For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi House of Representatives has passed a bill aimed at legalizing online sports betting in the state. On Wednesday, the House approved the bill, designated HB 1581, with an 84-31 vote. The legislation now moves to the Senate, where similar efforts have stalled in previous years due to concerns over potential impacts on existing casino revenues and gambling-related issues. This year’s proposal includes a significant financial amendment—a $600 million transfer from the state’s general fund to bolster the underfunded pension system, intended to attract Senate support by promising future contributions from sports betting taxes.
Despite these efforts, skepticism remains among key Senate figures. Senator David Blount, who chairs the Senate Gaming Commission, has consistently opposed mobile sports betting legalization, citing insufficient revenue projections to justify such a move. Blount has maintained his stance this year, stating he will not consider the proposal unless specifically requested by the Mississippi Gaming Commission. The House’s previous attempts to pass similar legislation included amending a sweepstakes casino prohibition bill to incorporate online sports betting language; however, that bill failed in the conference committee.
Mississippi was among the pioneers in sports betting legalization, authorizing in-person wagering at casinos in 2018. The state established a Mobile Online Sports Betting Task Force in 2023 to explore the potential for digital expansion. Representative Casey Eure, the bill’s sponsor, highlighted the demand for online betting, noting that Mississippi residents have made 10 million online wagering attempts since September 2025, often crossing state lines, resulting in a loss of potential tax revenue estimated at $80 million annually. Eure emphasized the lack of oversight and consumer protection for residents currently engaging in unregulated betting activities.
HB 1581 proposes partnerships between Mississippi’s existing casinos and up to two online sportsbook platforms per casino. To address concerns from smaller regional casinos about potential revenue cannibalization, the bill outlines the creation of a $6 million fund to support affected casinos, replenished annually from sports betting tax revenues until 2030. Industry sources note the influence of independent casinos within the state legislature and the apprehensions about larger gambling companies entering Mississippi’s market.
Brandt Iden, Vice President of Government Affairs at Fanatics Betting & Gaming, commented on the challenges faced by states considering gambling expansion, acknowledging Mississippi’s efforts but noting persistent obstacles. According to Iden, while the House has passed the online sports betting bill for two consecutive years, the Senate remains a significant hurdle. Discussions continue, and lawmakers are increasingly aware of the issues involved.
As the bill moves to the Senate, the outcome remains uncertain. Should the legislation pass, it would mark a significant shift in Mississippi’s gambling landscape, potentially increasing state revenues and providing a regulated framework for online sports betting. However, the Senate’s response will determine the future of this initiative. Lawmakers and stakeholders are closely monitoring developments, with the next steps likely to include Senate evaluations and potential amendments before any final decision is reached.
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