Mississippi Senate Bill SB2625

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Gaming; authorize aboard cruise vessels on the Pearl River or adjoining water within a city with a population of 145,000 or more.

Impact

The legislation's enactment would modify the current regulations that govern where and how gaming can occur in Mississippi. Notably, it specifically targets areas around larger municipalities, thus creating a distinct regulatory landscape for these jurisdictions. By establishing a population threshold for the authorization of gaming activities on cruise vessels, the bill may foster economic growth and tourism in major population centers while also aligning local gambling regulations with state gaming laws.

Summary

Senate Bill 2625 seeks to amend several sections of the Mississippi Code to allow for gaming activities to be conducted on cruise vessels operating on the Pearl River and adjoining waters within municipalities that have a population of 145,000 or more, based on the most recent federal decennial census. This bill aims to update the existing regulatory framework regarding gaming while potentially expanding the opportunities for gaming in specific areas of the state.

Contention

The bill may face contention regarding its potential implications for local governance and historical gaming practices. Critics might argue that it centralizes gaming authority, allowing larger municipalities to capitalize on gaming revenues, while smaller communities are left out. Supporters may assert that the bill represents a strategic move to bolster economic activity in urban centers by leveraging existing waterways for entertainment and tourism-related ventures. As such, the discussions around SB2625 could reflect broader themes of local control versus state oversight in the regulation of gaming activities.