Is Mississippi Sports Betting About to Crumble?

• Mississippi sports betting controlled 1.015% of the US sports betting market in 2021.
• Through 2024’s reported numbers, they represent only 0.31% of the US industry.
• Declining numbers over the last four years prove Mississippi sportsbooks are struggling.

BILOXI, Miss. – Mississippi’s sports betting market, which launched in 2018, is facing serious struggles, and the state’s refusal to embrace online betting might be the main factor behind it.

With a total handle of $2.78 billion over six years, Mississippi ranks among some of the lowest states with sports betting in the country. Despite having a longer time to establish itself, it lags behind newer states that have been quicker to adopt mobile betting or those with smaller populations.

The Impact of Mississippi’s Casino-Only Model

A key issue with Mississippi sports betting is their in-person-only policy, which significantly limits its revenue potential. States that have introduced online sports betting platforms have seen massive increases in handle and tax revenue.

Even further, neighboring states like Tennessee and Louisiana are thriving while Mississippi risks falling further behind.

• Tennessee, which is mobile-only, has handled $15.2 billion in wagers since their late 2020 launch.
• Louisiana, which offers both retail and mobile betting, has handled $7.7 billion since their late 2021 launch

Declining Revenue and Handle

Mississippi’s sports betting revenue and handle have been in steady decline since Tennessee and Louisiana approved legal sports betting.

While the sports betting revenue numbers aren’t complete for 2024, Mississippi is expected to see a further decline this year. While the NFL betting season is the top generator for the year, through September 2024, Mississippi has reported only $302 million in handle alongside $30 million in revenue and $3.6 million in tax benefits.

Legislative Deadlock: A Missed Opportunity

Mississippi lawmakers’ failure to pass House Bill 774 in 2024 further highlights the state’s reluctance to adapt. The bill, which aimed to introduce online sports betting, was expected to generate up to $25 million annually in tax revenue.

However, concerns from brick-and-mortar sportsbooks and casino operators about the impact on foot traffic, along with disagreements over the scope of the bill (which also included iGaming), led to its demise.

Despite initial passage in the House, the Senate took no action, and the deadline for finalizing the bill passed without compromise.

Mississippi’s Future in Sports Betting

Mississippi’s casino-only model now feels outdated in an era dominated by mobile sports betting. Without action to introduce online sports betting, the state will continue to miss out on potential tax revenue and player engagement.

For Mississippi to remain competitive, lawmakers must overcome their differences and push forward with a mobile-focused solution. If they do, Mississippi still has a chance to capitalize on the growing sports betting market and secure much-needed revenue for public services.

However, without change, the state may continue its downward trend, overshadowed by neighboring states with more progressive sports betting laws.

News tags: Louisiana | Mississippi | mobile sports betting | MS HB 774 | Tennessee