Mississippi Sports Betting

Mississippi Legal Sports Betting Overview

Mississippi Sports Betting Summary

Mississippi legislators changed state law to legalize sports betting in 2017. However, Mississippi's betting laws could only be instated in 2018, when the US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), allowing each US state to legalize its own betting. Just a few hours after the Supreme Court's ruling, MS submitted its sports betting regulations, and within 30 days, sports betting was legal in the state. Mississippi's first retail sportsbooks opened their doors in August 2018.

Despite legalizing sports betting quickly, MS betting regulations differ from other US state gambling laws. While online sports betting launched in January 2021, bettors must be physically on the property of a partnered casino to place bets. These regulations may seem strange and impractical to residents of other states where betting is legal. Still, Mississippi's market managed to net over $1 billion in betting handle since it launched.

Read our complete guide to discover everything you need to know about wagering on sports in Mississippi. From regulation and legal betting requirements to the Magnolia State’s top licensed sportsbooks, this in-depth look into Mississippi sports betting uncovers all.

Mississippi Online Sportsbooks Compared

Mississippi’s unique gambling laws mean bettors can’t use mobile sportsbooks wherever they want in the state. Instead, bettors must visit a land-based casino to place wagers. Because of these restrictions, many of the sportsbooks in Mississippi focus on delivering an excellent on-site betting experience to online and retail bettors. There are two sportsbook apps in the state: BetMGM and Pearl River Sports. To get you started, we listed some strengths of each MS bookmaker:

• Best Mobile App – BetMGM

While you can’t use the BetMGM sportsbook desktop site in Mississippi, its mobile app gives you access to everything the sportsbook offers. It features fast live betting, easy navigation, and tons of promotions you can redeem. There are also mobile-exclusive features, including special alerts and notifications. Similarly, the mobile app has excellent geolocation services, meaning you won’t experience issues playing in your favorite casino.

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• Best Welcome Bonus – BetMGM

Pearl River Sports doesn’t offer players a welcome bonus, so BetMGM takes this crown by default. Still, the sportsbook’s $150 bonus bet is worthy of celebration. If you lose your first bet, you’ll receive this money back as free bets you can use for more wagering. Also, if you use more than $50 for your qualifying wager, the site will reward your free bets as 20% denominations. Any profit you make from these free bets is yours to keep as there are no wagering requirements.

• Best for Competitive Odds – BetMGM

BetMGM Sportsbook has experience offering generous and competitive betting odds to compete with other sportsbooks across the US. Mississippi players get the same odds as players in other states, meaning these are industry-competitive betting lines. BetMGM is also famous for its daily boosted odds, which you can easily find on its mobile app.

• Best for Market Coverage – BetMGM

As the official partner of the MLB, NHL, and MLS, it’s no surprise that BetMGM provides tons of betting markets on these sports and other major league sports. However, the sportsbook also has extensive international sports coverage, such as European soccer and Formula 1.

• Best for Beginner Bettors – BetMGM

BetMGM is available in dozens of states across the US and welcomes thousands of new customers each day. That’s how the betting operator has developed such an easy-to-use platform. While you can only use the mobile app in Mississippi, the straightforward interface and easy navigation mean you can bet with ease. Similarly, you can find the app’s daily boosted odds with just a few taps.

• Best for Payout Speed – Pearl River Sports

Cashing out quickly is crucial for an excellent sports wagering experience. Pearl River Sports is available in Golden Moon, Silver Star, and Bok Homa casinos. You can withdraw using a range of payment methods through the app or visit the casino cage cashier in each location, the latter of which only takes a few hours. BetMGM also offers this at its partnered casinos, but it only offers two locations.

How to Place a Bet in Mississippi

Choosing the right Mississippi sportsbook for you is crucial to having the best betting experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to go about placing a wager in the Magnolia State:

1. There are plenty of retail sportsbooks in Mississippi, each with something unique to offer players. Choose the bookmaker that suits you best and click on the link on this page to visit their site.

2. Some sportsbooks allow players to download betting apps they can use to register before visiting the casino to wager.

3. Enter your full name, address, mobile number, and last four digits of your Social Security number. Mississippi sportsbooks require geolocation services to be enabled to ensure you are playing from a licensed casino.

4. You must visit the casino partnered with your chosen betting platform to place bets. For the app to work, you must allow it to use your device's location to verify you are in the casino. Go to your device's settings and activate your location services.

5. Head to the app’s cashier section for guidance on depositing. Most sportsbooks require a deposit to redeem a welcome bonus, and you can pick up these rewards after funding your account.

6. Using your mobile app in participating casinos, browse the markets, and choose one for your first bet. Select how much you want to stake and confirm your wager in your bet slip.

7. If your bet is successful, return to the cashier section of the app to request a withdrawal. Or, as you are already at the casino, visit the casino cage cashier for quick cash-outs.

Who is Eligible to Bet in MS?

You must be aged 21 or over to bet legally in Mississippi. You also must visit a local casino with a partnered sportsbook to place bets, even if you are using a sportsbook mobile app. Still, individuals in certain positions or circumstances cannot place bets in Mississippi, including:

• Individuals involved in the creation and enforcement of sports regulations.

• Individuals who can access non-public information about sports teams that can influence events (e.g., player medical records).

• Professional sports team staff, coaches, and athletes.

• College sports team staff, coaches, and athletes.

• Referees involved with professional leagues, minor leagues, and college sports.

• Individuals holding positions of authority in a sports organization that can influence players (e.g., NBA, NCAA).

• Individuals who own a stake in a sports team.

• Employees of companies with sports betting licenses, including owners, directors, officers, and key staff members.

• Individuals prohibited from betting at a state or federal level (e.g., due to criminal history).

• Individuals that have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling activities.

Latest Mississippi Sports Betting Updates

Timeline for Sports Betting in Mississippi

• January 2022: Representative Cedric Burnett introduces HB 184, which would allow sportsbook apps to launch in the state. However, the bill faces stiff competition from land-based casinos and fails.

• January 2021: BetMGM launches the first online sportsbook in Mississippi. To place wagers, you must be in a partnered casino.

• January 2020: Rep. Burnett fills HB 172, which would allow Mississippi casinos to offer online sportsbooks to use anywhere in the state. However, this bill fails two months later.

• February 2019: The Gaming Control Act dies without a hearing.

• January 2019: Senator Willie Simmons introduces the Gaming Control Act, which will legalize mobile sports betting.

• August 2018: BetMGM takes the state’s first sports bets at the Beau Rivage and Gold Strike casinos.

• June 2018: The 30-day review period of the Mississippi Gaming Commission’s regulations elapses, and Mississippi legalizes sports betting. Operators start applying to the Mississippi Gaming Commission for licenses to operate.

• May 2018: The US Supreme Court decides the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) is unconstitutional. This ruling gave US states the power to legalize sports betting. The Mississippi Gaming Commission releases a draft of its sports betting regulations within hours of the Supreme Court's decision.

Mississippi Sports Betting Background

Despite not fully embracing online sports betting, Mississippi was one of the first states to see the potential of this profitable market. In 2014, the state's Internet Gaming Taskforce was created to investigate the eligibility of online gambling and sports betting. The Taskforce submitted a report that said the rural territory of Mississippi might result in issues with geolocation services, lowering the revenues initially projected by experts.

Mississippi legalized Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) with the Fantasy Contest Act in 2017. However, the state made modifications to regulations laid out by the Gaming Control Act (1972), including removing the restrictions against sports betting. Mississippi was ready to legalize sports wagering even before the US Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018.

Future of Mississippi Sports Betting

The most significant change that may be imminent for Mississippi is the introduction of online sports betting throughout the state. However, this won’t happen in the 2022 legislative session, as HB 184 and four similar bills didn’t make it through the legislature. Still, with neighboring state Louisiana legalizing mobile wagering, Mississippi won’t want to miss out on potential revenue.

Mississippi Sports Betting Locations

There are 29 brick-and-mortar casinos in Mississippi that offer retail sports betting. Some of these casinos offer you the chance to place wagers on mobile if you are at the casino.

Beau Rivage Resort and Casino

• Address: 875 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, MS 39530

• Website: https://beaurivage.mgmresorts.com/

• Phone Number: (228) 386-7111

• Operator: BetMGM

If you want to place retail sports bets at the Beau Rivage, visit the BetMGM Book Bar and Grill. The bar won “Best Sports Bar 2021” in Casino Player Magazine, and it offers tons of HD TVs, a massive video wall, and a full bar and food menu for sports bettors. You can place wagers at the five windows or use the self-service kiosks. Every bet placed at the sportsbook earns you BetMGM Rewards points, which you can redeem at any MGM Resorts property. On top of this, you can also use the BetMGM app anywhere on the casino’s property to wager 24/7.

Horseshoe Casino and Hotel

• Address: 1021 Casino Center Drive, Tunica Resorts, MS 38664

• Website: https://www.caesars.com/horseshoe-tunica/

• Phone Number: (800) 303-7463

• Operator: Caesars

You’ll find a Caesars Sportsbook when visiting the Horseshoe Casino in Tunica. You can place wagers at the counter or use one of the self-service kiosks. The sportsbook is open from 10am-11pm from Monday to Thursday, 10am-12pm on Friday, 9am-12pm Saturday, and 9am-11pm on Sunday. You also redeem the Caesars Rewards points you earn by betting at this hotel and other Caesar properties.

Golden Nugget

• Address: 151 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, MS 39530

• Website: https://www.goldennugget.com/biloxi/

• Phone Number: (228) 435-5400

• Operator: Golden Nugget

You can find the Golden Nugget Sportsbook at Michael Patrick's Sports with a restaurant, 24/7 betting kiosks, and four betting windows. There is a lunch and dinner menu that you can enjoy while watching your favorite sports on two high-definition video walls and more than 50 HD TVs. The sportsbook has an impressive capacity of 120 seats. Golden Nugget also promises to introduce a sportsbook app for use on its casino property in the future.

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Mississippi Land-Based Casinos

Mississippi Lottery Locations

The Mississippi Lottery Corporation launched in 2018, which is very recent compared to lottery operations in many US states. There are thousands of lottery retailers all over the state. Still, no casinos or sportsbooks have partnered with the Lottery Corporation, meaning you can't place bets at any lottery retailers.

Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations

You can only bet on sports at licensed casinos, meaning there are no stadium or off-track betting locations in MS. The Magnolia State is one of the few in the US never to have a pari-mutuel horse betting market. Indeed, the state hosts no horse or greyhound races. However, if you want to wager on horse races, you can do so at licensed sportsbooks.

Mississippi Responsible Gambling Resources

• The Mississippi Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling – Provides a live chat and free helpline if you need to reach out for support. It also offers a list of counseling sessions in Mississippi. (888) 777-9696

• Gamblers Anonymous – Runs meetings across Mississippi and the US for those struggling with problem gambling. It also offers a free helpline. (855) 222-5542

• National Council on Problem Gambling – Offers guidance about more support resources, screening tools, a live chat, and a helpline. (601) 853-8351

Players struggling with problem gambling in Mississippi can reach out to local and national organizations, including the groups listed above. Additionally, online sportsbooks will provide information and resources for those who wish to control their gambling habits. Betting sites offer the chance to use account tools like deposit limits, spend limits, and loss limits.

The state also has a self-exclusion program, but players must visit any office of the Mississippi Gaming Commission to put themselves on this list. Staff at retail sportsbooks are also trained to spot and help players suffering from problem gambling.

Teams to Bet on in Mississippi

• Pro Sports

With just under three million residents, Mississippi has one of the smallest populations in the US, with many living in rural areas. That’s why the state has no major league franchises. Mississippi has attempted to welcome major league teams, making a big bid for the Las Vegas Posse, a US CFL team. However, nothing came of it as the CFL ended its attempt to integrate US teams into the league.

Still, there are many major league franchises that Mississippians get behind in nearby South-eastern States. Some of the most popular teams are shown below:

• Minor League Sports

While there are plenty of sports fans in Mississippi, there aren't many minor league sports teams. In the past, there were teams like the Mississippi Surge, Mississippi Sea Wolves, and Jackson Bandits, but these outfits folded. You can still find the Mississippi Braves, a Double-A team baseball team affiliated with the MLB's Atlanta Braves, playing in the Southern League.

• College Sports

Alcorn State Braves: 15 varsity teams represent Alcorn State University’s Braves in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Its basketball team is one of the most successful in the SWAC, winning seven championships.

Jackson State Tigers: Football is the most famous program for the Tigers after winning 17 conference titles in the SWAC. Jackson State University also has five SWAC championships in basketball.

Mississippi State Bulldogs: Rivals of the Rebels, the Bulldogs play Ole Miss in a football game called the Egg Bowl every year. The Mississippi State University team also plays against its rivals in basketball and baseball, leading in both series. The team won an NCAA baseball championship in 2021.

Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils: Mississippi Valley State University’s basketball program has seen great success, with five championships for the men’s team in the SWAC and two for the women’s team.

Ole Miss Rebels: The Rebels football program was the first of its kind in the state, and the University of Mississippi’s team is one of the top 30 most winningest programs of all time. The football team has claimed three national championships, with the Rebels picking up over 20 other NCAA championships.

Southern Miss Golden Eagles: The University of Southern Mississippi’s football program has produced NFL legends like Hanford Dixon, Ray Guy, and Brett Favre.

• Women’s Sports

Mississippi Panthers: The Panthers are a tackle football team playing in the Women’s National Football Conference. Founded in 2018, the amateur team plays its games at Madison-Ridgeland Academy.

How does Mississippi Compare to Other States?

• Market Coverage

Many retail sportsbooks in Mississippi are provided by some of the biggest US brands like DraftKings, Caesars, and FanDuel. These sportsbooks provide the same range of US and global sports markets in MS as in other US states. College sports betting is also available in MS, unlike in some states.

• Competitive Odds & Prices

Even with sportsbooks exclusive to the Magnolia State, bettors will be pleased to know odds are competitive with other regions. The smaller bookmakers may not offer the most generous odds, but you should find betting lines matching the industry average.

• Gambling Revenue

The lack of online sports wagering in Mississippi hasn’t stopped its market from thriving. Since launching, the state has taken a betting handle of over $1 billion. Mississippi also has an unusually high 11.1% hold, which likely comes from local retail sportsbooks not offering welcome bonuses. The sportsbook revenue of $181,668,472 is taxed at 12%, bringing in $21,802,617 in state revenue. It’s important to remember that business was lost during the COVID-19 pandemic as this is a retail-only state, making these figures even more impressive.

• Betting Taxes

Every US state with sports betting must pay a 0.25% excise tax on sportsbook betting handle, which the Internal Revenue Code oversees. Sportsbooks also pay a federal tax of $50 for every sportsbook employee who takes wagers, particularly important for a retail-only state like Mississippi.

As all sportsbooks partner with casinos, the tax rate applies to the whole of the casino’s revenue rather than just sports betting. 12% of a casino’s revenue is taxed, with 8% going to the state government and around 4% to the casino’s local government. Overall, this is a pretty generous tax rate compared to other states. For example, the Pennsylvania tax is 36%.

Winnings from sports betting are taxed, and you should declare any profit while filing your taxes with the IRS. You must report any betting winnings over $600 on a W-2G form. If this is required, your sportsbook should send you a copy of this form. Sportsbooks also may hold a percentage of your profits up to 25%.

Who Oversees Sports Betting in Mississippi?

The Mississippi Gaming Commission oversees all gambling and sports betting in Mississippi. Every retail sportsbook and casino has to be licensed by this commission, which involves strict testing and background checks. While overall authority stands with the Commissioners, the organization is split into different divisions. For example, the Enforcement Division is tasked with maintaining day-to-day sportsbook standards and works with the Gaming Laboratory Division to test physical equipment.

The commission is led by three Commissioners, each chosen by the Mississippi Governor. Each Commissioner holds the role for a four-year term. A Commissioner can serve longer than one term but can't hold a position for longer than ten years. Out of this group, the Governor also selects a Chairman.