The legislation, introduced by Rep. Casey Eure, Chair of the House Gaming Committee, represents his third attempt to bring mobile sports wagering to Mississippi. Presenting the bill on Wednesday, February 4, Eure emphasized the growing financial and regulatory cost of inaction, arguing that the state is missing out on millions of dollars while residents place bets elsewhere.

Revenue Losses and Consumer Protection at the Core

Eure told lawmakers that nearly 10 million Mississippians have attempted to place a sports bet since September. When unable to do so legally within the state, more than 80,000 residents traveled to Tennessee and Louisiana, where mobile betting is already authorized.

“These are Mississippi residents crossing over into other states,” Eure said. “Mississippi receives zero tax revenue, there’s zero oversight, zero consumer protections against these people placing these bets and problem gambling goes undetected and unmanaged.”

The bill aims to address those concerns by introducing a regulated mobile betting framework that includes age and identity verification, active monitoring of account activity, and safeguards designed to promote responsible gambling. One notable provision would allow the state to deduct outstanding child support payments from winnings exceeding $2,000, reinforcing broader social accountability measures.

Protections for Casinos and Market Stability

In a move designed to secure industry support, the bill also includes mechanisms to protect land-based casinos. If a casino without a mobile betting platform experiences financial losses in any year through 2030, it may apply for compensation from a state-managed fund.

Under Eure’s proposal, the first $6 million in annual tax revenue generated by mobile sports betting would be allocated to this fund.

“I told you last year,” Eure said. “I do not feel that any casino is going to lose money on this.”

The legislation would allow each licensed casino to partner with up to two sports pool platforms and two race book platforms, enabling them to accept legal mobile wagers from anywhere within the state.

Boost for Public Employee Retirement System

Beyond gaming revenues, lawmakers highlighted the bill’s potential impact on Mississippi’s Public Employee Retirement System (PERS), which currently faces an estimated $26 billion shortfall.

Eure estimated that mobile sports betting could generate $40–80 million annually in its early years, with revenues eventually approaching the $100 million per year seen in neighboring Louisiana.

An amendment introduced by Rep. Hank Zuber (R–Ocean Springs) goes further, proposing a $600 million cash infusion into PERS.

“For far too long, this Legislature has kicked the can down the proverbial road whenever it comes to bringing long-term stability to our public retirement system,” Zuber said. “This body, at this time, with your support, is going to solve the PERS issues and problems that we’re facing.”

Under the amendment, both the cash transfer and ongoing betting revenues would be contingent on the retirement board achieving an annual return rate of at least 7.75%.

Next Stop: The Senate

With strong support, the House passed the bill and Zuber’s amendment comfortably. The legislation now moves to the Senate Gaming Committee, chaired by Sen. David Blount (D–Jackson), who has blocked similar proposals over the past two years.

Despite the uncertainty ahead, the House vote signals renewed momentum for mobile sports betting in Mississippi, with lawmakers framing the bill as a positive step toward consumer protection, fiscal responsibility, and long-term economic gains.