Mississippi's push for online sports betting is expected to resume in 2025, following failed attempts in 2024. Despite strong initial support in the House with a 97-14 vote, the bill faced significant amendments in the Senate before ultimately stalling due to disagreements between chambers.

Key points of contention included:

• Licensing and taxation frameworks
• Potential impact on physical casinos
• Whether to include online casino games
• Concerns about revenue distribution

The state currently limits sports betting to retail sportsbooks at 26 commercial and tribal casinos, which collectively generate:

• $2.5 billion in annual gross gaming revenue
• $5 billion in economic impact
• 33,000 jobs
• $760 million in yearly tax revenue

Major casino operators including MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and Penn Entertainment support online expansion, arguing it complements rather than threatens physical operations.

Market comparison data supports this position:

• New Jersey example (Jan-Nov 2024):
  • Online betting: $11.6 billion in handles, $130.3 million in tax revenue
  • Physical betting: $500 million in handles, $2.8 million in tax revenue

Current Status:

• Senate Gaming Committee Chair David Blount (D-Jackson) has no immediate plans to file legislation
• Mississippi remains among 11 states without legal online sports betting
• Neighboring states Louisiana, Arkansas, and Tennessee offer online betting options
• Illegal offshore sportsbooks continue serving Mississippi residents

The push for legalization comes as sports betting expansion slowed nationally in 2024, with Missouri being the only state to legalize it. Texas, Minnesota, and Georgia are also expected to consider legislation in 2025.

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