Mississippi’s Mobile Sports Betting Bill Dies

Mississippi lawmakers once again faced a deadlock on the issue of mobile sports betting, as a bill that sought to both ban online sweepstakes casinos and legalize mobile sports wagering failed to progress in the state’s Senate. Senate Bill 2510, which had been a hotly debated topic in the statehouse, was dealt a fatal blow on Monday night, March 31, when it was killed in committee.

The bill initially began as a simple measure to curb the growth of online sweepstakes casinos, which have garnered increasing attention for their unregulated nature. It passed unanimously through the Senate early in the legislative session. However, the bill took a dramatic turn when Representative Casey Eure amended it to include a provision legalizing mobile sports betting in the state, seeking to expand the state's gaming market beyond the confines of brick-and-mortar casinos.

The amendment, though, was met with staunch opposition from some key legislators, most notably Senate Gaming Committee Chair David Blount. Blount expressed his support for sports betting in the state but emphasized that any expansion of mobile betting should come only at the request of the Mississippi Gaming Commission — not through a legislative amendment. This position was a significant sticking point for Eure and others seeking to expand the state’s sports betting footprint.

The conflict was further highlighted when the Senate rejected an opportunity to concur on the bill last Thursday. A six-person bicameral conference committee, which included both Blount and Eure, failed to reach a compromise, leading to the bill’s ultimate demise. With the clock running out on the legislative session, the chances for the state to legalize mobile sports betting this year appeared to slip away.

 

A Repeated Pattern

This defeat marks the second consecutive year that Mississippi lawmakers have considered mobile sports betting legislation only to ultimately reject it. The debate mirrors the ongoing struggle between those advocating for expanded sports betting opportunities and those wary of unchecked growth in the state’s gambling industry.

In the two months following the start of 2025, Mississippi’s retail sports betting market has shown signs of struggle. Revenue is down by 28.9% compared to the same period in 2024, totaling just $6.4 million. The total handle — the amount wagered — is also down by 3.9% at $73.1 million. The slow start to the year has drawn scrutiny from both lawmakers and operators alike, with some pointing to the lack of mobile wagering as a key factor.

However, March may have provided a glimmer of hope for sportsbooks. The state’s two major universities, Ole Miss and Mississippi State, both had strong showings in the NCAA Tournament, which likely helped boost betting activity. Ole Miss saw both its men’s and women’s basketball teams reach the regional semifinals, marking their first appearance in that stage since 2001. Meanwhile, Mississippi State’s women’s team reached the second round, and while the men’s team was eliminated early, the tournament generated heightened interest in sports betting.

 

We should only approve an expansion of sports betting if the request comes from the Mississippi Gaming Commission,

 

Looking Ahead

The failure of SB 2510 to advance raises questions about the future of mobile sports betting in Mississippi. With retail sportsbooks underperforming, there is increasing pressure on state lawmakers to consider mobile options to revitalize the market. However, divisions remain within the statehouse on how — or even whether — to proceed with any further expansion of gambling.

For now, mobile sports betting remains a distant goal, while the debate over the future of online sweepstakes casinos and retail sports wagering in Mississippi continues. With the legislative session winding down, the prospects for a breakthrough in 2025 look uncertain. Mississippi’s gaming industry, and its potential for growth, remains at a crossroads.