No Expansion Coming to Mississippi's Online Sports Betting Industry
It does not look like expanded online sports betting in Mississippi is coming anytime soon.
The Magnolia State was one of the first U.S. markets to legalize online wagering. However, it's not available statewide, as bets must be placed at land-based casinos.
Since online sports betting became legal in 2018, several bills have been introduced to legalize it statewide, but none have passed.
Two key opponents of Mississippi sports betting expansion
Two opponents of the expansion of online sports betting in Mississippi are Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann and Senator David Bount, who chairs the Mississippi Senate Finance and Gaming Committee.
Hosemann recently posted on X about why he opposes expanding online sports betting.
“Mobile sports betting wouldn’t create a single job for Mississippians and comes with a social cost that is of increasing concern," said Hosemann. "The Senate should continue to reject this harmful legislation.”
Problem gambling and lack of jobs among concerns
Hosemann pinpointed the issues of problem gambling, stating that, overall, online sports betting offers a much higher chance of gambling addiction than placing bets at land-based casinos. He also brought up the issue of suicide and stated that one in five people who have a gambling addiction has attempted suicide.
Sen. David Blount has also been a staunch advocate against expansion and has helped kill bills in the Senate Gaming Committee. He stated that expansion does not create jobs or bring more tourism, which is the main goal of gambling in the state.
Blount said he would not support any legislation for the expansion of online sports betting unless the state’s gaming regulator, the Mississippi Gaming Commission, explicitly wants it.
What the proponents have offered
Hosemann also raised the concern that expanded online betting would hurt the state's overall casino industry. However, those who are in favor of the expansion have addressed that issue in recent bills.
In 2026, Rep.Casey Eure sponsored a couple of bills that eventually reached the House. It was the third year in a row that a bill to expand online gambling made it that far.
Both bills this year included language requiring online sportsbook platforms to partner with casinos in the state.
There would also have been a $6 million fund given to the casinos to compensate for lost revenue. One bill also lowered the taxes that land-based casinos had to pay the state (from 8% down to 6%).
A portion of online sports betting tax revenue would've also been redirected to the underfunded Public Employees Retirement System.
