Mississippi lawmakers are gearing up for a heated debate on online sports betting as the 2025 legislative session approaches. After previous efforts failed to cross the finish line, advocates and opponents are preparing for another round of discussions that could reshape the state’s gaming landscape.
The 2024 Push That Stalled
In 2024, Mississippi House Bill 774 passed overwhelmingly in the House (97-14) and cleared the Senate with a 36-15 vote. However, progress stalled when a bipartisan conference committee failed to reconcile key disagreements, leaving the bill unresolved. The session ended without a consensus, highlighting the divisions over licensing, taxation, and the broader implications for Mississippi’s gaming industry.
Central to the stalemate were concerns about licensing frameworks and the exclusion of online casino gaming. Some senators expressed fears that online sports betting might harm the state’s 26 commercial casinos, a critical economic driver generating $2.5 billion in gross gaming revenue annually. Others argued that a narrow focus on sports betting was short-sighted, given the rapid evolution of online gambling in neighboring states.
Casinos Weigh In: A Boost or a Threat?
Mississippi’s commercial casinos, including MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, strongly back the legalization of online sports betting. They argue that online platforms would complement, not compete with, their physical operations. Proponents claim that allowing online sports betting could help Mississippi retain its competitive edge in the gaming market while addressing the growing issue of illegal offshore betting.
Casinos’ support stems from a financial reality. States like New Jersey demonstrate that online platforms dominate the sports betting market. In 2024, New Jersey’s online sportsbooks brought in $130.3 million in tax revenue, dwarfing the $2.8 million from brick-and-mortar locations.
Meanwhile, Mississippi’s restrictive policy—limiting sports betting to in-person wagers at casino properties—has pushed residents toward illegal platforms or into neighboring states like Louisiana and Tennessee, where online betting is legal.
Lawmakers’ Mixed Signals
State Senator David Blount, chair of the Senate Gaming Committee, has indicated a cautious approach. While open to considering a Senate bill, he stressed the importance of consumer protections and a narrow focus on sports betting. Blount’s stance reflects a broader concern: how to balance the economic benefits of online betting with the potential risks to local casinos and consumers.
On the other side, the Mississippi Gaming Commission (MGC) has taken a neutral stance. Executive Director Jay McDaniel highlighted that while online betting is technically legal within casino premises, the commission has not pushed for legislative changes. McDaniel emphasized that any proposed bill would need to align with state interests and include robust safeguards.
Economic Stakes: Revenue and Competition
Proponents of online sports betting point to significant economic opportunities. The 2024 bill estimated $25 million in annual tax revenue, earmarked for critical infrastructure improvements. For comparison, states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania have reaped substantial financial rewards from legalizing online platforms. Mississippi, with its strong gaming tradition, could capture a share of this growing market while curbing illegal gambling.
Mississippi’s neighbors have already embraced online sports betting:
- Louisiana: Launched online wagering in 2022, capturing millions in monthly revenue.
- Tennessee: Operates an entirely online sports betting market.
- Arkansas: Expanded to include online sports betting in early 2022.
These states provide easy access for Mississippi residents, further highlighting the competitive pressures facing local casinos.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the potential benefits, opposition remains strong. Critics argue that expanding online betting could exacerbate problem gambling and harm the state’s brick-and-mortar casinos. The debate also extends to the scope of legalization—whether to include online casino gaming alongside sports betting.
Another hurdle is the lack of a unified legislative front. The split between the House and Senate in 2024 reflects deeper disagreements over how to structure and regulate the market. Without a clear consensus, passing a bill in 2025 could prove just as challenging.
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