The Mississippi House has approved legislation for the second year in a row to legalize mobile sports betting, putting the state on track to join others allowing online betting. House Gaming Chairman Rep. Casey Eure emphasized that the bill is committed to helping the state’s casinos, with mobile betting still tethered to physical locations. The new version of the Mississippi Mobile Sports Wagering Act allows casinos to partner with two sports betting platforms to address concerns raised by the Senate last year.
The proposal includes a 12% tax on sports wagers, with revenue reaching all 82 counties through the Emergency Road and Bridge Repair Fund. Eure estimates the state is losing millions in tax revenue by keeping mobile sports betting illegal and believes legalization would combat illegal offshore platforms. The bill also includes provisions to prevent gambling addiction and protect smaller casinos from revenue losses.
Supporters argue that legalization would curb illicit online gambling activities and meet the growing demand for online sports betting. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Currently, mobile sports betting is legal in 30 states and Washington, D.C. If passed, Mississippi would be able to tap into a thriving market and generate additional revenue for infrastructure projects through taxes on sports betting.
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