What many thought was an April Fools’ joke became reality on Monday as online sports betting expansion in Mississippi went up in smoke… Again!
Senate Bill 2510 didn’t make it to the finish line as the six members of the conference committee failed to agree. The bill would have allowed local operators to offer mobile sports betting in the Magnolia State as well as banning online sweepstakes casinos.
However, savvy bettors in Mississippi know they can rely on the best offshore sportsbooks available nationwide while lawmakers figure it out.
As of April 1st, 2025, 32 states plus DC have approved online gambling regulations for US sportsbooks, according to the figures from the American Gaming Association.
A Mississippi Senate bill that would have both banned online sweepstakes casinos and legalized mobile sports wagering died in committee Monday night.
— Casino Reports (@casino_reports) April 1, 2025
The lines of demarcation regarding passing SB 2510 were clearly drawn in the statehouse.
Too Much On the Plate
Originally SB 2510 was a bill to increase penalties on online sweepstakes casinos.
The original version made industry news headlines after passing the Senate unanimously. But once it hit the House it got much broader. Gaming Committee Chairman Casey Eure added provisions to launch a local sportsbooks market.
However, lawmakers couldn’t agree and no report was filed before the April 1 deadline. Hence, the entire bill died and both anti-sweepstakes and mobile betting proposals remain unsolved.
House vs. Senate Stalemate
In Mississippi, the House has been keen on mobile sports betting. Earlier in the session they passed House Bill 1302 88-10. That bill would have opened the door to local sports betting operators. The Senate has been more cautious. Concerns ranged from market saturation to protecting local jobs tied to existing casino properties.
Senate Gaming Chairman David Blount said remote betting was a risk for both consumers and existing operators, including forces beyond state control. Supporters of expansion said Mississippi was losing millions in tax revenue.
The two chambers never found common ground and SB 2510 is the latest to die.
Sweepstakes Casino Controversy
Before its metamorphosis, SB 2510 targeted online sweepstakes casinos. These online sites offer “free” credits but allow users to make real money purchases that can lead to cash payouts.
If SB 2510 had passed, operators of these platforms would have faced big fines and prison time for continuing to play Mississippi players.
Observers say by tying the sweepstakes ban to mobile sports betting, lawmakers were trying to address two different issues in one bill. Industry analyst Geoff Zochodne called it a “compromise that tried to bring more people on board” but it failed when conference committees died without a deal.
Looks like Mississippi's last, best chance at legalizing statewide online sports betting this year is dead, along with the proposed ban on sweepstakes casinos to which House lawmakers tried to attach OSB: pic.twitter.com/DWLgRJxxew
— Geoff Zochodne (@GeoffZochodne) April 1, 2025
Resisting Change
Proponents of expanded mobile say Mississippi, with its many coastal and riverfront casinos, has been behind other states that allow remote sports betting. Opponents in the Senate and the casino industry were worried about cannibalizing existing businesses.
House leaders tried to ease those concerns by requiring online platforms to partner with physical casinos and even proposed a fund to help smaller properties if remote betting cut into retail revenue.
Even so, eight major casino operators lobbied against the online gambling regulations because they’re worried about the long term impact of remote access on foot traffic.
Critics of the casino position say progress on online sports betting may have to wait for a more unified legislature or a change of heart.
Where Things Stand
With the session ending on April 6, supporters of mobile expansion admit there’s no chance another bill will come up.
Though some lawmakers remain hopeful for 2026, the state’s longstanding tensions over gambling policy are likely to persist. Currently, other jurisdictions like Alaska, Hawaii and Oklahoma are discussing the possibility of expanding online wagering, while Mississippi joins the likes of Georgia.
