Mississippi’s Gaming Commission has proposed rules to oversee sports books at the state’s 28 licensed casinos, with the possibility of a vote on the measure likely during its next meeting on June 21. If all goes to plan, casinos would be legally entitled to take bets by the end of July, well in advance of the football season.
The state had already changed its law in 2017 to allow sports betting as part of a bill legalising and regulating fantasy sports. And with SCOTUS ruling to drop PASPA this week, the state is now able to move ahead with betting on football, basketball, baseball and other sports. Bettors will, however be limited to wagering on sports only in casinos, albeit with the facility to bet on mobile devices while in those locations.
In terms of taxation, the state’s casinos will be required to pay state and local taxes equal to 12 percent of the bets minus the payouts, although no provision has been made for the much talked about and highly controversial integrity fee sought by the sports leagues.
The public has been given 25 days to submit responses and comments to the proposals.
