Lieutenant Governor Speaks Out Against Mobile Sports Betting in Mississippi

Along the Mississippi River, Mississippi remains one of two holdouts against mobile sports betting. Lieutenant governor Delbert Hosemann wants the state to stay that way.

Hosemann took to X to criticize mobile sports betting, claiming that it would create problems because it would mean sports wagers were available 24 hours a day. Additionally, Hosemann believes that previous bills wouldn’t provide much to the Magnolia State.

“The actual revenue is unknown, and the last mobile sports betting bill passed by the (state) House included a 25% tax cut for casinos,” Hosemann wrote. “Mobile sports betting wouldn’t create a single job for Mississippians and comes with a social cost that is of increasing concern.”

It’s odd timing for the lieutenant governor, given that Mississippi’s legislature is currently out of session. While Mississippi legislators have regularly debated bringing online sports betting to the state, it won’t be discussed again until the next session begins in January 2027.

Hosemann is term-limited and cannot run for his current seat. Mississippi elects statewide officials next year, and Hosemann could run to replace Gov. Tate Reeves, who is also term-limited.

What is The State of Sports Betting in Mississippi?

Mississippi currently permits sports betting at brick-and-mortar casinos. However, the state regularly loses revenue to neighbors Tennessee, Arkansas and Louisiana. All three states allow mobile sports betting, which means Mississippi’s casinos lose any advantage from offering sports betting at their facilities.

Most of Mississippi’s casinos sit in or around Tunica, Vicksburg or Biloxi. Tunica and Vicksburg sit by the Mississippi River, while Biloxi is 50 miles from the Louisiana state line. According to House speaker Jason White (R-West), the state’s casinos are united in wanting online sports betting in Mississippi.

“Most of our casino operators actually operate mobile sports betting books in the other states where they operate,” White said. “Everyone knows that the Coast delegation wants mobile sports betting; the House members from the Coast have voted overwhelmingly for it multiple times.”

How Close Has Mobile Sports Betting in Mississippi Come?

The Mississippi House is almost united in supporting online sports betting in the Magnolia State. When House Bill 4074 came up, it passed the state House by a vote of 100-11. But in the Senate, the bills haven’t advanced out of committee.

Senate Gaming Committee Chairman David Blount (D-Jackson) has refused to advance the bill to the Senate floor. Blount has claimed Mississippi would lose money on sports betting even with the proposed 22% tax rate. Blount plans to run for re-election in 2027 and represents a blue part of Mississippi, meaning he’s likely to play a role in this debate for years to come.

What Will 2027 Look Like for Sports Betting in Mississippi?

It’s likely to be contentious. Reeves has indicated he’s open to legislation supporting online sports betting. But it has to get to him first, and Blount and Hosemann have made the state Senate unfriendly terrain for sports betting.

Additionally, sports betting could play a role in the upcoming governor’s race. Declared Republican candidates Andy Gipson and Philip Gunn have both come out against mobile sports betting along with Hosemann, while current state auditor Shad White hasn’t taken a position.

Although Mississippi has had a Republican governor since 2003, Reeves isn’t popular in the state. He only defeated Democrat Brandon Presley by 27,000 votes in 2023. Potentially, that could open the door for a Democrat to embrace mobile sports betting and make that a campaign issue.

The Mississippi state legislature's new session is expected to begin on Jan. 5, 2027.