Mississippi Gaming Commission officially makes sports betting legal

The commission ruled Thursday that sports betting inside casinos on competitive athletic events is now legal. The first bets can be placed in 30 days.

Betting on non athletic events, such as politics, is still illegal.

Several college coaches and executives at sports governing bodies have expressed concerns. But, for fledgling casinos in Tunica and elsewhere, this will bring a boom of visitors to their doors ready to place sports bets.