As the Mississippi Legislature convenes for the **2026 Regular Session**, lawmakers have introduced several bills aimed at regulating mobile sports wagering and online sweepstakes gaming. The proposed legislation seeks to establish a framework for online betting, while also addressing concerns related to illegal gambling activities.
Legislative Proposals for Mobile Sports Wagering
Among the bills filed, **HB 1581**, known as the Mississippi Mobile Sports Wagering Act, aims to legalize both “online race book” and “online sports pool” betting within the state. This bill would place oversight under the **Mississippi Gaming Commission**, requiring platforms to obtain licenses to operate. Key provisions include geofencing and age-verification protocols to ensure that only individuals aged 21 and older can participate in these activities.
Another significant proposal, **HB 297**, seeks to amend the Gaming Control Act. This bill would redefine “sports pool,” introduce the term “digital platform,” and authorize the operation of sports pools and race books through approved online platforms. Additionally, it proposes changes to the Fantasy Contest Act, lifting the ban on contests based on collegiate athletic performances, thus expanding opportunities for sports-related contests.
On the Senate side, **SB 2249** mirrors the objectives of HB 1581 by legalizing online sports pools and race books through a similar licensing model. Like the House bills, it includes age restrictions and mandates geofencing measures. Notably, this legislation directs generated proceeds towards the **Mississippi HOPE Scholarship Program Fund**, highlighting a potential benefit for educational initiatives in the state.
Addressing Online Sweepstakes and Illegal Gambling
In addition to sports wagering, lawmakers are focusing on the need to regulate online sweepstakes gaming through **SB 2104**. This bill proposes significant amendments to Mississippi’s criminal statutes, explicitly targeting online versions of casino-style games. It categorizes platforms offering these games as illegal gambling devices and elevates certain violations to felony status, which could result in substantial fines and imprisonment.
The bill also introduces asset forfeiture provisions, allowing law enforcement to seize property linked to violations. Furthermore, it permits flexible prosecution venues and establishes contingency-fee arrangements for assets forfeited, streamlining the legal process for addressing illegal gambling activities.
As of now, all proposed legislation remains in the **introduced-and-referred** stage, with committee scheduling and potential amendments likely to influence their progression during the session. The outcomes of these legislative efforts could significantly reshape the landscape of mobile sports wagering and online gaming in Mississippi, impacting both state revenue and consumer access to digital betting platforms.
