Mississippi House lawmakers have endeavored to legalize mobile sports betting with SB2381 and SB2510. However, SB2510 did not have the support required to pass in the Senate, with David Blount, Senate Gaming Chairman, stating that he did not support the measure.
House Gaming Chairman Casey Eure expressed frustration, commenting, “This shows how serious we are about mobile sports betting. I’ve done everything he’s asked for… I’ve done everything they’ve asked plus some.”
According to Eure, the state might lose $40 to $80 million annually in tax revenue if mobile sports betting remains illegal. Supporters of the bill argue that this is particularly visible during major league sports seasons like the NFL.
During this year’s season, 8.69 million attempts to access legal mobile sportsbooks were recorded from within Mississippi — attempts that, according to supporters, could have been funneled through Mississippi’s own sportsbooks.
Lawmakers changed the Senate bills’ language to match the new version of the Mississippi Mobile Sports Wagering Act, which passed the House in February with 88–10 votes. The new Senate bill includes a 12% tax on sports wagers, with revenue going to all Mississippi counties. It is now on its way to the chamber for consideration.