Sports betting has become a reality in the United States, ever since the ruling by SCOTUS in May to allow for individual states to legalize the industry if they so choose. Several states have already passed legislation and some, like Delaware and New Jersey, have already begun to offer such wagering options. Mississippi is set to be the next state to offer sports betting with MGM Resorts set to begin offering the option this week via the Beau Rivage.
Yesterday, the Beau Rivage Casino announced via Twitter that sports betting would begin on August 1st. Not only will this casino be offering sports betting, but the Gold Strike will also. The new industry should do well in the state as Mississippi already has a matured casino market. Operators are experienced in providing what players want and with sports betting, the rollout should be smooth.
Providers of sports betting will have an advantage in the state as they are the only ones within a large radius that will offer the wagering option. Players will be flocking from Alabama, Tennessee and other surrounding states to be able to place sports wagers on their favorite teams. Launching before the upcoming NCAA and NFL seasons gives the state as an advantage as football is very popular in the south and players should come out in droves to take part in the new industry.
On the downside, Mississippi does not allow for online gambling. So, players taking part in sports betting will not be able to log online to a casino or sportsbook to place their wagers. Any bets will need to be placed onsite at a sportsbook. This will place the state at a disadvantage, but hopefully legislators will decide to add online gambling in the mix to provide a second method for placing sports betting as well as other betting options online.
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