Should all Types of Gambling be Legalized in Mississippi?

If you’re wondering whether Mississippi should legalize different types of gambling, you’re in the right place. We will explore the various arguments that support legalizing gambling in ‘Big Muddy’, plus the legal and economic advantages this could also bring.

The State has abandoned previous Attempts to Legalize Gambling

A form of mobile betting is allowed in Mississippi, where casino sportsbooks are permitted to provide a mobile app that can be used on the premises. However, this is, of course, not a true form of mobile betting. It does not provide the accessibility or convenience that online casino betting or sports betting online should provide to consumers.

For the foreseeable future, sports betting will only be allowed in land-based casinos. This is because three types of legislation to support mobile betting have not progressed from the committee stage.

The first type of legislation, called ‘SB 2396‘, would have allowed wagering, online betting, and gaming on sporting and athletic events. This would have been under specific conditions set out by the Mississippi Gaming Commission. However, this died in the committee on the 2nd February 2021.

The second type was called ‘SB 2732’, which would have created a wagering act for sports pools and race books. It would have provided licensing, established a means of operation, set specific definitions, and imposed taxation.

Definitions for ‘gaming devices’, ‘sports pools’ and ‘digital platforms’ would also have been revised. Suitable mobile devices and websites would have been determined by the operator or license holder.

The legislation would have also defined an ‘operator’ as an entity licensed as a manufacturer or distributor. It would have also authorized a platform on behalf of a license holder. Gaming license fees would be further revised. The Fantasy Contest Act would have been modified to prohibit operators from providing contests based on participant performance in college sports events. The act died in committee on the 2nd February 2021. 

The third type was named HB 1042. The definition of ‘sports pool’ as part of the gaming control act would have been defined. The term’ digital platform’ would have been designated as a person or entity who operates a sports pool or racing book online.

Websites and mobile devices would also be determined. The 1972 Mississippi Code would have been amended in various places, such as authorizing digital platforms, reviewing fees for gaming licenses surrounding gross revenue and checking the Fantasy Contest Act for purposes described in SB 2732. It also died in the committee on the 2nd February 2021.

How Much of an Issue is Illegal Betting in the US? What Benefits Would Legalization Bring?

Considering that illegal betting makes up for around $67 billion annually in the US, it would make sense for more states to legalize it. There are two main benefits to doing this.

Firstly, it protects gamblers. If gambling as an activity is illegal, then mobsters usually jump in to offer services.

The problem with this is that gamblers aren’t protected from activities like having their life savings taken from them or being physically harmed by loan sharks. Therefore, by setting up regulated online platforms and bricks and mortar casinos, players’ money is better protected.

In regulated markets, trusted casinos tend to be very popular, and players are happy to wager on large amounts.

The other benefit of legalizing online casinos is that it helps those with gambling addiction. While this may seem counter intuitive, it is true.

Often, problem players associated with illegal gambling are ostracized from society, not knowing where to turn for support. With the taxes generated from legal gambling, support mechanisms can be put in place for problem players.

For example, Delaware provides free counselling to those who struggle with gambling addiction. In New Jersey, a free text service is available for both problem gamblers and their families, which they can access any time of the day or night.

This kind of support mechanism has shown a reduction in suicide for those suffering from addiction. Locations offering legal gambling also usually provide some form of regulation so that players can limit their play.

In the UK, players can ‘self-exclude’, which allows them to have a six-month break from gambling. This is particularly useful for players who overspend on gambling and need some time out.

Can Legalized Gambling Positively Impact the Economy?

Yes, massively. A large amount of revenue can be generated just from taxing casinos. Income produced is usually in the form of percentage net profit. Governments must set the correct tax rate so they can make a profit without deterring new business. Legalized gambling can also generate new jobs. 

Another benefit of legalizing gambling is its impact on tourism. Destinations like Las Vegas and Macau experience great tourist numbers every year. This is great for their economy.

Lots of different groups of people enjoy casinos, and the casino industry is thriving. Plus, other businesses, like restaurants, also benefit from this increased tourism. 

One American state which has benefited dramatically from legalized gambling is New Jersey. So much so that 80% of all sports betting there is done on mobile. 

Gambling is so popular there that new revenue records are set each month. So far, $931 million has been wagered on sports events, while $289 million has been bet on sports outside horse racing.

Atlantic City is another state which has benefited from relaxing sports betting restrictions. In 2019, $3.3 billion was achieved, a 15% increase from 2018. Pennsylvania also appears to be profiting from online gambling, making $46 million from online sports betting.

Legalizing Online Sports Betting Could Only be a Good Thing for Mississippi in Future

The state abandoned previous attempts to legalize online sports betting. Yet, we feel legalizing it would only be a good thing. It can help deter criminal activity, boost the economy, enhance tourism and even help provide better support for problem gamblers.