Update (2/16/19):
Yesterday was the deadline for the bills to pass out of the committee stage, and Willie Simmons’ Gaming Control Act didn’t make it through.
The bill would’ve given Mississippians the opportunity to make sports bets online through their phone, computer or tablet from anywhere in the state.
Original report (2/5/19):
Mississippi Senator Willie Simmons has introduced a bill that would legalize mobile sports betting in Mississippi.
The regulations for sports gaming in Mississippi took effect on July 22nd, and it officially made its way to Mississippi for the first time on August 1st.
Current law states that sports betting in Mississippi must be done inside of a “brick and mortar” building and cannot legally be done online.
Simmons’ Gaming Control Act (SB2667) would allow you to place sports bets from your phone, computer or tablet from anywhere in the state.
Adam Candee, the managing editor for Legal Sports Report, said they have technology on the phone that verifies where you are, so they know that you’re within the borders of Mississippi.
“The law to have mobile sports betting is important because when you look at other states like New Jersey, they’re up to almost three quarters of their money coming in via mobile platforms,” said Candee.
He said a concern in every state is underage betting in person and online, but they have some pretty rigorous systems for checking to make sure they don’t have any underage customers.
After seeing Nevada and other states benefit from mobile sports betting, he thinks it would expand Mississippi’s revenue significantly.
“I think that’s where the future of all this is really headed, especially when you have the ability to bet during the game,” said Candee. “During in-play betting, you have the opportunity to not only bet on the outcome prior to the game starting, but it allows you to bet on things like who’s gonna score the most points in the third quarter and how many yards the quarterback will throw for.”
Today is the deadline for the bill to pass out of the committee stage.
