- A Mississippi online sports betting bill moved out of committee last week
- Rep. Casey Eure (R-116) guided his bill through the House Gaming Committee
- The legislation expands online sports betting throughout the Magnolia State
Mississippi online sports betting legislation is heading back to familiar territory this session.
Rep. Casey Eure (R-116) last week helped guide his online sports betting bill, HB 1302, through the House Gaming Committee to have it potentially be heard on the House of Representatives floor.
If approved, Eure’s legislation will expand online sports betting throughout the Magnolia State.
Supporting Retail Sports Betting
Online sports betting is technically legal in Mississippi, but is currently only allowed on retail casino property. Eure’s bill will expand online sports betting throughout the state.
Eure’s bill is markedly similar to one he introduced and successfully passed through House last year. HB 774, the Mississippi Mobile Sports Wagering Act, was approved by a 97-14 vote in the House before the Senate removed all sports betting language and the legislation died in conference committee.
Eure’s new bill keeps the framework of last year’s legislation, but makes two key changes.
Eure increases the number of potential online sports betting partners for the state’s 26 commercial dockside and land-based casinos from one to two.
Additionally, the bill will earmark $6 million annually to a new Retail Sports Wagering Protection Fund. The fund will allow casinos who choose to not partner with an online sports betting operators to apply for a portion of revenue from the fund.
“At the end of each calendar year, any licensed gaming establishment without a platform whose total annual sports wagering revenue is below the total annual retail sports wagering revenue the same licensed gaming establishment without a platform received in 2024 may apply for a portion of the funds in the Retail Sports Wagering Protection Fund,” Eure wrote in the bill.
The Retail Sports Wagering Protection Fund will receive $6 million annually through 2030.
Any additional revenue over the $6 million threshold will be placed in the state’s road and bridge repair fund.
Launch No Later Than Dec. 8, 2025
The bill sets a universal launch date of no later than Dec. 8, 2025.
The bill includes a tiered tax system for adjusted sports betting revenue as follows:
- 4% of gross revenue not surpassing $50,000 per month
- 6% of gross revenue that surpasses $50,000, but does not surpass $134,000 per month
- 8% of gross revenue that surpasses $134,000 per month
Each operator will also have to pay an additional 4% in gross revenue into the road and bridge repair fund. Operators would have to pay a maximum of 12% in adjusted gross revenue to the state depending on their revenue each month.
The state of Mississippi is currently considering online sports betting bills that could potentially revolutionize the way residents and visitors place bets on their favorite sports teams. The bills, which are set to be considered on the House floor in the coming weeks, aim to legalize online sports betting in the state and provide a safe and regulated platform for individuals to wager on sporting events.
If passed, these bills would allow for licensed casinos in Mississippi to offer online sports betting to customers within the state. This would open up a whole new world of possibilities for sports fans, who would no longer have to travel to a physical casino to place their bets. Instead, they could do so from the comfort of their own homes or on the go using their mobile devices.
Online sports betting has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many states across the country legalizing and regulating the industry. Mississippi has been at the forefront of this movement, with several casinos already offering sports betting services in-person. The introduction of online sports betting would only further solidify the state’s position as a leader in the industry.
Proponents of the bills argue that legalizing online sports betting would bring in much-needed revenue for the state, as well as create jobs and stimulate economic growth. They also point to the fact that many residents are already participating in illegal online sports betting, and that regulating the industry would help protect consumers and ensure fair play.
However, there are also concerns about the potential negative impacts of online sports betting, such as addiction and problem gambling. Opponents of the bills worry that making it easier for individuals to place bets could lead to an increase in problem gambling behavior and harm vulnerable populations.
Ultimately, the decision on whether to legalize online sports betting in Mississippi will come down to the House floor vote. Lawmakers will have to weigh the potential benefits of regulating the industry against the potential risks, and make a decision that they believe is in the best interest of the state and its residents. Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that online sports betting is a topic that will continue to be debated and discussed in Mississippi for years to come.
