Mississippi Legal Sports Betting Overview
MS Sports Betting Law Details
Status:
- Retail Sports Betting Launch Date: August 2018
- Online Sports Betting Launch Date: January 2021
- Licensed Sportsbooks: BetMGM (App), Pearl River Sports (App), BetAmerica, Caesars, CONTACT Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock Sportsbook, Island View Sportsbook, Kambi, Playmakers Sportsbook, Slipper Sportsbook, Sportsbook at the Fitz, TwinSpires, VB Sportsbook, WaterView Sportsbook
- Legal Wagering Options: Futures, moneylines, parlays, point spreads, same game parlays, teasers, totals
- Legal Gambling Age in MS: 21+
- Sports to Bet On: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, MMA, motorsports, soccer, tennis, golf, boxing
- Permitted Banking Options: Mastercard, PayNearMe, PayPal, Play+, Skrill, Visa, casino cage cashier
- Mississippi Gambling Regulator: Mississippi Gaming Commission
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. Get your BetMGM Sportsbook promo code for Jul 2023.
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 risk-free $1,000 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:
- 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.
- Some sportsbooks allow players to download betting apps they can use to register before visiting the casino to wager. 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. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Banking Methods Available in Mississippi
Most sportsbooks are retail-only in Mississippi, meaning the most common payment option is using a casino cage cashier. Casino cage cashiers can process withdrawals quickly while you are on site. Still, you can also use various online payment options like Visa, Mastercard, Play+, PayNearMe, PayPal, and Skrill.
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
Current Sports Betting Status in Mississippi
Retail sports betting launched in Mississippi in August 2018. Every retail sportsbook is partnered with a land-based casino where you can go and place bets on major league, minor league, and international sports. Online sports betting launched in January 2021, but you must be within the casino partnered with your sportsbook app to place bets.
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
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
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
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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Conclusion
In conclusion, Mississippi is a unique state when it comes to sports betting. While online betting is limited to being within the premises of a partnered casino, the state offers a variety of retail sportsbooks that cater to both online and in-person bettors. Mississippi’s early adoption of sports betting has led to a thriving market, with over $1 billion in betting handle since its launch. With the potential legalization of online sports betting and the growing popularity of neighboring states’ mobile wagering, Mississippi’s sports betting industry is poised for further growth and success.
Five Unique FAQs
1. Is it legal to bet on college sports in Mississippi?
Yes, betting on college sports is legal in Mississippi. You can place bets on college football, basketball, and other collegiate sports as long as you comply with the state’s legal requirements and are within the premises of a licensed casino.
2. Can I use a credit card to fund my sports betting account in Mississippi?
Yes, most sportsbooks in Mississippi accept credit card payments as one of the permitted banking options. You can use your Visa or Mastercard to deposit funds into your account and place bets.
3. What is the Mississippi Gaming Commission responsible for?
The Mississippi Gaming Commission is responsible for overseeing all gambling activities, including sports betting, in the state. They regulate and license casinos, sportsbooks, and other gambling operations to ensure compliance with the law and maintain the integrity of the industry.
4. Are there any restrictions for placing bets on specific sports in Mississippi?
No, there are no specific restrictions on betting on sports in Mississippi. You can place bets on a wide range of sports, including popular leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, MMA, motorsports, soccer, tennis, golf, and boxing.
5. Can I bet on horse racing in Mississippi?
No, Mississippi does not have a horse racing market or off-track betting locations. However, you can bet on horse races at licensed sportsbooks if they offer such betting options.
