Mississippi tribes bring historic betting to casinos

In what stands to be a first for US tribal nations, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has approved the roll out of sports betting at its Silver Star Hotel and Casino, Golden Moon Hotel and Bok Homa Casino.

Due to venues lying on reservation land, tribal operators in Mississippi do not require the approval of the state Gaming Commission in order to offer sports betting.

Sonny Johnson, who oversees the tribes brick and mortar casino venues has stated that all regulatory hurdles have been cleared with preparations for the Supreme Court’s overruling of legislation banning the practice having been underway for the past six months.

Tribal chief Phyliss Anderson remarked that the ability to offer sports betting facilities in sites will assist in making tribal venues more competitive with other commercial properties in the state.

The Golden Moon premises will reportedly become the first of the three properties to offer the service and in turn is hoping to establish itself as a gaming destination for those wanting to bet on sports and racing contests.

“These newly approved regulations will allow the resort to remain on the forefront of the gambling market as well as provide additional revenue streams to the tribe,” Anderson said in a statement.

The tribal council approved the addition of sports betting on 31 May, but as yet there is no concrete date for operation.