Local media reports from Mississippi are that new moves are afoot to again consider the legalisation of online gambling, spurred by alarming declines in land gambling revenues and a casino closure in Tunica.
The reports note that Richard Bennett, chairman of the state’s House Gaming Committee, has commissioned a team of eight people who have been tasked with reviewing online gambling opportunities and the experience of other states, reporting back to the committee.
The team is headed by Allen Godfrey, executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, an experienced and competent administrator.
Online gambling legalisation is certainly not a new concept for Mississippi; Rep. Bobby Moak has made a name for himself over the past three years with persistent legalisation proposals that die at committee stage despite offering the protection of licenses restricted to existing land operators.