Mississippi Online Gaming Bill Dies in Committee

A bill that would have regulated online gaming in Mississippi died in committee this week.  HB 1128, titled the Mississippi Lawful Internet Gaming Act of 2014, was introduced by Representative Bobby Moak.  The bill would have allowed brick and mortar casinos to operate over the Internet.  Only players located in Mississippi would have been allowed to play at the proposed sites.  Poker, slots, video poker and tables games that are legal in licensed Mississippi casinos would have been permitted online.

This is the third straight year that an online casino bill died in Mississippi.  Rep. Moak was the sponsor of all three bills.

Mississippi allows brick and mortar casinos on waterways and the near Gulf of Mexico.  Popular casino towns include Biloxi, Tunica and Vicksburg.  The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians also operate casinos in the state.

Many state legislatures are expected to debate the expansion of gaming to the Internet in 2014.  These states include California, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana and Pennsylvania.

Three states already regulate online wagering.  Nevada casinos may offer online poker and sports betting.  Delaware and New Jersey permit online poker and casinos games.  Players must be physically located in those states at the time of play.