Mobile sports betting bill on the move in Mississippi

The legalization of online sports betting in Mississippi edged closer this week despite the bill removing mobile sports betting provisions.

Though sports betting is currently legal in the Magnolia State, it only applies to wagers placed in the brick-and-mortar casinos.

Players can use apps that accept wagers from patrons while they are on the premises of a casino, with fully remote wagering not allowed.

As part of House Bill 774, which was first passed through the House in February 2024, online racing and sports betting sites would be legal.

But on Tuesday, April 2, the bill was amended to remove all mobile sports betting components.

Despite the removal of mobile sports betting from the bill, the amendment kept alive the possibility of legalization in the state.

Committee chairman David Blount explained the decision for the amendment was to allow lawmakers to keep working and listen to each other.

In comments reported by Covers.com, Blount said: “There are a lot of issues we need to consider from the perspective of the industry and also from the perspective of the consumer that we will do if we get to the point where we might be able to get something done this year.

“But, in the meantime, we certainly don’t want to stop people from listening to each other and working.”

The bill was subsequently approved by the Mississippi Senate Committee on Gaming, with the body giving the framework “do pass” approval.

A previous version of the bill proposed operators be taxed at a rate of 12%, with House member Republican Casey Eure noting the state would earn between $25m and $35m in the first year. That money was earmarked for emergency road and bridge repairs.

Lawmakers have until April 11 to pass the bill, with a three-fifths majority.

Last week, March 28, saw the legalization of online sports betting fail to pass through Georgia’s state legislature.