Mississippi Sports Betting Down in December, but Slots and Table Games Way Up

Mississippi sports betting saw a slight decrease in wagering activity for December, with the state reporting $56.8 million in monthly handle, down 6.17% from November’s $60.6 million.

Taxable gaming revenue from sports betting was $3.2 million in December, a decrease of 66% from November's $9.5 million.

Mississippi has 26 commercial casinos across the state that permit sports betting.

Mississippi Sports Betting, Dec. vs. Nov.

Mississippi Gaming Did Well in December

Despite lower totals being posted on the sports betting side, Mississippi’s slots and table games flourished in December.

The overall slots handle was $2.3 billion, up 9.65% from November’s $2.1 billion.

Mississippi’s December table games handled came to $175 million, an increase of 10.2% from November’s $158.8 million.

Mississippi Looking to Expand Online Betting

Under current Mississippi law, the only legal online sports betting allowed in the state is if the user is somewhere on casino grounds. Two MGM Resorts properties have this type of mobile wagering, including Cold Strike Resort and Casino in Tunica and Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi. These facilities became the first state-regulated casinos to offer the BetMGM Sportsbook mobile app.

Jay McDaniel, the executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, told Gambling.com in an interview that no other casino companies have reached out about adding on-site mobile sports wagering.

But a new bill brought forth earlier this month could expand the state’s mobile wagering market if it is passed. House Bill 184, sponsored by Rep. Cedric Burnett, D-Jackson, would introduce an online betting market to Mississippi.

The bill was introduced earlier this month at the beginning of the legislative sessions, which runs through April 3. Currently, the bill is in the House Gaming and Ways and Means committees awaiting action.

During his interview with Gambling.com, McDaniel mentioned if Mississippi residents would like to see online sports betting come to their state, they should reach out to lawmakers.

“To those in Mississippi who wish to have it, I would say contact your state senator or representative and let them know your thoughts,” McDaniel said.