There are also various casinos located throughout the state that offer an array of games, including slot machines, table games, and more. These casinos are licensed and regulated by the Mississippi State Gaming Commission and can be found in cities such as Biloxi, Tunica, and Vicksburg. Some popular examples include Beau Rivage Casino and Gold Strike Casino. There is a mix of both Indian tribal casinos and commercial casinos in Mississippi, so visitors have a variety of options to choose from.
Best Online Gambling Sites Mississippi
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Mississippi casinos are limited to in-person options and online sportsbook website platforms. While you can’t currently play online casino games for real money prizes, there are social casinos in the Magnolia state that allow you to cash in on prizes and allow you to play your favorite casino games legally! The Magnolia State offers some of the best Mississippi online casinos through social platforms.
Mississippi Online Gambling Laws
According to Mississippi gambling laws, it is currently illegal to gamble online at different casinos within the state’s borders. However, there are various sweepstakes and social casinos that make it possible to gamble on your favorite gaming tables and other casino games, since the area where they operate legalizes online gambling.
Still, for those who want to win and withdraw funds through websites in the state, it’s currently illegal to do so with real money casino prizes. According to state law, with the exception of licensed casinos, state law prohibits all forms of gambling and lotteries. The general law against these forms of gambling is found in the state Code Ann. § 97-33-1. Remember, if the Commission hasn’t given a license to the online casino website or table game website where you’re playing, it is most likely an illegal website.
How does Mississippi Regulate Gambling?
From website table games to the state lottery, all of these gambling avenues are regulated by the Mississippi Gaming Commission. The Commission was legalized in 1990 to help regulate dockside casinos. These casinos are located on the water and have several different legal loopholes that allow them to operate within the state.
It wasn’t until 1993 that the full power of the Gaming Commission was finally realized. Since then, the commission has made it its duty to help enforce IRS regulations, ensure that in-person games are fully and fairly conducted, and also ensure nonprofit charitable organizations have an entity to help them meet their funding goals.
In the Magnolia state, charitable organizations are allowed to play bingo to fund their groups and associations. This wouldn’t be possible without the help of the Gaming Commission. From determining the casinos that will be legal in the state, to regulating casino games and ensuring the integrity of the casino-entertainment industry in the state, all of these duties fall within the purview of the Commission.
Mississippi Land Based Casinos
Online Casino Gambling in Mississippi
For those who enjoy table games, live dealer games, and thrilling wins through slots, you still have the option of betting through sweepstakes and social casino websites in the state! These social casino platforms have a variety of table games and slots available for you to play.
Betting options also range from cents to dollars, making it a suitable option for both beginners and advanced gamblers. Social casino platforms are not only convenient but have also become increasingly popular due to the current laws that make it illegal to operate an online casino in Mississippi.
What makes these sweepstakes and social casinos legal is the fact that players are not required to pay anything to play, instead, they receive virtual currency (coins) to use for placing bets. These virtual currencies can then be redeemed for real rewards, making it an exciting way for players to enjoy their favorite casino titles!
While offshore platforms are always an option for players who want to play online slots and other games, it’s essential to note that they do not guarantee the same safety and security measures as those regulated by the Gaming Commission. Therefore, it’s recommended to only play on licensed and regulated platforms and at reputable sweepstakes casinos to ensure your hard-earned funds remain secure.
Mississippi Online Poker
While internet poker rooms may not yet be available, the state has a rich tradition of this classic card game with several in-person casinos offering poker rooms. These include the famous Beau Rivage and Golden Nugget Casino. Additionally, you can play this card game at various social website casino platforms in the state.
Mississippi Daily Fantasy Sports
Unfortunately, Mississippi has strict regulations when it comes to Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). Currently, the state does not have any legislation in place that allows DFS operators to work legally outside of certain casino grounds. However, this could change soon as laws continue to evolve around internet gambling. For now, residents may access FanDuel and BetMGM sports betting for DFS while on the premises of Beau Rivage Casino and Gold Strike Casino.
Mississippi Sports Betting
There are currently 38 in-person casinos in the state that offer sports betting. These locations are licensed and regulated by the Commission. However, it’s important to note that sports betting through the web is not yet legal in the state. While there have been efforts to legalize it, currently, players can only access online sports betting by accessing the respective website of a land-based casino they are visiting.
Mississippi Online Horse Betting
Similarly, as long as you are on a land-based horse racing or betting property, you can bet on horse races on the web in the state. Unfortunately, off-track betting (OTB) is not yet legal, so there are currently no options for internet horse betting outside of a casino setting. Top website platforms where you can bet on horse racing include the BetMGM Sportsbook app.
Mississippi Lottery
In 2018, this state became the 45th state to legalize a lottery. While there is a website dedicated to information about the lottery, currently, tickets can only be purchased at physical locations. The Mississippi Lottery offers a variety of games including Powerball, Mega Millions, Match 5, and more. Proceeds are used to help education, state highway needs, and other projects.
History of Gambling Legislation in Mississippi
Mississippi is perhaps most well-known for its host of water-based casinos located along the Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River. However, in-person casino sites are also legal and provide loads of entertainment in the state.
Since 1990, when the first legal casino opened in the state, gambling has been a significant contributor to the state’s economy. The industry experienced rapid growth in the 1990s, leading to the legalization of riverboat casinos and land-based casinos as well.
The first land-based casino opened in 1994, and since then, the state’s gambling laws have continued to evolve. Later, the first bingo hall opened in 1992, and the 1990s and early 2000s saw a surge of both riverboat and land-based casinos.
In 2018, sports betting was also legalized, making it one of the few states to offer legal sports betting. Today, Mississippi has a thriving gambling industry, bringing in millions of dollars in revenue each year. Still, these sportsbook website platforms can only be accessed while inside a casino or its surrounding property.
States with legal online gambling
FAQ
What is the gambling age in Mississippi?
Whether you want to visit the state lottery website or gamble for fun online, the legal gambling age is 21 years old.
Who regulates gambling in Mississippi?
The Mississippi Gaming Commission is currently in charge of regulating poker room websites, land-based casino sites, slots, and other table games in the state.
Are online casino websites legal in the state?
Unfortunately, online casino website platforms are currently not legal in the state of Mississippi. This means you cannot bet or wager your money through popular internet sites and should use social casino websites instead.
Can I win real money at online casinos in Mississippi?
Yes, your tax bracket will determine the federal income tax for your winnings. However, any bonus or winnings are subject to the state tax rate of 3%. Casinos will withhold these winnings before giving you your payout. Losses are also deductible.
When will online casinos be legal in Mississippi?
As recently as 2022, a state bill was brought forth to legalize web casino platforms to help bettors enjoy roulette, slots, and other online games. Sadly, the bill died in the House Committee. So, it’s unclear how long it will take for casino platforms to be legalized. Sadly, it doesn’t look like it will be any time soon.
I’m a seasoned gambler with a decade of experience in games like blackjack and roulette, and a particular fondness for slot machines. Now, as a writer for iGaming IQ Inc and Lucky Gambler, I use my expertise to educate others on smart, responsible betting, winning strategies, and choosing the best online casinos.
