As the 2026 Regular Session of the Mississippi Legislature commences, lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at regulating mobile sports wagering and online sweepstakes casino-style gaming. Several bills are currently under consideration, seeking to establish a legal framework for online betting and to clarify the state’s stance on interactive gaming.
Mobile Sports Wagering Bills Under Consideration
Among the proposed initiatives is House Bill 1581, which seeks to establish the Mississippi Mobile Sports Wagering Act. This bill would legalize both “online race book” and “online sports pool” betting in Mississippi, contingent upon oversight from the Mississippi Gaming Commission. Key provisions of the bill include licensing requirements for platforms that operate online betting, along with geofencing and age-verification measures to ensure compliance. Participation would be restricted to individuals aged 21 and older.
In addition to HB 1581, House Bill 297 aims to amend the state’s Gaming Control Act by redefining “sports pool” and introducing the term “digital platform.” This legislation would authorize internet and mobile operations for sports pools and race books through approved digital platforms. Furthermore, it proposes an amendment to the Fantasy Contest Act, allowing contests based on collegiate athletic performances, which is currently prohibited.
On the Senate side, Senate Bill 2249 mirrors the objectives of House Bill 1581 by proposing the Mississippi Mobile Sports Wagering Act. This legislation would also legalize online sports pools and race books, adhering to a platform-and-licensee model. Similar to the House proposals, it mandates geofencing, age verification, and prohibits participation by individuals under 21. Proceeds generated from the bill’s fee structure would support the Mississippi HOPE Scholarship Program Fund.
Regulating Online Sweepstakes and Criminal Penalties
In a related effort, Senate Bill 2104 seeks to amend Mississippi’s criminal statutes by explicitly including online and computerized versions of games within existing prohibitions. This bill would classify online platforms offering casino-style games as illegal gambling devices, elevating particular offenses to felony status. Violators could face substantial fines, imprisonment, and asset forfeiture related to the illegal activities. The bill also allows for flexible venue options for prosecution and contingency-fee arrangements for forfeited assets, enhancing the state’s ability to enforce compliance.
As of now, all proposed legislation remains in the introduced and referred stage, with further developments dependent on committee scheduling and potential amendments. The outcome of these legislative initiatives could significantly impact the future of mobile sports wagering and online gaming in Mississippi, reflecting a growing trend toward regulating digital betting platforms in various jurisdictions.
