In the latest chapter of Mississippi’s legislative saga, sports betting has once again taken center stage as lawmakers grapple with the expansion of wagering to digital platforms. Committee Chairman David Blount intimated that the corridors of the Capitol have been buzzing with discussions regarding House Bill 774, the current sports betting bill under review. Blount emphasized that ongoing negotiations were a positive sign, remarking, “if people are talking, that is a good thing, and we want to let them continue to do that.”
The bill’s lifeline was extended when the committee adopted a strike-all measure. This did not alter the bill’s content but updated it with codes utilized in the House, ensuring that the bill remains in contention. With the legislative session running until May 5, time is critical. HB 774 initially cleared the House on February 1, made its way to the Senate on February 5, and was delegated to the gaming committee by February 27.
As procedural deadlines loomed, the committee acted on the last possible day to pass out a bill originating from the other chamber, ensuring that the proposal remains viable. The Senate now faces an April 11 deadline to deliberate and vote on any non-revenue House bills.
Mississippi’s journey with sports betting dates back to May 2018, when the state was quick to legalize the activity following the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. Despite a swift start, the transition to online betting has been fraught with stalemate. Currently, Mississippi allows sports betting exclusively at brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, with some casinos offering mobile wagering within their premises, unlocking the ability for guests to place bets from various on-site locations including hotel rooms and pool areas.
Details surrounding the bill’s progress are scarce, with Blount acknowledging his limited insight into the specifics despite bipartisan support in the House. Earlier attempts by Mississippi legislators to pass online betting have not succeeded. The current proposal envisages the issuance of 26 licenses, tied to the state’s commercial casinos, and establishes a tax cap of 12 percent with a variable scale based on the sportsbooks’ business volume.
When Mississippi accepted its first legal sports wagers on August 1, 2018, it was a pioneer in its region. However, since then, neighboring states Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee have also legalized betting, with each offering statewide digital betting options. In a contrast of legislative fortunes, Alabama, another neighboring state, has seen its comprehensive gambling bill whittled down to only potentially legalize a lottery, with sports betting and casino gaming falling by the wayside.
The expansion of sports betting to online platforms is seen by proponents as a significant growth opportunity for Mississippi’s gambling industry, providing a channel to compete with neighboring states and to capture a broader share of the nation’s burgeoning sports betting market. Opponents, however, raise concerns about the potential for increased problem gambling and the challenges of ensuring that the benefits of expanded betting are equitably distributed.
As Mississippi’s legislative clock ticks toward the session’s end, the fate of online sports betting hangs in the balance, with stakeholders keenly awaiting the outcome of legislative negotiations. The coming days will determine if HB 774 gains enough traction among Senate members to become law, potentially ushering in a new era for sports betting enthusiasts in the Magnolia State.
