When Mississippi lawmakers legalized fantasy sports betting last year, they created a study group to recommend rules. Those guidelines are included in bills, which recently passed committees will move to the full House and Senate.
Under state Rep. Scott DeLano’s proposed legislation, operators would pay taxes of 8 percent on revenue generated in Mississippi. They would have to undergo a background check, get a state license and be audited annually. In addition, operators would have to verify bettors are at least 21 years old. DeLano said the proposed regulations would make sure DFS betting would not affect the integrity of casino gambling operations.
Also, the Mississippi House Judiciary A Committee recently changed House Bill 804 from a measure dealing with the mental competency of criminal defendants to a bill allowing a state lottery. Committee Chairman state Rep. Mark Baker said he changed the legislation to keep alive the possibility of a lottery. The revised bill passed the committee and will move to the full House but faces opposition from Republican House Speaker Philip Gunn. Republican Governor Phil Bryant supports a state lottery.
