Mississippi Considers Casino Tax Relief, Saving Brick-and-Mortar Casinos $48 Million Annually
Mississippi’s House has approved legislation to carve out tax relief for brick-and-mortar casinos while permitting mobile sports wagering statewide.
Key Takeaways:
- Mississippi House approves legislation for statewide casino tax relief and mobile sports wagering
- The bill proposes reduced casino taxes to 6% and a 22% tax on online sports revenue and
- Industry stakeholders argue the changes will boost local casinos and curb offshore operators
HB4074 pairs reduced taxes for physical casinos with a new tax on online sportsbook revenue. The move, supporters say, will modernize regulation and preserve local gaming economies.
The legislation describes a state casino tax relief on casino gross gaming revenue from 8% to 6%, a cut estimated to save casinos roughly $48 million annually. It also reports a 22% state tax on mobile wagering.
Casey Eure, House Gaming Chairman Representative said ‘I’m committed to and this bill is committed to our bricks-and-mortar casinos’ per Mississippi Today.
Under the same bill, a two-tiered tax would yield different effective rates and carveouts directing portions of revenue to the Public Employees’ Retirement System and a temporary Retail Sports Wagering Protection Fund.
This aligns with Mississippi’s recent twin bill approval that would lead large gambling payouts to pay outstanding child support.
Industry stakeholders argue the tax tradeoff will let casinos invest in operations and staff to remain competitive with app-based rivals.
The bill is awaiting assignment in the Mississippi Senate.
