Wisconsin, Mississippi Eye Sports Betting Expansion in 2026

After a slow 2025, it appears the US sports industry may start growing once again.

Lawmakers in Wisconsin and Mississippi are back in session this week, and sports betting is at the center of focus for both. The two markets have legalized limited retail sports betting, but have been unable to expand that to include online platforms. 

While both states have seen strong opposition to expanding the industry, proponents believe 2026 will be a different story.

Mississippi Senate Remains a Problem

The Mississippi House has passed several bills over the years to expand online sports betting. However, the Senate has rejected every attempt. Last year, the Senate dropped an effort to ban sweepstakes platforms because of the sports betting language the House added. 

While opponents are championing concerns about problem gambling and other impacts of mobile betting, other reasons are not being discussed. Some of those include the relationship many lawmakers have with tribal gaming groups in the state. Mississippi tribes have been staunchly opposed to online sports betting, believing it will keep bettors from visiting their casinos.

Industry proponents are hopeful that 2026 will be a different story. One primary reason for that belief is the state’s dire budget situation. As of today, only 55% of the state’s pension fund is funded. State employees rely on that money being there once they retire, leading lawmakers to make big changes.

Sports betting bills have proposed to use tax revenue to address the issue. Given the growing concerns over the budget, some Senators may choose to abandon tribal ties.

Strong Support for Wisconsin Bill

Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos revealed that he believes a vote on a bill to expand mobile sports betting is likely in the coming months. The bill would establish a tribal-run market, helping to earn bipartisan support among lawmakers. With the famously conservative Vos and Democrats actually working together, hopes remain high that the bill will pass.

Like Mississippi, the Wisconsin Senate presents another hurdle towards legalization. While the industry has support there, some prominent Senators don’t want to cut out commercial operators. 

While no votes have been held, we have heard Assembly members and Senators share their belief that unregulated sports betting is already happening in the state.

Prediction Markets Bring Pressure

Over the last year, the world of sports prediction markets has taken off. Many more operators have launched their own platforms, including three industry-leading sportsbooks. There are also far more markets available, allowing customers to place prop bets and even place parlays.

Prediction markets are considered a form of commodity trading and, therefore, are not subject to gambling regulations. That has allowed them to operate in all 50 states, including Wisconsin and Mississippi. 

With prediction markets already offering sports betting, pressure is mounting for lawmakers to block states from launching their own regulated market.