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Bill > SB2104

MS SB2104

MS SB2104
Gaming; include online, interactive and computerized versions thereof, increase penalties, and authorize forfeiture.

summary

Introduced
01/09/2026
In Committee
02/06/2026
Crossed Over
02/04/2026
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An Act To Amend Sections 97-33-1 And 97-33-7, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Include Any Online, Interactive, Or Computerized Version Of Games Within The Prohibition On Betting, Gaming Or Wagering And Any Online Interactive Or Computerized Version Of Any Game As Defined In Section 75-76-5(k) Shall Be A Gaming Device; To Increase The Criminal Penalty; To Provide That An Action To Prosecute A Violation May, In The Discretion Of The Attorney General Or Prosecuting Attorney, Be Tried In The County In Which The Violation Occurred Or In Hinds County; To Increase The Criminal Penalties For A Violation Of This Section; To Authorize The Forfeiture Of The Assets, Rights, And Privileges Used In Connection With Violations Of The Provisions Of These Sections; To Authorize The Gaming Commission To Enter Into Contingency Fee Agreements For Assets Forfeited In Connection With The Prosecution Of Violations Of This Section; To Provide That Nothing In Section 97-33-7 Shall Apply To Certain Provider And Services; To Amend Section 97-33-8, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Include Internet Sweepstakes Casinos Within The Prohibitions Of This Section; To Revise Certain Defined Terms; To Increase The Criminal Violation From A Misdemeanor To A Felony; To Authorize The Forfeiture Of The Assets, Rights, And Privileges Used In Connection With Violations Of This Section; To Create New Section 97-33-6, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Provide A Safe Harbor For Certain Telecommunications, Cable, And Technology Platforms; And For Related Purposes.

AI Summary

This bill expands Mississippi's gambling laws to include online, interactive, and computerized versions of games, treating them as illegal gambling devices and increasing penalties significantly. It elevates violations from misdemeanors to felonies, with potential fines up to $100,000 and prison sentences up to ten years, and allows for the forfeiture of assets used in illegal gambling operations. The bill also grants the Attorney General or prosecuting attorneys the discretion to try cases in either the county where the violation occurred or in Hinds County, and authorizes the Gaming Commission to enter into contingency fee agreements for forfeited assets. Importantly, it creates a "safe harbor" for certain telecommunications, cable, and technology platforms (referred to as "covered providers") that merely transmit or connect users to content, display informational odds, or link to third-party platforms, as long as they do not directly accept, process, or settle wagers themselves, and are not actively promoting illegal operations or sharing in their revenue. The bill also specifically includes "online sweepstakes casinos" within the prohibitions.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry, Justice

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Referred To Gaming (on 02/06/2026)

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