Mississippi lawmakers have again taken up legislation that could allow mobile sports betting, placing the issue back on the agenda during the current legislative session. In addition to online wagering, separate proposals address sweepstakes casinos and video gaming terminals, giving lawmakers several gambling-related measures to consider before the session ends.
State Rep. Jay McKnight, a Republican from the 95th District, introduced House Bill 519 earlier this week. The bill updates the Gaming Control Act and outlines how online sports wagering would be defined under state law. Its formal title reads: “An Act To Amend Section 75-76-5, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Revise The Gaming Control Act Definition Of “sports Pool” And Define “digital Platform” As A Person Or Entity That Operates A Sports Pool Or Race Book Over The Internet, Including on Websites And Mobile Devices.”
Updated Proposal For Online Betting
Under HB519, each licensed casino operator in Mississippi would be eligible for one online sports betting license. This structure differs from a 2025proposal that would have allowed two licenses per casino. The bill has been referred to the House Gaming Committee for further review.
The proposal also revises how online wagering would be taxed. Mobile sports betting revenue would be subject to the same tiered tax rates applied to retail sportsbooks. Operators earning up to $50,000 in monthly revenue would be taxed at 4 percent of gross revenue. Revenue between $50,000 and $134,000 would be taxed at 6 percent, while amounts above $134,000 would face an 8 percent rate.
Mississippi currently restricts legal sports betting to in-person wagering at licensed casino properties. Any move toward mobile access would represent a notable shift in the state’s existing framework.
Renewed Push To Ban Sweepstakes Casinos
Lawmakers are also revisiting legislation aimed at sweepstakes casinos. Senate Bill 2104, sponsored by Sen. Joey Fillingane of District 41, has returned after failing to pass during the 2025 session. The bill would classify operating a sweepstakes casino as a felony and allow fines of up to $100,000.
Regulatory scrutiny has already increased. In June of last year, the Mississippi Gaming Commission issued ten cease-and-desist orders related to illegal online gambling activities. Nine targeted offshore gambling sites, while one was issued to a sweepstakes casino operator.
Other Gaming Proposals And Current Market
Another bill under consideration would allow truck stops to host video gaming terminals, with limits on wagers, payouts, and the number of approved locations in each congressional district.
The legislative session runs through Sunday, April 5. Any gaming-related bills passed this year would take effect on Wednesday, July 1.
At present, Mississippi has 23 licensed retail sportsbooks operating on casino properties, including Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Gold Strike Casino Resort, Harrah’s Gulf Coast, and Golden Nugget. Four tribal casinos operated by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians also offer sports betting through Pearl River Sports.
Across the country, 39 states have legalized sports betting, with 30 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico allowing mobile wagering.
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