Mississippi House Advances Online Sports Betting Bill Again
The Mississippi House of Representatives has once again approved legislation aimed at legalizing online sports betting across the state. Lawmakers passed House Bill 1581 by an 85–31 vote, sending the proposal back to the Senate. Previous attempts to authorize mobile wagering in Mississippi have not progressed in that chamber. This year’s proposal introduces several structural adjustments compared with earlier versions, though the core objective remains unchanged.
Supporters frame the measure as a response to betting activity that currently occurs outside regulated channels or in neighboring jurisdictions. Opponents continue to highlight concerns about potential social impacts and possible effects on existing casino operations. These competing perspectives have shaped earlier Senate resistance to similar legislation.
Legislative Changes Included In The Proposal
Before final passage in the House, lawmakers added a floor amendment that modifies how certain financial aspects of the bill would operate. The adjustment involves a one-time transfer from the Capital Expense Fund, a state account typically used for equipment purchases and infrastructure-related spending. Some legislators questioned the timing of reallocating those funds during a challenging budget period.
Rep. Robert Johnson raised that concern during debate, asking, “When we talk about taking 600 million out of (the Capital Expense Fund) is this an appropriate fast-paced use of these funds?”
The discussion reflected broader questions about balancing fiscal priorities while introducing new forms of gambling regulation.
Debate Focused On Revenue And Consumer Oversight
Rep. Casey Eure, chair of the House Gaming Committee and sponsor of HB 1581, argued that existing betting activity already occurs without state oversight. He told lawmakers that Mississippi residents have attempted roughly 10 million online sports wagers since September 2025, with about 81,000 individuals traveling outside state lines to place bets.
“These are Mississippi residents crossing into other states, and the outcome of that is that Mississippi receives zero tax revenue, there’s zero oversight, zero consumer protection against these people placing bets, and problem gambling goes undetected and unmanaged,” Eure said.
He estimated potential annual revenue losses between $40 million and $80 million. The bill includes provisions requiring platforms to collect player data intended to support responsible gambling monitoring and age verification.
Market Structure And Senate Outlook
Under the proposed framework, online sportsbook operators would need partnerships with existing land-based casinos. Each casino could form up to two such partnerships. The legislation also requires geofencing systems to ensure wagering takes place only within Mississippi borders.
The bill creates a $6 million annual fund, financed through betting taxes through 2030, designed to assist casinos that may experience revenue declines following mobile betting legalization. Any remaining funds would be allocated to existing state obligations. Additional provisions allow child support agencies to intercept gambling winnings from parents with outstanding support payments.
The proposal now returns to the Senate. Senate Gaming Committee Chair David Blount has previously expressed reservations, pointing to questions about revenue projections and developments such as prediction markets. Earlier Senate reluctance leaves the final outcome uncertain as deliberations resume.
Source:
Mississippi House Again Approves Online Betting With Pension Plan, lcb.org, February 7, 2026