Mississippi sports betting task force given all clear after governor Tate Reeves signed House Bill 606 into law.
The law – introduced by Republican representatives Casey Eure and Kevin Felsher – initially had a far more expansive goal of legalising mobile sports betting state-wide by allowing each of the state’s 26 land-based casinos to partner with an online sportsbook, but was significantly cut down in committee.
While in 2018 the state became one of the first in the country to legalise in-person sports betting following the Supreme Court striking down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) – which paved the way for sports betting authorisation – mobile sports betting has faced a much slower route to completion.
As of 2023, only one online operator – BetMGM – has launched their app in the state. Players can only access the application when they are onsite at an MGM Resort.
The task force
Under the text of the bill, a Mobile-Online Sports Betting Task Force is to be created to “undertake a comprehensive analysis” of the issue within the state. The body will be co-chaired by both the House and Senate gaming chairs, as well as another 11 members.
