Renewed Push for Legalization of Mississippi Sports Betting
A new bill was introduced in the state of Mississippi facilitating the legalization of sports betting. House Bill 682, led by Representative Cedric Burnett, is all set to legalize online sports betting starting in 2025.
In a significant development for Mississippi's online gaming landscape, Democratic Representative Cedric Burnett has introduced a new bill aimed at legalizing online sports betting statewide. House Bill 682, introduced this week, seeks to expand sports wagering beyond the confines of physical casino properties.
Expanding sports betting horizons
Currently, sports betting in Mississippi is limited to in-person wagers placed within the boundaries of licensed casinos. Burnett's proposed legislation would pave the way for online sports betting platforms to operate under the umbrella of existing gaming licensees, licensed sportsbooks acting on behalf of these entities, as well as casinos.
The bill outlines a tax structure designed to make online sports betting appealing to operators. Gross gaming revenue exceeding $134,000 a month will be taxed at a competitive rate of 8%, while lower revenues would see even lesser rates. This tax rate is notably more favorable than the 11 - 12% levied on retail sports betting in the state.
Another noteworthy aspect of the proposal is the inclusion of wagers on fantasy contests. While fantasy sports betting is already legal, Burnett's bill would broaden its scope to allow bets on college athletes' performance. If approved, the legislation would take effect on the 1st of July, 2025. It has been referred to the House Gaming Committee for review, marking a crucial first step in what could be a lengthy legislative process.
A renewed effort
This isn't the first time Burnett has championed online sports betting in Mississippi. Similar legislation he proposed in 2024 stalled in committee without making it to a vote. However, the topic has gained traction over the past year.
In 2024, for example, HB 774, demonstrated strong momentum by passing both the House and Senate. But despite its initial success, the bill ultimately faltered after a motion for reconsideration derailed its progress. HB 774 proposed taxing licensed operators at 12% of gross revenue, a rate higher than what Burnett's current bill suggests.
Divergent views on online betting
The push for online sports betting continues to divide lawmakers and stakeholders. Senator David Blount, Chairman of the Senate Gaming Committee, expressed reservations about the economic benefits of mobile sports betting. Speaking to local media outlet SuperTalk FM, Blount argued that online betting does little to support Mississippi's tourism-driven gaming industry.
"The reason we have gaming in the state is for tourism, to bring new people to the state, to encourage investment in the form of hotels and amenities to grow the economy, and to support the jobs of tens of thousands of people," said Blount. "Mobile sports betting doesn't do any of that. It does not drive tourism or economic investment."
However, Jay McDaniel, Executive Director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, offered a contrasting perspective. McDaniel highlighted the prevalence of unregulated online betting in the state and its impact on potential tax revenue.
"Online betting is already alive and well in the state; it's just not regulated, and it's very hard for us to stop all of it," McDaniel said. "If they did pass (legislation), you're at least adding some tax revenue where you're not getting it right now."
The demand for online sports betting
Data from geofencing firm GeoComply demonstrates the demand for online sports betting in Mississippi. Between September 5, 2024, and January 5, 2025, nearly 10 million attempts were made by Mississippi residents to access legal sportsbooks. Additionally, the state saw over 212,000 active sports betting accounts during this period, reflecting a 77% increase.
As HB 682 heads to the House Gaming Committee, its fate remains uncertain. While proponents argue that online sports betting could generate much-needed tax revenue and address unregulated betting, skeptics question its alignment with the state's broader economic goals.
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