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Mississippi online sports betting continues to face opposition from one of the state’s most influential lawmakers. Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann recently reiterated his concerns about legalizing online sports betting, arguing that the potential social costs outweigh the projected economic benefits as lawmakers continue debating the issue.
In a post on X, Lt. Gov. Hosemann urged the Mississippi Senate to continue rejecting online sports betting legislation, arguing that mobile wagering poses greater risks than retail betting. He said the easily accessible nature of betting apps increases the likelihood of problem gambling and addiction, particularly among younger adults, who can receive betting notifications on their phones around the clock.
Hosemann also questioned the economic case for legalization, arguing that online sports betting would not create new jobs and could undermine Mississippi’s existing brick-and-mortar casino industry. He further suggested the potential tax revenue may not be enough to offset the broader social and economic costs associated with expanding online wagering, calling on lawmakers to continue opposing the legislation.
Mississippi lawmakers continue to disagree on whether to expand sports betting beyond retail casinos. House Speaker Jason White has made online sports betting a legislative priority since becoming speaker in 2024, with Rep. Casey Eure leading the effort in the House.
In 2025, Eure sponsored two bills that cleared the House for the third consecutive year. The proposals would have required online sportsbooks to partner with Mississippi casinos, established a $6 million fund to support casinos concerned about losing in-person revenue, reduced the casino tax rate from 8% to 6%, and directed additional funding toward the state’s Public Employees’ Retirement System.
Despite repeated approval in the House, the legislation has consistently stalled in the Senate. Sen. David Blount, who chairs the Senate Gaming Committee, has remained one of the chamber’s strongest opponents of online sports betting. Blount has argued that mobile wagering does not align with Mississippi’s gaming policy objectives, including promoting tourism and job creation.
Hosemann’s latest remarks underscore that, despite renewed momentum behind Mississippi sports betting, legalization still faces a significant obstacle in the Mississippi Senate. The debate recently returned to the spotlight after Gov. Tate Reeves indicated he would review a mobile sports betting bill if it reached his desk, keeping the possibility of future expansion alive.
However, with both Lt. Gov. Hosemann and Senate Gaming Committee Chairman David Blount continuing to oppose online wagering, any legislation will likely face an uphill battle even if it once again clears the House. Unless supporters can address the Senate’s concerns over problem gambling, the impact on brick-and-mortar casinos, and the overall economic benefits, Mississippi’s sports betting market is expected to remain limited to in-person wagering at licensed casinos for the foreseeable future.
Without a regulated statewide online sports betting market, some Mississippi residents may choose to wager through offshore sportsbooks that operate outside U.S. regulatory oversight. Because these operators are not licensed by the Mississippi Gaming Commission, they are not required to comply with the state’s consumer protection standards.
As a result, players using offshore sportsbooks may have limited recourse if winnings are delayed or other disputes arise. These platforms are also not subject to Mississippi’s responsible gambling requirements, meaning features such as self-exclusion programs are either unavailable or inconsistent.
In short, the stalemate around regulated online sports betting in Mississippi could push players to offshore platforms, which is a risk for all players involved.
