The state of Mississippi is set to bring much more to its gambling field as it recently launched operation of sports books in three more casino venues, two of which overseen by Churchill Downs. In the meantime, state lawmakers gave green light to the proposed Lottery Bill, which would result in the introduction of a Mississippi lottery estimated to rake in some $80 million across the next nearly a decade.
Churchill Downs Incorporated is the developer and operator which would provide its sports betting offerings to both the Harlow’s Casino Resort & Spa in Greenville and Riverwalk Casino Hotel in Vicksburg. This week would prove to be a heated one for the region as the two integrated resorts have been looking forward to launching wagering operation for the past several months and their preparation for the official first day of operation has given results. They would feature the special BetAmerica Sportsbook powered by Churchill Downs and SBTech, another leader in the field.
It could be recalled that this collaboration was announced right after the US Supreme Court voted to overturn PASPA in May. With the help of the sports book players would have the chance to place their bets on major events ranging from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, as well as collegiate sports which have also been added to the range in the state of Mississippi. Casino patrons would also have the chance to wager on sports events in progress around the globe. The innovative technology would bring many new TV screens to the new locations, broadcasting over 100 sporting channels dedicated to sports events.
In addition to these two venues, there is also a third one which launches operation this Friday and this is Silver Slipper in Hancock County. The first bet would be placed at 11 a.m., as the location is striving to witness player flow coming from St. Tammany Parish and the New Orleans area. The sports book available at the location provides its players with the chance to gamble on a wide range of sports events, adding to the already existing sports betting venues in the state.
Sports Wagering Elevated on a New Level
Beau Rivage Casino and Gold Strike Casino overseen by MGM Resorts International on 1st August. The IP Casino, also in Biloxi was next up to give a start to sports betting on its premises on 3rd August. Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Biloxi also launched operation of its sports book on 18th August. Major gaming developers Penn National also made it clear it is planning on launching sports betting operation in its three locations.
Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast was set to commence sports wagering operation on 17th, whereas Hollywood Casino Tunica and 1st Jackpot Casino Tunica are expected to open on 24th. While sports betting is gaining traction throughout the state, a lottery could soon commence operation following the proposed bill approval of this Thursday. Senate Bill 20-01 striving to establish Mississippi Lottery Corporation was approved after several hours of debates.
For the time being, there would be five members chosen by the state governor, which would have the task to choose a professional for the position of a president. The issue pointed out during the debates was that the corporation would be a private one and as such, it will not be obliged to provide the state authorities with oversight of its operation.
Sen. John Horhn, D-Jackson stated that many legislators have already expressed their discontent with the language of the approved bill which could potentially lead to insufficient security measures and future issues. However, the need had arisen due to the fact that at the moment Mississippi does not operate its own lottery and residents of the state pour their money into Louisiana’s lottery sector.
The ultimate goal is roads improvement estimated to cost $375 per year, and state lawmakers to the liking of Sen. Hob Bryan, D-Amory and Sen. Sollie Norwood, D-Jackson claimed that the lottery would not be able to generate the said amount of money.
