The number of online sports betting bills filed in Jackson this year has doubled — to two — but both pieces of legislation aim to accomplish the same thing using the same language: statewide mobile wagering in Mississippi.
However, for the newest bill, the sponsor is someone who served on Mississippi’s Mobile-Online Sports Betting Task Force, which spent time last year doing the homework for lawmakers on all things related to internet-based wagering.
Republican Rep. Jay McKnight introduced House Bill 635 on Wednesday, and the proposed legislation was referred to the chamber’s gaming committee.
McKnight is the vice-chairman of that committee and was one of the members appointed to the aforementioned online sports betting task force, which released its report to the legislature in December.
Looks familiar
The latest legislation, H.B. 635, is identical to a bill unveiled a week ago, H.B. 271, by Democratic Rep. Cedric Burnett, another member of the House’s gaming committee.
In short, though, both bills would allow Mississippi’s casinos or someone on their behalf to offer online sports betting across the southern state using mobile apps and websites. Revenue would be taxed on an upward sliding scale, but the max levy would be 8% when those receipts reach north of $134,000 a month.
Both measures would take effect on July 1, which means a launch in time for football season is possible. That said, there is no guarantee either measure will pass, as previous efforts to expand sports betting in the Magnolia State have come up short.
A whole new demo
This time, at least, legislators have the task force’s report in their back pocket, which includes several projections of increased handle and revenue driven by a mobile expansion.
That may not be enough to get everyone onside — independent casino operators have voiced concern about what online sports betting could mean for their businesses — but it could carry weight with lawmakers.
“New sports bettors would be composed of those not currently betting who would opt to bet because of the convenience and accessibility of online sports betting,” the task force’s report states. “The convenience of online betting may also appeal to those who would not drive to Vicksburg, the Delta, or the Mississippi coast to place a bet, but regularly partake in local office or friend pools. Illegal sports bettors may also opt to enter the legal market.”
