Mississippi's University of Mississippi survey potentially accelerates sports betting in the state
In Mississippi, a survey conducted by the University of Mississippi has revealed a concerning trend among college students - up to 6,000 are struggling with gambling addiction, with sports betting being the most prevalent form of gambling[1][2]. This issue is further exacerbated by the fact that, despite the presence of regulated retail sportsbooks in Mississippi, 60% of student gamblers are placing bets illegally through online platforms[2].
Research shows that around 6%–9% of teens and college students experience gambling problems, a higher rate than adults[1]. Sports betting is the predominant form of gambling among this age group, aligning with national trends[5]. In Mississippi, the most popular sports to wager on are likely to be football, basketball, baseball, and other major sports during their seasons, although explicit data from the study is not available.
The legal landscape in Mississippi focuses on retail sportsbooks largely at casinos and highly restrictive online betting laws. However, this hasn't deterred college students from participating in illegal online sports betting[2]. Southern states like Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina are looking at new legislation to legalize mobile sports betting, which could potentially address this issue.
One such proponent of legalizing mobile sports betting is Mississippi House Speaker Jason White (R), who has announced plans to push for its legalization during the 2026 legislative session[3]. White is looking to follow the models of surrounding states, including Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia, and designate tax revenue from gambling towards addiction resources[4].
Bryce Meades, a student at Florida State University, has been writing about the issue of legal sports betting for Legal Sports Betting since 2025[6]. Meades, who has a passion for wellness, believes that addressing gambling addiction among college students is crucial.
As the issue of gambling addiction among college students continues to grow, it's clear that increased prevention and treatment efforts are necessary. With the potential legalization of mobile sports betting on the horizon, it's hoped that this could provide a safe and regulated avenue for those who choose to gamble, while also addressing the addiction concerns that have been raised.
References
- NCBI - Prevalence of gambling problems in the United States
- University of Mississippi - Study reveals gambling issues among Mississippi college students
- Mississippi Today - Mississippi House Speaker Jason White to push for mobile sports betting in 2026
- Mississippi Today - White plans to use gambling tax revenue for addiction resources
- NCBI - Sports betting among college students: a systematic review
- Legal Sports Betting - Author Bio: Bryce Meades
- Surveys have indicated that sports betting is the most prevalent form of gambling among college students in Mississippi, a trend that aligns with national statistics [1][5].
- Although retail sportsbooks are available in Mississippi, research shows that 60% of student gamblers engage in illegal sports betting through online platforms [2].
- While the legal landscape in Mississippi currently focuses on retail sportsbooks and highly restrictive online betting laws, neighboring states like Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia have legalized mobile sports betting, potentially serving as models for the future [3][4].
- Bryce Meades, a student at Florida State University, has been writing about the issue of legal sports betting and its impact on gambling addiction among college students for Legal Sports Betting since 2025 [6].
- As the potential legalization of mobile sports betting in Mississippi approaches, it's hoped that this could provide a safe and regulated avenue for sports betting, while also addressing the concerns regarding gambling addiction [4].
