Despite multiple attempts over the past few sessions, an online Mississippi sports betting expansion might not be on this year’s agenda.
Sen. David Blount, who chairs the Senate Gaming Committee, told the Clarion Ledger that he does not plan to file an online Mississippi sports betting bill. That could change if the Mississippi Gaming Commission asks him to file a new bill.
“Of course, any Senate member can file a bill on that topic if he or she wants to and then we’ll look at it,” Blount told the Clarion Ledger. “The House has been outspoken in wanting to expand gaming in the state, so I don’t know what the House may do, but I’ll have to wait and see if there’s a Senate bill or not to consider.”
In a year in which industry insiders are pessimistic about new states, sources suggest expansion like that in Mississippi might be the best chance for legislative legalization.
MGC quiet on Mississippi sports betting bill
MGC Executive Director Jay McDaniel said the commission does not have plans to ask for a bill.
According to the Clarion Ledger, the commission does not usually ask for or recommend legislation.
While the Senate might not act on the issue, the House could reintroduce another bill to expand gambling.
Bill could come from House
Last year, an online expansion bill did pass the House, by an overwhelming 97-14 margin.
The Senate struck the language from the entire bill, and the legislation ultimately died in a conference committee. According to Blount, the effort died because of concerns about how the expansion would negatively affect brick-and-mortar casinos.
In-person sports betting in Mississippi began in 2018. The 2024 House bill would have allowed the state’s 26 casinos to offer online sports betting at a 12% tax rate.
The industry was bullish on Mississippi in 2024, as the legislation followed a Mobile Online Sports Betting Task Force that helped inform the bill. Still, Mississippi casinos could not agree on the issue.
