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Bill

SB 2379

Mississippi Mobile Sports Wagering Act; enact and dedicate proceeds to HOPE Scholarship Program.

2025 Regular Session

Mississippi would legalize mobile sports betting and dedicate resulting tax revenue to HOPE Scholarship education funding, but the bill died in committee.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 2379

Legislative bill overview

SB 2379 would authorize mobile sports wagering in Mississippi and dedicate a portion of the tax revenue generated from this activity to the HOPE Scholarship Program, which provides need-based educational funding for Mississippi residents. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, after being referred to the Gaming Committee in January.

Why is this important

Mobile sports wagering legalization could generate significant new tax revenue for education funding while also responding to the reality that many Mississippi residents already engage in sports betting through unlicensed online platforms. The bill attempts to capture this existing market activity through regulated channels, potentially benefiting the state's higher education system.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue projections and allocation: Questions about whether actual tax revenue will meet projections and whether it will genuinely supplement (rather than replace) existing HOPE Scholarship funding
  • Gambling expansion concerns: Opposition from groups concerned about increased problem gambling, gambling addiction among young people, and social costs that may offset revenue benefits
  • Implementation and regulation: Disagreement over how to properly regulate mobile platforms, protect consumer data, prevent fraud, and ensure responsible gambling practices in a digital environment

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

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