Mississippi Introduces Bill to Revive Mobile Sports Betting Legislation

Mississippi lawmakers are renewing their push to legalize mobile sports betting in the state with the introduction of a new bill aimed at expanding online wagering opportunities. State Representative Jay McKnight (R-95th District) has proposed HB519, which seeks to amend the existing Gaming Control Act to redefine key terms and pave the way for legal sports betting on digital platforms.

The bill has been referred to the House’s Gaming Committee for consideration. If passed, it would enable Mississippi casino operators to obtain online sports betting licenses, allowing them to offer mobile wagering options to residents.

Details of HB519

Under HB519, the Gaming Control Act’s definition of "sports pool" would be revised, and "digital platform" would be legally defined as "a person or entity that operates a sports pool or race book over the internet, including on websites and mobile devices." This change is designed to facilitate online betting operations for the state’s casinos.

Unlike a 2025 proposal that would have allocated two online licenses per casino, this year’s legislation limits operators to a single license per casino. Additionally, it introduces updated tax rates for online sports betting, aligning them with existing rates for in-person wagering. These tax rates range from 4% for sportsbooks generating $50,000 or less in monthly revenue, to 8% for those earning more than $134,000 in monthly revenue.

Other Gambling-Related Legislation

In addition to HB519, Senator Joey Fillingane (R-District 41) has reintroduced SB2104, a bill that aims to ban sweepstakes casinos in the state. If passed, SB2104 would make operating a sweepstakes casino a felony offense in Mississippi, with violators facing fines of up to $100,000.

The Mississippi Gaming Commission has already taken a strong stance against illegal gambling operations. In 2025, it issued 10 cease-and-desist orders targeting operators engaged in unlawful online gambling activities, including one sweepstakes operator and nine offshore betting platforms.

Separately, another legislative proposal seeks to allow video gaming terminals at truck stops across the state. This bill would impose limits on wagers, payouts, and the number of gaming locations permitted in each congressional district.

Current Landscape and Timeline

Mississippi currently allows retail sports betting at 23 licensed sportsbooks located on casino properties throughout the state. These include high-profile venues such as Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Gold Strike Casino Resort (BetMGM), Harrah’s Gulf Coast (Caesars), and Golden Nugget (DraftKings). Additionally, four tribal casinos operated by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians utilize Pearl River Sports for retail betting.

While mobile sports betting has been legalized in 39 states, including 30 with full mobile access, Mississippi remains limited to in-person betting for now. If HB519 or other gambling-related bills are approved during the legislative session, which runs through April 5, the new laws would take effect on July 1.

The legislative push underscores growing interest in expanding Mississippi’s gambling industry, particularly through online platforms. However, the outcome of these proposals will ultimately depend on the state legislature’s deliberations in the coming months.

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