The Mississippi House Gaming Committee recently passed House Bill 774, which aims to legalize mobile sports betting while maintaining the importance of brick-and-mortar casinos.
Under House Bill 774, bettors in Mississippi would be able to engage in online sports betting through existing casinos’ online platforms. The proposal aims to strike a balance between embracing technological advancements and protecting the interests of brick-and-mortar establishments. House Gaming Committee Chairman Casey Eure emphasized the importance of safeguarding physical casinos while allowing for the convenience of mobile sports wagering.
One of the key advantages of the proposed legislation is the accessibility it provides to bettors. Unlike previous regulations, individuals interested in participating in sports betting would not need to physically visit a casino to register. The entire registration process can be completed remotely, as long as it takes place within the state of Mississippi.
To ensure the integrity and regulation of online sports betting, the House proposal requires online sportsbooks, such as DraftKings or FanDuel, to partner with a physical casino in Mississippi. This partnership model aims to create a framework where both large and small casinos can participate in the emerging online sports betting market. However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on smaller casinos, as larger establishments may have an advantage in quickly forming partnerships with sports betting providers.
One of the driving forces behind the push for legalizing online sports betting is the potential economic benefits. Proponents of the bill estimate that the state could generate between $25 million to $35 million in revenue during the first year alone. This revenue would primarily come from a 12 percent tax on sports wagers, with 4 percent allocated to the local municipality where the sponsoring casino is located and 8 percent going towards the state. These funds would be used for various public services and initiatives.
While the House Gaming Committee’s approval of House Bill 774 is a significant milestone, it is only the beginning of the legislative process.
The proposal will now be presented to the entire 122-member House chamber for consideration. The timing of the vote is yet to be determined. If the bill passes in the House, it will then move to the Senate for further evaluation and approval. Any amendments made by the Senate would require the bill to return to the House for final approval before reaching the governor’s desk.
