Mississippi debates online sports betting legalization
Mississippi is expected to have a debate on legalizing online sports betting after House Bill 774's failure to go forward in 2024.House Bill 774, which aimed to expand...
Mississippi raises casino taxes to 16% amid ongoing debate
Mississippi’s casino industry is facing a historic time as the casino tax hike decision comes right in the middle of a heated debate over online gambling and sports betting.
The House Ways and Means Committee has approved raising the casino tax from 12% to 16%, a move fueled by frustration over the Senate’s failure to legalise online betting. Supporters argue that Mississippi is already losing anywhere from $26 million to $80 million in potential tax revenue per year.
Trey Lamar, Ways and Means chairman, said:
“Online sports betting is already going on. A small handful of casinos are standing in the way of that legislation.”
For many years, Mississippi has been one of the states that had relatively lower casino taxes. But with neighboring states legalizing online gambling, local casinos are feeling the pressure to not suffer in a competition. Opponents, like Senate Gaming Committee chairman David Blount, argue that a 50% tax increase would only damage the industry.
Meanwhile, the battle over online betting continues. The House recently passed a bill, House Bill 774, to legalize mobile sports betting. However, the Senate is firmly against the law and aims not only to keep it illegal but also to increase penalties for violations. As a result, the bill did not manage to go into effect.
With billions on the line and strong opinions on both sides, the future of gambling in Mississippi remains uncertain.
Gold Strike unveils new sportsbook with DraftKings
On August 14, Mississippi's Gold Strike Casino Resort officially rebranded its sportsbook, powered by DraftKings.
Casino Resort's history can be tracked to 1977. Through its...
