JACKSON — Fantasy sports betting operators could soon face an 8 percent tax on their Mississippi revenue.
House Bill 967 and Senate Bill 2896 would establish the tax and authorize the Gaming Commission to regulate sports betting operations online or in casinos.
Operators would have to undergo a background check, get a state license and be audited annually. They also would have to verify that people placing bets are at least 21.
Mississippi legalized fantasy sports betting last year and established a study group to recommend rules. Those recommendations are in the bills, which passed committees Thursday and are moving to the full House and Senate for more debate.
Republican Rep. Scott DeLano of Biloxi says the regulations could ensure that fantasy sports betting doesn’t affect the integrity of casino gambling operations.
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