Mississippi House Passes Bill to Legalize Online Sports Betting

In a groundbreaking decision, the Mississippi House of Representatives has given the green light to House Bill 774, a proposal that would pave the way for the legalization of online sports betting within the Magnolia State. This marks a significant shift from the current laws, which only permit sports wagering at physical casinos within the state.

Backed by eight state representatives, HB774 sailed through the House with an overwhelming vote of 98-14, and it now heads to the Senate for further consideration. If approved, this bill would grant all 26 land-based casinos in Mississippi the ability to offer online sports betting. Each casino would be allowed to partner with a single licensed platform, in addition to their existing retail sportsbooks.

The proposed legislation also outlines a tiered tax structure, depending on the gross revenue of each licensee. Operators generating less than $50,000 per month in online sports betting revenue would be taxed at a rate of 4%, while those earning between $50,000 and $134,000 would face a 6% tax. Any licensee exceeding this threshold would be subject to an 8% tax rate. It's important to note that players must be at least 21 years old to participate in online sports betting, and they can place bets from anywhere within Mississippi.

Should the bill successfully navigate the Senate and become law, it is set to come into effect on July 1 of this year, potentially transforming the landscape of sports betting in Mississippi.

House Bill 774 is just one of several bills under consideration in Mississippi. HB271 and HB635 are also seeking to legalize sports betting in the state. The surge in proposed legislation follows the enactment of HB606 last year, which created a Mississippi sports betting task force. While HB606 initially aimed to allow each casino to partner with an online sportsbook, HB774 takes a different approach by proposing online betting for all casinos.

Mississippi finds itself in a unique position, as it is nearly surrounded by states that have already embraced legal online wagering. With Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana launching their markets, Mississippi may soon follow suit, potentially boosting the state's economy and providing more entertainment options for its residents.