In June 2024, Mississippi’s sports betting handle experienced a significant decline. The total handle was reported at $19.4 million, marking a decrease of more than 10% compared to May’s $27 million. Despite this downturn, retail sports betting generated nearly $1.9 million in taxable revenue, indicating a continued but reduced level of engagement in sports wagering across the state.
Coastal Mississippi
The coastal region led the state in sports betting activity, contributing approximately $12.1 million to the overall handle. This area demonstrated a strong inclination towards baseball betting, with $3.9 million wagered on the sport. Additionally, basketball attracted $2.7 million in bets, reflecting a diverse interest in different sports.
Central Mississippi
In Central Mississippi, sports betting totaled over $5 million. Of this amount, $1.5 million was wagered on baseball, while $2.5 million was placed on parlay bets. This region’s data indicates a balanced interest between traditional sports betting and more complex betting options like parlays.
Northern Mississippi
Northern Mississippi’s betting activity, though smaller in comparison, was still significant. Bettors in this region placed $950,000 on parlay cards and $800,000 on baseball. The preference for parlay cards suggests a unique betting trend within this area, alongside a steady interest in baseball.
Baseball vs. Basketball
The betting trends for June highlight baseball as the most popular sport among Mississippians. The total amount wagered on baseball reached $6.7 million, showcasing its dominance in the state’s betting landscape. Basketball, while also popular, received $2.7 million in wagers. This distribution illustrates a clear preference for baseball, with basketball maintaining a consistent, though less pronounced, presence.
Impact on Tax Revenue
The taxable revenue from retail sports betting for June amounted to nearly $1.9 million. This revenue is an important financial contributor to Mississippi’s economy, underscoring the sector’s continued impact despite the overall reduction in betting handle. The tax revenue figure reflects the ongoing significance of sports wagering in the state’s financial landscape.
When comparing June’s betting figures to those of May, the decrease in handle is evident. May’s handle was notably higher at $27 million, compared to June’s $19.4 million. This drop could be attributed to various factors, such as seasonal betting patterns, changes in the sports calendar, or broader economic conditions affecting discretionary spending.
The sports betting landscape in Mississippi for June 2024 presented a mixed scenario. While the overall handle decreased, regional insights revealed varying levels of betting activity. Coastal Mississippi led in total bets and exhibited strong preferences for baseball. Central Mississippi showed a diverse betting pattern with a notable interest in parlay bets, while Northern Mississippi displayed a distinctive trend towards parlay cards. Despite the reduced handle, the taxable revenue remains a significant aspect of Mississippi’s sports betting economy, reflecting both the sector’s resilience and its ongoing importance to state finances.