Caesars launches mobile sports betting at Harrah’s casino in Mississippi

Players aged 21 or over can download the Caesars Sportsbook Mississippi app and place bets across a range of sports. Wagering via the app is only permitted while users are physically present at Harrah’s Gulf Coast.

The mobile launch will complement the on-site Caesars Sportsbook facility at the casino. The retail sports betting location has been taking bets at Harrah’s Gulf Coast since 2018.

Users betting via mobile will also have access to the Caesars Rewards loyalty program, which is integrated into the app. Players earn points for each bet placed, with these redeemable for Caesars experiences and bonus cash in the app.

“The launch of our Caesars Sportsbook mobile app at Harrah’s Gulf Coast is a game-changer for sports fans who visit the world-class destination,” Caesars Digital president Eric Hession said. 

“Enhancing the fan experience remains a key focus for us across jurisdictions where we operate. Bringing mobile wagering online in Mississippi builds on that. 

“We look forward to providing an elevated and responsible sports wagering experience to our Biloxi customers going forward.”

Mississippi mulls expanded mobile betting bill

Players in Mississippi are currently limited to placing mobile wagers inside casinos that have a partnership with an online operator. BetMGM is among other online brands that have such a deal in place, working with MGM Resorts International’s Beau Rivage.

A new bill could change this and open up the market. Introduced in January this year, HB 774 would permit mobile wagering anywhere inside the state’s boundaries. It would allow for a total of 26 licences, each tethered to commercial casinos in Mississippi. 

Other aspects of the bill include setting tax at a maximum of 12%. There is a sliding scale for tax revenue, with sportsbooks doing less business paying at a lower rate.

However, the bill remains in limbo. HB 774 passed the house on 1 February. It moved to the senate on 5 February and then assigned to the gaming committee on 27 February. Last Tuesday (2 April) was the final day for a committee to pass out a bill that did not originate in its chamber.

To keep the bill alive, the Mississippi senate gaming committee held a two-minute meeting on 2 April. This came about with a month left in the legislative session, which is due to run until 5 May.

There could be more movement today (11 April) – the deadline for the full senate to act on any non-revenue bills that originated in the house.