Lawmakers To Push For Mississippi Online Sportsbooks In 2024

The Mississippi mobile sports betting task force met this week to discuss potential mobile betting legislation. Task force members discussed what a potential online sports betting market would look like in the Magnolia State. Mississippi has failed to pass sports betting legislation and is looking to change that trend in a future session.

Are Mississippi Online Sportsbooks Incoming?

During the meeting, House Rep. Casey Eure announced his plans to introduce an online sports betting bill during the 2024 session. Casey pushed HB 606 during the 2023 legislative session. While this measure failed to pass online sports betting, it was amended to create the mobile sports betting task force.

The task force’s focus is on evaluating the market. Members investigate the potential effect an online sports betting market would have on Mississippi. Mississippi currently hosts retail-only sports betting with limited online options on select casino grounds.

During their first meeting this week, members discussed what the potential tax rate would be, where tax revenue would go, advertising rules, and more. There will likely be many meetings in the near future as the task force works to understand the impact of online sportsbooks in Mississippi.

Legislation In 2024 Has A Chance At Passing

Despite the lack of online options, Mississippi has enjoyed a thriving sports betting market. The most recent sports betting report shows a 19.7% increase in betting activity year over year. Sportsbooks reported $51,647,914.72 in wagers for the month and $8,144,027.54 in taxable revenue.

Even with this growth, Mississippi is missing out on much potential revenue. Their neighbors in Louisiana saw $31,262,127 in retail betting and $248,831,422 from mobile sportsbooks. Mobile sports betting apps alone saw $36,082,807 in taxable revenue for Louisiana.

Mississippi could see similar numbers if they manage to launch their market. Especially considering Louisiana only hosts sports betting in 55 of its 64 parishes, with the others not having access. 2024 could be the year that online sports wagering legislation passes in Mississippi.