Mississippi’s sports betting market reported a total handle of $39.8 million in February, reflecting a slight 2.7% decline compared to the same month in 2022 when it stood at $40.9 million. However, this figure marked a more significant 30.4% drop from January 2023, which saw a handle of $57.2 million. Notably, Mississippi currently restricts sports betting to retail establishments only.
Revenue Boost:
Despite the dip in the betting handle, Mississippi reported a remarkable 63.1% year-on-year increase in revenue, reaching $3.1 million in February. It’s important to note that this revenue figure was 39.2% lower compared to the previous month’s $5.1 million.
Regional Breakdown:
Coastal casinos emerged as the highest revenue generators, recording $1.7 million in revenue from wagers totaling $26 million.
Central casinos reported $1.1 million in revenue, with bets amounting to $8.6 million.
Northern casinos contributed $350,354 in revenue from a handle of $4.2 million.
Preferred Sports:
Among the array of sports events available for betting, basketball proved to be the most popular among Mississippi bettors, with a handle of $23.3 million.
Mississippi’s sports betting market showcased mixed results in February, with a slight decline in the betting handle but a significant boost in revenue compared to the previous year. Despite challenges, the state’s appetite for sports betting remains evident, with basketball retaining its status as a favored sport for wagering. Mississippi’s betting landscape may continue to evolve as regulatory changes or expanded offerings in the future may impact these trends.