Mississippi Sports Betting Bill Tracker

Mississippi was a huge proponent of New Jersey throughout their legal battle, so it should come as no surprise that Mississippi sports betting was a top priority for the state. Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood signed an amicus brief on behalf of New Jersey, one of twenty states to lend their support. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of NJ, with the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) deemed unconstitutional. With the federal ban lifted, Mississippi became one of the first states to start offering single-game wagering outside of Nevada.

In the years leading up to the case, policymakers began studying the tax revenue impact that a legalized sports wagering market could provide. The results found that Mississippi is a gambling hotbed, with 31 tribal and commercial casinos bringing in more than $911,402,482 in tax revenue. Prior to the state enacting Mississippi sports betting laws, it was estimated that legal Mississippi sports betting would bring in an additional $88 million to $100 million. In December 2018 alone, the state brought in over $6 million in taxable revenue from legal sports betting alone.

Under the current Mississippi sports betting law, all 30+ casinos in the state are authorized to accept sports wagers. Although sports betting is legal, there may be additional laws or changes to existing rules that expand mobile and online wagering in the state. In order to stay up to date on current laws and the latest proposals, check our Mississippi sports betting bill tracker below:

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Current Mississippi Sports Betting Laws

MS HB 1481 - Mobile Sports Wagering Act

Sponsor: Representative Cedric Burnett (D-Tunica)

Summary: To revise the gaming control act definition of "sports pool" and define "platform" as a person or entity that operates a sports pool or racebook over the internet, including on websites and mobile devices, on behalf of the holder of a gaming license.

To authorize the use of platforms, licensed under the gaming control act as a distributor.

To revise the gaming license fees in regards to platform gross revenues.

To revise the fantasy contest act to delete the prohibition on operators offering contest based on the performance of participants in collegiate sports events.

Actions:

• 02/05/19 (H) Died In Committee
• 01/21/19 (H) Referred To Gaming

MS SB 2667 - Gaming Control Act

Sponsor: Senator Willie Simmons (D-Cleveland)

Summary: To more specifically define "sports pool" by including certain examples and excluding fantasy contests, and to add a definition of "platform"

To exempt wagers placed through approved platforms from certain gaming restrictions

To allow gaming licensees to establish sports pool and race books through approved platforms

To allow for the establishment of accounts electronically through approved platforms

To impose a license fee of 6% of gross revenue exceeding $134,000.00 and received through a platform

To delete the prohibition on fantasy contest operators offering contests based on the performance of participants in collegiate sports events

Actions:

• 02/05/19 (S) Died In Committee
• 01/21/19 (S) Referred To Gaming

Mississippi Sports Betting Laws FAQs

Is Sports Betting Legal In Mississippi?

Yes, the state first repealed all prohibitive sports betting language from the Gaming Control Act of 1972 with their 2017 enactment of the Fantasy Contest Act. Then, the state began offering sports betting shortly after PASPA was repealed in 2018. The first Mississippi sportsbook opened its doors on August 1st, 2018.

Where Can I Bet On Sports In Mississippi?

Quite a few sportsbooks have opened their doors since Mississippi sports betting was made legal. All of the preexisting casinos in the state can offer sports betting, however not every operator has applied for licensure. Here are some of the most popular Mississippi sportsbooks that enthusiasts can visit:

• Ameristar Casino Hotel
• Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
• Boomtown Casino
• Gold Strike Casino Resort
• Golden Nugget
• Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
• Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast
• Horseshoe Casino & Hotel
• IP Casino Resort Spa
• Golden Moon Hotel & Casino at Pearl River Resort

What Sports Can I Legally Bet On In Mississippi?

Mississippi sports betting law permits wagering on all professional and collegiate sports teams. Exact offerings can vary from sportsbook to sportsbook, but some of the most common sports to wager on include football, basketball, baseball, hockey, tennis, MMA, motorsports, and more. One popular method is to bet on Mississippi State in Mississippi.