Mobile betting, iGaming faces opposition in Mississippi

• Mississippi lawmakers are considering the expansion of gambling with the legalization of iGaming and mobile sports betting
• The National Association Against iGaming released the results of a new poll, overwhelmingly rejecting the expansion of online gambling
• Oliver Barie, NAAiG's Government Relations Director, acknowledges that the poll highlights what Mississippi residents do not want

At a time when Mississippi lawmakers are considering options for the expansion of gambling across the state, with the legalization of online gambling and sports betting, opposition continues to grow.

Online betting and iGaming opposition unite

On Wednesday, the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG), an organization dedicated to protecting communities from the risks of online gambling by supporting responsible in-person gaming, released the results of a new study.

Commissioned by the Association, the poll was conducted by the Bradley Research Group.

Results from the survey highlight a strong opposition against the legalization of iGaming and online sports betting.

NAAiG disclosed the results in a press release, revealing that an overwhelming majority of 74.2% of the respondents oppose the legalization of mobile sports betting after learning the activity would permit wagering across the state via smartphones and other devices.

The opposition against iGaming is even greater, with 80.8% disagreeing with online casinos after learning it would enable Mississippi residents to have 24/7 remote access to casino-like games.

Efforts against online gambling in Mississippi continue

The results of the poll complement a formal letter sent by a coalition of leading Mississippi casino operators that have joined forces with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians' Pearl River Resorts in the fight against iGaming and online betting.

The letter, sent to lawmakers and state leaders earlier this month, warns that online sports betting and iGaming may impact multi-billion-dollar investments made by land-based operators across the state.

The coalition opposing online sports betting and iGaming warns that retail casinos may record significant revenue losses and in exchange, proceeds may benefit out-of-state operators.

At the same time, the letter estimates an extra tax revenue for the state of $11m, which is "not a material amount" in comparison to Mississippi's $7bn state budget.

Another major concern described in the letter focuses on the impact of online sports betting that may reduce the visitation of land-based casinos, resulting in job losses.

Equally as concerning, the coalition warns that states with legalized online betting record 67% increase in the gambling addiction-related searches, while bankruptcies among low-income households increase by 30%.

Oliver Barie, NAAiG's Government Relations Director, spoke about the results of the latest poll.

"This data proves that online gambling is a product Mississippi simply does not want," he said.

Moreover, Barie pointed out: "When residents envision what this policy means in practice—the 'casino in your pocket' at all hours—they move decisively away from legalization."

Finally, the executive said that Mississippi residents value their jobs and family well-being more than the potential tax revenue that would be generated by out-of-state online gambling companies.

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