Mississippi Voters Strongly Oppose Mobile Sports Wagering, iGaming
Mississippi casino operators and the majority of state voters are against online gambling expansion, according to statewide polling and a formal letter from the casino industry.
Mississippi Voters Reject Sports Betting, iGaming
A poll conducted by Bradley Research Group for the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG) in January showed that 74.2% of Mississippi voters oppose the legalization of mobile sports betting once informed that it would allow betting statewide via smartphones and other devices.
Meanwhile, opposition to iGaming rose from 74.1% at baseline to 80.8% after voters learned of its 24/7 remote access to casino-style games.
An online sports betting bill was recently introduced in Mississippi by Republican State Rep. Jay McKnight. If passed, taxes for online wagering would increase and casinos would be permitted to operate online sportsbooks.
As for the formal letter, it was issued to state leadership by a coalition of prominent Mississippi casino operators, joined by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians’ Pearl River Resorts.
Online Sports Betting, iGaming Undermine Gaming Sectors
In the Jan. 21 letter, the coalition argued that legalizing online sports betting and iGaming would undermine the capital investments made by brick-and-mortar facilities and threaten local casino jobs.
“This data proves that online gambling is a product Mississippi simply does not want,” said Oliver Barie, Government Relations Director for the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG).
“When residents envision what this policy means in practice — the ‘casino in your pocket’ at all hours — they move decisively away from legalization.”
Casino Coalition Highlights Gaming Industry Divide
In its letter, the casino coalition underscored a significant divide within the gaming industry between operators who support online expansion and those who do not.
Operators opposing expansion own an average of 55% of their total properties in Mississippi, compared with just 22% for operators in favor of online gambling.
The coalition also listed several key economic risks associated with online gambling expansion, such as reduced physical foot traffic, job cannibalization, and decreased tax benefits.
Although additional tax revenue was projected at $11 million, the figure was described by the group as “not a material amount” against Mississippi’s $7 billion budget.
Public Health Concerns
In addition, public health risks were also cited by coalition members.
The letter referenced studies connecting the legalization of online sports betting to a 67% increase in gambling addiction-related search interest and a 30% increase in bankruptcies among households with low savings.
Research shows legalization in other states has led to a 372% increase in irresponsible gambling behavior.
“The people of Mississippi are speaking clearly: they value their communities, their local jobs, and their families more than the minimal tax revenue promised by out-of-state tech companies,” the coalition stated.
Signatories Of The Letter
The letter opposing online gambling expansion was signed by representatives from:
- Churchill Downs (Harlow’s Casino Resort & Spa, River Walk Casino Hotel)
- Foundation Gaming & Entertainment (Fitz Casino Hotel, WaterView Casino Hotel)
- Full House Resorts (Silver Slipper Casino Hotel)
- Gulfside Casino Partnership (Island View Casino Resort)
- Palace Casino Resort
- Pearl River Resorts (Golden Moon Hotel and Casino)
- Saratoga Gaming (Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel)
- Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel
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