The Mississippi House of Representatives has passed legislation that would open the door to legalizing mobile sports betting in the Magnolia State.
House Bill 606, introduced by Representative Casey Eure, R-Biloxi, was approved in overwhelming fashion, receiving 110 yea votes and just four nay votes.
Although the text of the bill initially paved the pathway to have mobile sports betting legalized outright, the bill was later amended to add further regulations. The updated version of HB 606 would create an 11-member Mobile-Online Sports Betting Task Force.
Duties of the task force would be to conduct a thorough study on mobile sports wagering and to recommend the proper oversight and regulation online gambling.
Included in the task force would be the executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, the commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Revenue, the executive director of the Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association, and six members appointed by the chairpersons of the House and Senate Gaming Committees.
The task will be required to prepare and submit a final report that contains a detailed statement of findings, conclusions, and recommendations regarding mobile sports betting by October 15. Findings could further incentivize the legislature to legalize online betting in 2024.
As of now, in Mississippi, the only legal wagers on sporting events can take place within the confines of certified casinos within the state.
Mobile sports betting is currently legal in 26 states. Mississippi will not be an addition in 2023.
