The Mississippi Senate failed to take action on a significant bill concerning sports betting and sweepstakes casinos, leading to no ban being implemented on these activities. The bill, known as SB 2510, faced a decisive moment in the statehouse where its fate was sealed. Originally aimed at prohibiting online sweepstakes casinos, the bill took a turn when Rep. Casey Eure added provisions related to sports betting during a procedural move.
Despite an initial unanimous approval for the ban on online sweepstakes casinos, the inclusion of sports betting elements caused a division among lawmakers. Senate gaming committee chair David Blount stood firm against the bill, insisting that any expansion of sports betting must be initiated by the Mississippi Gaming Commission. Consequently, the senate rejected the bill last Thursday, marking a significant setback in the legislative process.
This was not the first time Mississippi lawmakers deliberated on the issue of mobile betting and eventually decided against it. The state’s sportsbooks, which are currently tied to physical casinos, have faced challenges in 2025 with a notable decline in revenue and handle compared to the previous year. However, the participation of prominent college basketball teams from Mississippi in the NCAA Tournament likely provided a temporary boost to operators in March.
The failed bill reflects a recurring pattern in Mississippi’s legislative sessions, where the topic of mobile betting remains a contentious issue. The reluctance to embrace online sports wagering contrasts with the evolving landscape in several other states, particularly along the East Coast, where bans on sweepstakes casinos are being actively pursued.
The developments in Mississippi underscore the complexities surrounding the regulation of sports betting and online gambling activities, highlighting the divergent viewpoints within the state’s legislative framework. As the debate continues, the future of sports betting and sweepstakes casinos in Mississippi remains uncertain, with conflicting perspectives shaping the trajectory of gaming regulations in the state.