Mississippi’s sports betting industry is showing remarkable growth, with a 141.1% surge in the sports betting handle in September compared to the previous month. This upswing has reinvigorated the state’s gaming sector, surpassing expectations and demonstrating the enduring appeal of sports wagering.
Impressive Gains in the Sports Betting Handle
In September 2023, Mississippi’s sports betting handle reached an impressive $51.6 million. This figure represents an 18% increase compared to the same period in 2022 when it stood at $43.1 million. However, the most astonishing growth has been witnessed in comparison to August 2023, where the handle was $21.4 million, indicating a staggering 141.1% increase in just one month.
Regional Contributions to the Handle
Mississippi’s sports betting activity is distributed across the state’s three distinct regions: coastal Mississippi, central Mississippi, and northern Mississippi. Coastal Mississippi has emerged as the frontrunner, contributing significantly to the state’s overall handle. In September, the coastal region accounted for $33.5 million in wagers, highlighting the popularity of sports betting in this area.
Central Mississippi followed closely behind, with bets totaling $12.3 million, while the northern region reported a handle of $5.8 million. This regional breakdown illustrates the widespread interest in sports betting across the state.
Favorite Sports for Wagering
American football continues to maintain its status as the most preferred sport for sports bettors in Mississippi. In September, a substantial amount was wagered on football games, with coastal casinos recording $19.3 million in bets. Central venues saw $5.9 million in football wagers, while northern casinos reported $3.4 million in bets on the sport.
Basketball also attracted a considerable amount of betting activity. Coastal casinos reported a handle of $235,916, central casinos reached $166,396, and northern casinos recorded $191,021 in basketball wagers. This diversification in the sports wagered on reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of the state’s sports betting landscape.
Revenue and Its Trajectory
While the sports betting handle is experiencing significant growth, the revenue generated tells a slightly different story. In September 2023, the sports betting revenue was $8.1 million, which represents an 8% decrease compared to the same period in 2022 when revenue was $8.8 million. However, when compared to the previous month of August 2023, the revenue has surged dramatically by 200%, rising from $2.7 million.
This variation in revenue highlights the dynamic nature of sports betting, influenced by factors such as the sports calendar, betting patterns, and more.
Mississippi’s sports betting industry is thriving, with a robust increase in the sports betting handle and a notable spike in revenue from the previous month. The state’s sports bettors are embracing a diverse range of sports, emphasizing the resilience and adaptability of this sector. These promising figures underscore the enduring appeal of sports betting and its positive impact on Mississippi’s gaming landscape.