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SB 2510

Gaming; include online, interactive and computerized versions thereof, increase penalties, and authorize forfeiture.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by David Blount and 1 co-sponsor

Miss. SB 2510 would criminalize online/interactive gambling, treat operators as felons up to 10 years and $100,000, and allow forfeiture of assets tied to illegal wagering.

Died In Conference
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Bill Summary · SB 2510

SB 2510 — Summary (Gaming: online, interactive, computerized versions; increased penalties; forfeiture)

Status: Introduced March 13, 2025 — Died in Conference (did not become law)

Purpose

The bill would expand Mississippi’s anti-gambling statutes to explicitly cover online, interactive, and computerized versions of gambling games; raise criminal penalties for operating online gambling platforms; and authorize forfeiture of assets and privileges used in connection with illegal gambling.

Key provisions

  • Expanded coverage: Amends Mississippi Code §97-33-1 and §97-33-7 to expressly include “online, interactive, or computerized version” of games of chance (e.g., online race books, sports pools, sweepstakes casino‑style games) within the definition of gambling activity and gambling devices.
  • Criminal penalties:
    • General gambling (existing misdemeanor provision): on conviction, fine up to $500 per occurrence and/or imprisonment up to 90 days.
    • Operating an online platform that facilitates illegal wagering: elevated to a felony punishable by fine up to $100,000, imprisonment up to 10 years, or both.
  • Forfeiture: Assets, rights, and privileges used in connection with violations are made liable to forfeiture to the State or the county where the violation occurred.
  • Device prohibition clarified: Online/interactive/computerized versions of traditional gambling devices are declared unlawful and subject to confiscation/destruction unless licensed and authorized by the State.
  • Venue and exceptions:
    • Prosecutions may be tried in the county where the violation occurred or in Hinds County.
    • The bill preserves certain exemptions (for example, licensed gaming on cruise vessels or structures in specified southern coastal counties where voters permit such activity, and vessels on the Mississippi River under certain local approvals).

Who would be affected

  • Operators of internet-based wagering platforms and online casino-style services (subject to felony liability when unlicensed).
  • Private individuals and businesses offering or hosting online interactive gambling.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutors (expanded enforcement authority, forfeiture remedies).
  • Licensed gaming entities and maritime/cruise operators in areas explicitly exempted (requirements and geographic limits apply).
  • Counties and the State (possible receipt of forfeited assets; enforcement workload).

Procedural history and current status

  • Introduced March 13, 2025; received committee referral and public testimony in committee.
  • Committee activity included hearings and amendments; the bill attracted attention around issues of online wagering and licensing.
  • Final status: reported as “Died in Conference,” meaning it did not emerge from the conference process to become law during the 2025 session.

Enforcement and fiscal implications

  • Enforcement: raises severity of penalties for online operators and adds forfeiture tools that could increase seizures of property and platform assets connected to illegal wagering.
  • Fiscal: potential (but unspecified) fiscal effects from forfeiture proceeds and prosecution/enforcement costs; no appropriation or revenue estimates provided in the available materials.

Note: Multiple legislative documents bearing the SB 2510 identifier (from different jurisdictions and with varied subject matter) appear in the record. This summary focuses on the provisions addressing online/interactive/computerized gambling, increased penalties, and forfeiture as set out in the submitted bill language and committee amendments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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