sites or traveling to neighboring states where online betting is legal.
In September, Mississippi sportsbooks generated $51.6 million in bets and won $8.1 million in revenue. In comparison, Iowa, a similarly populated state with online wagering, recorded over $245.7 million in bets and $24 million in revenue for the same period.
Legislative Developments
Mississippi Rep. Casey Eure, co-chair of the Mobile Online Sports Betting Task Force, plans to introduce a bill to expand online sports betting when the legislature reconvenes in January 2024. Eure encourages all members to engage in meaningful discussions during the task force’s upcoming meeting on November 13. The task force is scheduled to submit its findings and recommendations to the state’s Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review (PEER) by December 15.
According to Penn Entertainment Public Affairs and Government Relations Director Jason Tosches, implementing online sports betting in Mississippi would stimulate the gaming industry and result in increased tax revenue. Penn operates four casinos in the state.