SB 2732 would give Mississippians the opportunity to wager from a phone, laptop or other mobile device from anywhere in the state.
Mississippi law currently requires mobile sports wagerers to take place within the vicinity of an authorized sports betting operator.
“Every day millions of Americans in 15 states have access to state-of-the-art mobile sportsbooks, allowing them to place bets on their favorite teams and leagues at home while fostering much-needed tax revenue. Unfortunately, Mississippi law does not authorize online sports betting, but this bill seeks to change that” Moran said. “Mississippi has been leaving money on the table by not authorizing online sports wagering, and it is time to modernize Mississippi’s gambling offerings and do what’s best for Mississippians.”
Moran joins Senator Scott DeLano (R-District 50) as the second lawmaker to propose legislation that would expand sports betting in the state.
Moran and DeLano are both from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, a region heavily dependent on casino gaming.
Mississippi’s sports betting figures have struggled to keep pace with emerging markets including neighbor Teneessee, which legalized online and mobile sports wagering in November, 2020.
In its first month, Tennessee sports betting handle reached $131m. Tennessee has not released December numbers yet, but the Volunteer State is sure to be well ahead of Mississippi’s December handle of $53m.
