Mississippi Lawmakers begin Online Sports Betting Push

Magnolia State sports bettors could spend next football season wagering from home, not just casinos, if legislative efforts find success this year.


The 2024 regular session of the Mississippi legislature began on Jan. 2 and could run until early May. At least one piece of online sports betting-related legislation has been introduced thus far during the session, House Bill 271, which was referred last week to gaming and appropriations committees.


H.B. 271 was brought forward by Democratic Rep. Cedric Burnett. It would allow wagering via "digital platforms," also known as online sports betting apps and websites. Those platforms could be operated by the holder of a Mississippi gaming license (a casino) or a licensed entity on their behalf, such as DraftKings or FanDuel.


The proposed legislation would also make it explicit that the state's sportsbooks could take action on esports, amateur events, and other, unnamed competitions authorized by the gaming commission. Operators would be subject to an 8% tax rate on their gross revenue over $134,000 per month, similar to casino gaming revenue.


A big "if"


If the bill passes, and that may not happen, it would take effect July 1. That would leave a few months for regulators to get their ducks in a row and make a launch in time for football season a possibility.


Again, though, there is no guarantee the legislation becomes law. There is also a chance that competing legislation will appear.


Mississippi has nearly 30 brick-and-mortar casinos in the state, which have physical sportsbooks and kiosks on their properties. While event wagering began at Mississippi casinos in 2018, there is no statewide option for mobile sports betting.


Not everyone is content for the status quo to continue. Mississippi lawmakers passed a bill in early 2023 creating the Mobile-Online Sports Betting Task Force.