Sports betting revenue in Mississippi decreases, recording $30.5 million in February.
Mississippi's Sports Betting Market Shows a Sharper Slump
In the chilly month of February, Mississippi's sports betting scene took a noticeable dip with a total handle of $30.5 million. Compared to the jaw-dropping numbers in January, this marked a considerable drop of approximately $12 million. The Mississippi Gaming Commission shared these declining figures, painting a picture of decreased player activity.
Even amidst the overall downturn, punters from the coastal region continued to reign supreme. Their bets accounted for a sizeable chunk of all wagers in the state. The northern region came in last, with the central region following closely behind the coastal region.
Basketball Wagers Lead the Way
Mississippi punters showed a clear preference for basketball bets, making it the most popular choice. The statewide handles for basketball wagers totaled a staggering $14.7 million in February. As March Madness approached, the current college basketball season certainly played a major role in the sport's popularity.
In terms of regional betting activity, the coastline region led the pack with an astounding $20.5 million in basketball wagers. The central region came in second with $6.5 million, while the northern region managed $3.5 million.
The financial impact was also felt, as Mississippi's taxable revenue dipped to around $1.2 million in February. This was a steep drop from the previous month, amounting to a decline of about $4 million. If the dropping revenue continues, it could potentially signal challenges for the state's public services, highlighting the market's massive monthly fluctuations.
Could the Market Bounce Back?
While the February decline might raise some eyebrows, the sports betting industry isn’t new to these seasonal ups and downs. With major sporting events like March Madness on the horizon, Mississippi's betting handle and revenue figures might see a significant comeback in the coming months.
Despite the February slump, Mississippi has carved out a notable niche in the U.S. sports betting market. Over the years, sportsbooks in the state have surpassed the $3 billion mark in total betting handle [1][4][5]. The annual handle for the state currently stands at around $107.5 million, though some sources suggest much higher cumulative totals, possibly due to different reporting periods or methodologies.
Mississippi punters favor a wide variety of sports betting options, including major U.S. sports and live, in-play betting experiences. The state's proximity to major sports events and the popularity of college sports, notably SEC football, fuel significant regional engagement. Brick-and-mortar casinos remain integral, though online sports betting is also accessible via mobile apps on casino properties.
Historically, Mississippi has collected around $36.3 million in state taxes from sports betting, with an average win rate of about 11.13% for sportsbooks [4]. The latest figures for 2025 show a handle of $107.5 million, though these figures may represent early year partial or monthly figures. The broader trend shows steady growth in the market since legalization, contributing millions annually to state coffers.
Footnotes:
[1] Mississippi Gaming Commission data
[2] Mississippi Department of Revenue
[3] American Gaming Association
[4] Legal Sports Report
[5] PlayNJ
- The Mississippi Gaming Commission indicated that the basketball wagers in February accounted for the highest handle among all sports, amounting to $14.7 million.
- Within basketball wagers, the coastal region led the state with an astounding $20.5 million, followed by the central region with $6.5 million and the northern region with $3.5 million.
- The fluctuations in basketball wagers were mirrored in the taxable revenue, which dropped to around $1.2 million in February, marking a decline of about $4 million from the previous month.
- The upcoming March Madness events could result in a significant rebound for Mississippi's sports betting market, which has experienced seasonal ups and downs.
