Mississippi’s House Speaker Jason White and his staff enjoyed a Super Bowl trip courtesy of DraftKings, a major player pushing for legalized mobile sports betting in the state. This revelation comes amidst ongoing legislative debates about expanding gambling options in Mississippi.
Key Takeaways:
- DraftKings funded a Super Bowl trip for House Speaker Jason White and staff
- The trip occurred shortly after the House approved mobile sports betting legislation
- Mississippi’s lax lobbying laws allow delayed reporting of such gifts to officials
Gambling Industry’s Influence on Mississippi Politics
The sports betting lobby has been aggressively courting Mississippi politicians, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in an effort to legalize mobile sports betting. A prime example of this influence is the recent Super Bowl trip to New Orleans, attended by House Speaker Jason White, his staff, and some of their spouses. This excursion was reportedly financed, at least partially, by DraftKings, a heavyweight in the gaming industry that has invested heavily in lobbying for online betting legalization.
Timing and Transparency Concerns
The timing of this trip raises eyebrows, as it took place less than a week after White oversaw the House’s approval of legislation to legalize mobile sports betting in Mississippi. The Republican speaker has consistently championed this cause, citing potential financial benefits for the state. However, the lack of immediate public disclosure of this expensive weekend, thanks to loopholes in Mississippi’s lobbying laws, has sparked concerns about transparency and influence.
The Super Bowl Experience
White’s group, including his taxpayer-funded security guard, enjoyed prime seating at the Superdome and mingled with celebrities. Social media posts from attendees, such as Taylor Spillman, White’s communications director, and her husband, showcased the lavish nature of the trip. These posts initially thanked DraftKings for the ‘hospitality’ but were later edited to remove mentions of the company.
Legislative Push for Mobile Sports Betting
The speaker’s advocacy for mobile sports betting has been relentless. White and his allies in the House have taken an aggressive stance, even using other legislation as leverage to pressure the Senate into passing mobile sports betting laws. This approach has led to the stalling of several gaming-related bills, including one aimed at improving child support collection rates.
Lobbying Expenditures and Campaign Donations
The Sports Betting Alliance, representing DraftKings and other gaming organizations, has spent approximately $454,000 since 2024 on lobbying fees and campaign donations in Mississippi. This includes over $254,000 on lobbying expenses, ad campaigns, and meals for lawmakers, as well as at least $200,000 in donations to Mississippi politicians.
Legal and Ethical Questions
Mississippi’s lobbying laws allow for delayed reporting of gifts to public officials, with companies like DraftKings able to wait until the end of the year to disclose such expenditures. This loophole has led to a lack of immediate transparency regarding the Super Bowl trip and similar lobbying efforts.
The Broader Context of Sports Betting Legalization
The push for mobile sports betting in Mississippi is part of a larger national trend following the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision that effectively lifted the federal ban on sports betting. Since then, about 40 states have legalized some form of sports betting, with Mississippi currently only allowing in-person betting at casinos.
Economic Arguments and Opposition
Proponents of mobile sports betting, including Speaker White, argue that legalization could bring in between $40 million and $80 million annually in tax revenue for Mississippi. However, opponents, including some casinos and religious institutions, fear negative impacts on existing gambling operations and increased addiction rates.
As Mississippi lawmakers prepare for an upcoming special legislative session to finalize the state budget, the debate over mobile sports betting continues. With Governor Tate Reeves open to adding this issue to the special session agenda, the influence of the gambling industry on state politics remains a topic of intense scrutiny and debate.
