Mississippi Sportsbooks Surpass $3 Billion in Betting Handle

• Mississippi sportsbooks have taken in $3,021,531,031 in legal sports bets since their August 2018 launch.
• The industry has generated over $327 million in revenue and $39.3 million in tax benefits.
• Betting surged in early years, but the annual handle declined from 2022 to 2024, with $465 million wagered in 2024.
• Mississippi remains a retail-only betting state but future legislative changes, including mobile betting, could fuel further growth.

BILOXI, Miss. – In a landmark moment for the Mississippi sports betting industry, the state has officially surpassed the $3 billion mark in total handle, according to the latest report from the Mississippi Gaming Commission.

Mississippi sportsbooks have handled $3,021,531,031.08, generating over $327 million in revenue and $39.3 million in tax benefits since the industry’s legalization in 2018.

This milestone underscores the steady growth and resilience of sports betting in Mississippi, despite fluctuations in year-over-year handle and revenue. Since launching in August 2018, the state has seen both highs and lows, with significant growth in its early years followed by some declines in recent years.

Starting strong with a handle skyrocketing by nearly 133% in 2019 compared to its inaugural year, the COVID-19 pandemic led to temporary disruptions in 2020. The industry rebounded in 2021, experiencing the amount of money bet on sports increasing by 61% over the previous year.

However, recent years have seen more modest figures, with a decline in total handle from 2022 through 2024.

But the industry remains a significant sports betting revenue driver. Notably, Mississippi’s 2024 handle totaled approximately $465 million, with revenue of $40 million—a dip from previous years but still contributing millions in tax benefits.

Regional Impact and Competitive Landscape

Mississippi remains one of the few states in the South with a thriving retail-only sports betting model. While neighboring states with legal sports betting like Tennessee and Louisiana have embraced sportsbook apps, Mississippi has relied on its casino-based approach. Despite this limitation, the state’s sportsbooks continue to attract both local and out-of-state bettors, particularly in major gaming hubs like Biloxi and Tunica.

One key factor in their legal sports betting performance is its reliance on tourism-driven betting. With no mobile betting available outside casino properties, the state sees significant activity from visitors, particularly during major sporting events such as the Super Bowl and March Madness.

Still, stakeholders are closely watching the industry’s next steps. Discussions continue around potential legislative changes that could further expand the market But with the Mississippi legislative session ending on April 6, Senate Gaming Chairman David Blount (D-Jackson) did not approve the House’s mobile sports betting proposal.

As the state celebrates this $3 billion milestone, industry leaders, policymakers, and bettors alike will be looking toward the future of Mississippi sports betting and the opportunities it presents. If mobile betting is eventually legalized, Mississippi could see another wave of growth, further cementing its status as a premier sports betting destination in the South.

News tags: Biloxi | Louisiana | March Madness | Mississippi | Mississippi Gaming Commission | Super Bowl | Tennessee | Tunica