Cross Mississippi off the list of states that might have approved online sports wagering in 2024.
The House and Senate each voted for differing versions of the Mississippi Mobile Sports Wagering Act this year. But they were unable to nail down a consensus. The state has plenty of sportsbooks, but in the casinos. Opponents worried online betting would have a negative impact on the casinos themselves.
In an effort to address the concerns, the proposed law would have entailed sportsbooks contract with individual gaming halls, according to the Associated Press.
Had lawmakers passed the legislation, online sports betting could have added $25 million a year in tax revenue, said Representative Casey Eure, the bill’s prime sponsor. In addition, legalization would dampen offshore sports betting.
Another apprehension among a handful of legislators revolved around a lack of motivation to partner with smaller casinos. If accurate, most of the money would end up in the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s already bustling casinos.
