Mississippi Moves to Intercept Gambling Jackpots for Overdue Child Support
Mississippi lawmakers have approved twin measures that would allow the state to intercept large gambling payouts to satisfy child support arrears, a move supporters say targets long-standing collection shortfalls.
Key Takeaways:
- Mississippi proposes laws to collect $1.7 billion in owed child support from jackpot winnings
- The plan targets jackpots over $2,000, including sports betting, set to start in 2026
- Critics raise data security concerns, but supporters cite successful recovery efforts in neighboring states
State targets $1.7bn in unpaid child support
According to Mississippi Today, parents are owed roughly $1.7 billion in child support affecting about 159,826 children, and the bills direct the Department of Human Services and the Mississippi Gaming Commission to cross-check jackpot winners against arrears records and withhold unpaid amounts before issuing payouts.
Industry observers note similar programs in neighboring states have generated measurable recovery for custodial parents.
SB2369 and HB520 focus on substantial slot machine jackpots, the House and Senate texts target wins above $2,000, with the Senate version also capturing major sports-betting payouts while excluding table games.
Industry backdrop shifts as casinos adapt to market pressures
If signed, the mechanism would take effect July 1, 2026, with the agencies given until January 1, 2027, to adopt rules; casinos may assess up to $35 per withholding and recipients would have 30 days to dispute matches.
The proposal comes as Mississippi’s land-based casino sector continues to adjust to shifting regional dynamics.
Boyd Gaming recently announced plans to close one of its Mississippi properties in November, underscoring the competitive and economic pressures facing some operators.
Critics warn about data security and expanded collection points; opponents argue the state already has other withholding tools. Rep. Jay McKnight reassured colleagues that casinos would not have access to a person’s personal information, per Gambling News.
