Mississippi Sports Betting, Sweepstakes Bill Heads to Conference Committee

The Mississippi Senate recently demonstrated significant legislative momentum by passing Senate Bill 2510, spearheaded by Sen. Joey Fillingane, with an overwhelming 51-0 vote. This critical legislation aims to enhance criminal penalties for digital gaming infractions, specifically targeting unlawful online gambling operations within the state, and introduces a prohibition on online sweepstakes gaming. Notably, the House Representatives, in an intriguing development earlier this month, augmented the bill to encompass provisions for online sports betting.

### Key Legislative Developments

In February, Mississippi made history by being the first state legislature in the U.S. to advance a bill aimed at banning sweepstakes casinos. However, despite this initial legislative breakthrough, the Senate ultimately rejected the proposed sports betting language when it was first introduced.

Currently, SB 2510 is slated for discussion within a conference committee, which will consist of Senate representatives, including Fillingane, Sen. Mike Thompson, and Sen. David Blount. Until a consensus is reached, the status quo allows sweepstakes gaming to continue operating legally within the state.

While the legislation does not explicitly define sweepstakes casinos, it categorizes them as unlicensed gaming entities. Under this proposal, violations are treated as felonies, leading to potential penalties that could include fines of up to $10,000 and incarceration for as long as 10 years.

### The Landscape of Sports Betting in Mississippi

Under the House’s revisions to SB 2510, the proposed framework includes a 12% tax rate and permits each retail casino to acquire up to two licenses. Importantly, this bill would legalize online sportsbooks, allowing individuals aged 21 and older to place bets from anywhere within the state.

The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) has expressed notable concerns regarding this legislation. A statement from the association remarked:

> “This bill not only misrepresents the nature of sweepstakes gaming—an established and consumer-friendly model—but also sets a troubling precedent by equating these operations with illicit gambling. We urge lawmakers to consider adopting a regulatory framework that promotes transparency and consumer protection, allowing Mississippi adults to continue enjoying safe, fun, and free-to-play games offered by social sweepstakes operators.”

### Current Status of Sports Betting in the State

As it stands, sports betting is legal in Mississippi, but it is confined to land-based casinos. The anticipated expansion to online platforms has not materialized and is unlikely to do so in the near future. Consequently, many residents are seeking alternatives through offshore sportsbooks, which highlights the demand for more accessible online betting options.

### Conclusion

The introduction of SB 2510 symbolizes a pivotal moment in Mississippi’s gambling legislation, underscoring the need for a balance between regulating illegal activities and fostering a conducive environment for legal gaming operations. As the discussions continue in the conference committee, stakeholders across the industry will be watching closely, anticipating whether this bill will effectively address the complexities of the evolving gambling landscape.

### About the Author

Jose Del Pozo is a seasoned iGaming analyst with over a decade of extensive experience in the gambling sector. He has contributed to several prominent casino and betting platforms, including Pokerlistings, Casinobee, and Betpack, providing expert insights and forecasts on the future of the iGaming market. His deep understanding of the industry landscape positions him as a trusted voice in discussions surrounding gambling legislation and trends.