HB 1881, the Integrity in Gaming in Support of Honest Taxpayers Act, would impose an additional 4% tax on gross casino revenue. That would take the casino tax ceiling in the state from 12% to 16%. Currently, 8% of casino revenues go to the state and 4% to local schools and government.
Rep. Trey Lamar’s bill asserts that the State of Mississippi is losing approximately $50 million dollars annually due to illegal gambling. The purpose of his legislation is to generate revenue that will be used to replace that lost revenue.
The bill originated in the House Ways and Means Committee, which Lamar chairs, and was approved on Tuesday. It will subsequently be read and debated in the full chamber.
The act would be effective July 1 of this year.
Local media including The Clarion-Ledger reports that Lamar said at the comm..