Sports betting apps have been legal in Mississippi since 2018, but the mobile gambling must occur within the property lines of the host casino. This is more a less a perk for guests of the casino resort or players who simply do not want to enter the building.
The MS Senate was debating a bill that would make mobile sports betting more widespread. The bill would have allowed for downloadable apps for use by 21-plus gamblers anywhere inside the state’s borders.
The bill had initially been mostly regulatory in nature, with the House adding language for digital sports betting during the latest round of debate.
If it had passed, this bill would have allowed existing Mississippi casinos to apply for up to two mobile sportsbook licenses. Unfortunately, the bill died on the Senate floor, and any efforts for gambling expansion will have to wait until 2026 or later.
What’s certain is that the revenue from sports betting will increase significantly with the introduction of domestic sportsbook apps. Once locals and tourists are presented with an option for avoiding travel, they usually choose it.
The proof is in the data reports from around the nation. States that permit mobile gambling on sports greatly outdraw states that only feature in-person locations in terms of handle, hold, revenue, and tax collections.
Opposition To Mobile Sports Betting In MS
Local casinos are expressing some opposition to sports betting apps due to the potential loss of foot traffic at their retail venues. The availability of off-site options will naturally cause a reduction in players who travel to retail locations.
There is also concern regarding employment loss due to sluggish business at in-person sportsbooks. This could be offset or minimized by an increase in jobs in the technical sector for mobile betting apps.
Are There Any Other Options?
With off-site domestic options on the shelf for at least another year, the only option for sports betting in Mississippi using your smartphone or tablet is with an offshore sportsbook.
These international gambling apps are based offshore and are unaffected by local and federal laws. Bettors in MS can log in to their accounts over the web the same way they would using a PC or a laptop.
Gamblers have been using these sportsbook apps in the state for decades to bet on college and pro sports from around the world. These international betting applications will continue to dominate the MS market until local options are introduced.
