At the recent final meeting of the Mississippi legislature’s public tax working group, state Revenue Commissioner Herb Frierson proposed legalizing sports betting. Frierson, the former chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said the sports betting industry generates billion annually in the U.S.
Frierson noted although sports betting is illegal in Mississippi, “many” Mississippians participate in the activity, which, he said, could bring in an additional $88-$100 million if it were made legal and taxed by the state.
“I know these things are very politically controversial with our conservative Christian friends, and I respect their positions, but I’m putting it all into consideration,” Frierson said.
Frierson also suggested raising the state’s liquor warehouse mark-up and charging a warehouse storage fee, and taxing online purchases. Other tax experts recommended expanding the sales tax base and speeding up the elimination of the franchise tax, the 3 percent tax bracket and the intangibles tax.
The committee has been meeting throughout the summer and fall to hear recommendations and write tax reform legislation prior to the 2017 session that starts in January.
