In 2018, Mississippi approved retail sports betting in their casinos, one of the first states to take that step, after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act.
It took six years but now lawmakers have inched closer to passage of an online component. The Senate Gaming Committee passed HB 774, sending the bill to the Senate floor.
The Senate version varies somewhat from the House bill approved in February, according to LSR.
If the Senate passes its version before the April 11 adjournment of the legislature, the House may need a reconciliation for the minor alterations. As they are minor, their presence should not affect the bill’s chances.
Under the legislation, each casino could form a partnership with one online sports betting operator. The revenue would be subject to a 12 percent tax, with funds earmarked for statewide emergency road and bridge repair funds. Minimum age: 21, with age verification software required.
