During the first two months in operation, Tennessee’s mobile-only sportsbooks have raked in $312.3 million, which produced $5.4 million in taxes for the state. The Tennessee Lottery revealed that December included $180.9 million in handle, paid out $167 million in winning bets and raised about $3.1 million in privilege tax revenues, beating November in all three categories.
Some 80 percent of the tax revenues go into an education account that helps fund postsecondary scholarships. 15 percent goes toward local governments and 5 percent funds gambling problem treatment programs, according to the Associated Press.
By Super Bowl time, the state could have three more licensed operators in addition to the four that exist, according to the Tennessee Lottery CEO Rebecca Hargrove.
What’s good for Tennessee is good for Mississippi. That’s why State Senators Scott Delano and Philip Moran introduced bills to permit mobile sports betting.
“I’ve just got to believe that in today’s technology, that if casinos are hooked up with someone that has the ability to provide this mobile sports app, then they can work out their deal with them and the public can then enjoy the ability to bet five dollars on your favorite team if you so choose,” Moran said.
Scarlet Pearl Casino Vice President Ben Koff said approval means extra revenue for schools and roads and other much needed proposals, according to WXXV25.
“Customers can download the app, verify who they are through already recognized platforms and protocols, and then of course be able to place a wager on their favorite game anytime they want to do it,” Koff said.
Moran has high hopes to see the bill approved this year, but first, it has to go through scrutiny in committee.
If it fails to get approved, it’s Mississippi’s loss, Koff said.
“We’ll lose our customers and our guests will be choosing to go elsewhere with their casino entertainment dollars,” he said.
