The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has voted unanimously to approve amendments to its Gaming Commission regulations which will facilitate sports betting throughout its chain of casinos in the state. Among the venues that will be first to operate a sportsbook are the Silver Star Hotel and Casino, Golden Moon Hotel and Casino at Pearl River Resort and Bok Homa Casino.
Betting will be able to place wagers on college and professional sporting events, as well as horse racing. The Choctaw tribe has not firmed up a go-live date for sports betting, but is expected to make a move ahead of non-tribal Mississippi casinos because its operations are not bound by state Gaming Commission regulations.
By voting in the amendments, the tribe has added two new sections to Chapter 4 on regulations governing sports pools, race books and pari-mutuel betting. They were put before the Tribal Council after the ruling on PASPA. There are further amendments to other chapters of the regulations that touch on skill based gaming, fantasy sports, eSports, and a new community based betting slot game.
In a statement to the press, Choctaw leader Phyliss J Anderson said: “The Resort is very excited about the opportunity to offer these new products for our guests in a vibrant and advanced gambling environment. 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. The Resort will be able to service all our patrons at Bok Homa Casino, Silver Star Hotel and Casino, and Golden Moon Hotel and Casino.”