Patrons of legal betting age at Harrah’s Gulf Coast can now elevate their sports gaming experience as Caesar’s Digital rolls out its mobile sports betting platform in Mississippi. The casino has announced the launch of the Caesars Sportsbook Mississippi app, an innovative application that allows users over the age of 21 to place bets on various sports.
This move into the digital space amplifies the sports betting services provided on-site at Harrah’s Gulf Coast. The property has been an established hub for sports enthusiasts since 2018, when the retail sportsbook first opened its doors to the public. This extension of services onto the digital platform is aimed at augmenting the already dynamic betting environment within the casino.
As an added convenience, the mobile betting experience is seamlessly integrated with the Caesars Rewards loyalty program. The app affords users the opportunity to accrue points with each wager. These points serve as a passport to a range of benefits, including special Caesars experiences and bonus cash within the app. Such integration represents a strategic move to enhance customer loyalty and enrich the sports betting journey.
“The launch of our Caesars Sportsbook mobile app at Harrah’s Gulf Coast is a game-changer for sports fans who visit the world-class destination,” commented Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital. “Enhancing the fan experience remains a key focus for us across jurisdictions where we operate. Bringing mobile wagering online in Mississippi builds on that. We look forward to providing an elevated and responsible sports wagering experience to our Biloxi customers going forward.”
While the advent of the app is a significant leap for Caesars Digital, it’s important to note that current state legislations bind mobile wagering activities to the confines of casinos that have online operator partnerships. Among those aligning with such measures is BetMGM, teaming up with MGM Resorts International’s Beau Rivage to facilitate mobile wagers.
The local regulatory framework, however, could soon witness a transformation. January saw the introduction of HB 774, a bill that—if passed—would revolutionize mobile wagering by extending it beyond casino walls into the broader landscapes of Mississippi. This would involve assigning a total of 26 licenses to commercial casinos throughout the state, enhancing accessibility, and spurring economic activity in the sports betting sector.
The proposed bill also outlines a fiscal structure for the industry, capping betting taxes at 12%, with provisions for a sliding scale to benefit sportsbooks with lower volumes of business. Despite the compelling arguments for the bill, its progress has been moderate. After clearing the house on February 1st and transitioning to the senate on February 5th, it landed in the gaming committee’s purview on February 27th.
Tension surrounded the bill as it approached the critical deadline of April 2nd, the last day for the committee to approve it. In a strategic move to keep HB 774 afloat, the Mississippi senate gaming committee convened for a brisk two-minute meeting that day, a move that illustrates the high stakes and nuanced politics of sports betting legislation.
As the legislative session inches towards its conclusion on May 5th, all eyes are fixed on today, April 11th. It is the final call for the full senate to take action on any non-revenue house-originated bills. The outcome of this critical juncture could signal a new era for sports betting within Mississippi, offering expanded opportunities and redefining the landscape for both operators and sports betting aficionados alike.
