House advances mobile sports wagering bill that diverts wagering revenue to PERS after casino 'make‑whole' fund; floor amendment adds $600M PERS infusion

The Mississippi House passed HB 15‑81, a bill to permit mobile sports wagering in the state under a model that tethers platforms to brick‑and‑mortar casinos and requires geofencing and identity verification.

Sponsor and fiscal design: The bill restricts platforms to casino partners (two platforms per casino), requires bettors to be physically in Mississippi, and mandates monitoring and identity checks. The sponsor said the first $6 million each year would be used to make casinos whole if needed through 2030; remaining revenue would flow to the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). The sponsor projected minimum recurring revenue between $40 million and $80 million annually based on other states’ experiences.

Amendment and pension plan move: Representative from Jackson offered a floor amendment to provide a $600 million cash infusion from capital‑expense funds into PERS, contingent on the retirement board adopting an assumed return of at least 7.75 percent; the amendment passed on the floor. Supporters argued the combined measures would bolster PERS funding and bring new revenue to the fund. Critics cautioned that the assumptions and long‑term effects on the capital‑expense balance required further study.

Community and safety provisions: HB 15‑81 includes child‑support collection language requiring ID checks on large jackpot payouts, and a geofencing requirement to prevent out‑of‑state play. Supporters cited lost tax revenue to neighboring states as reason to act.

Outcome: After floor amendments and debate, the House passed the bill by recorded vote (final logged around 85 yays to 31 nays). A final reconciliation may be necessary in conference to set precise revenue distribution and the PERS contingency triggers.