The legalization of sports betting in Mississippi seems to be moving in a positive direction.
It all started in New Jersey, when the state won it’s case to allow sports betting. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down PASPA, that prohibits single-game wagering, was ruled unconstitutional. Since that decision in May of 2018, Mississippi’s former legislation for sports betting was enacted (SB 2541, HB 967)
According to the Legal Sports Report, casinos took in around $6.3 million in sports bets for the first month of sports betting, August. A total revenue stream for casinos at $644k and over $77k in taxes for the state.
In Mississippi casinos hold more than 10 percent of wagers, up from other states like Nevada with more than 5 percent. Football makes its own records in the state with a win as large as 26.8 percent in North Mississippi.
Mississippi does not allow for mobile sports betting, those who want to participate must visit a local casino. However, officials expect mobile betting to be a reality before the end of the year. So far only 11 of the state’s 28 casinos are participating in sports betting.
And that’s only from the beginning of college football season.
Allen Godfrey, Executive Director for the Mississippi Gaming Commission, confirmed to Legal Sports Report that bettors put up nearly $3.5 million in just the first three days of September. More than half in all of August.
Sarah Ulmer
