Is Sports Betting Legal In Mississippi
Yes, but wagers placed via mobile apps can only take place at certain facilities in Mississippi. Online wagers have occurred in Mississippi since September of 2021 when BetMGM began accepting online wagers at properties in Biloxi and Tunica. Today, DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, and Pearl River Resort all offer mobile apps that can be used only at select properties. Retail sports betting is alive and well in The Magnolia State with an impressive 29 locations with establishments in cities like Biloxi, Greenville, and Vicksburg.
Mississippi Quick Facts
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Launch Date: August, 2018 -
ImageLegal Betting Age: 21 years old
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ImageOnline Sports Betting: Yes (in-person wagers via app)
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ImageOnline Casino Sites: No
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ImageOnline Poker Sites: No
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ImageBest Available Sportsbook:
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ImageRegulatory Body: Mississippi Gaming Commission
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ImageLegal online sportsbooks: 5, but only useful at select properties
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ImageCollege Sports Betting: Yes (No College Prop Bets)
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ImagePolitical or entertainment betting: No
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ImageHigh School sports Betting: No
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ImageEsports betting: No
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ImageNFL Draft: Yes
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ImageRemote registration: No
Timeline of Betting Legislation & Latest News
Thanks to a 2017 bill (HB 967), Mississippi lawmakers were able to legalize sports betting quickly after the U.S. Supreme Court’s May of 2018 ruling allowed individual states to legalize sports betting. HB 967 legalized Daily Fantasy Sports contests and would legalize sports betting upon the Supreme Court’s reversal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). That day came in May of 2018 and BetMGM began accepting wagers at two Mississippi casinos three months later.
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March 13, 2017
House Bill 967 (HB 967) signed into law by Governor Phil Bryant. The bill legalized Daily Fantasy Sports Contests in Mississippi and language banning sports betting was removed from the bill prior to passage, effectively lifting the state-wide ban on sports betting if the U.S. Supreme Court gave states the green light.
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May 14, 2018
The U.S. Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), paving the way for individual states to legalize sports betting.
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June 21, 2018
The Mississippi Gaming Commission (MGC) adopts governing gaming regulations for Mississippi.
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August 1, 2018
Mississippi sports betting officially launches with BetMGM accepting offers at two properties: Beau Rivage Resort & Casino (Biloxi) and Gold Strike Casino Resort (Tunica).
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Sept. 23, 2021
Online sports betting launches in Mississippi thanks to BetMGM, but bettors are only allowed to make wagers while physically located at a BetMGM property.
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2022:
Throughout the legislative session, four different bills (HB 997, HB 184, SB 2462, and SB 2652) aiming to legalize online sports betting throughout the state are introduced, but subsequently fail to make it through committee.
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Jan. 19, 2024
House Bill 774 (HB 774), a bill to legalize online sports betting throughout the state, is introduced by Rep. Casey Eure.
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Feb. 1, 2024
HB 774 passes in the house by a vote of 98-14.
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April 9, 2024
HB 774 passes in the senate by a vote of 36-15, raising excitement amongst bettors that online sports betting might be approved before the end of the year.
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April 29, 2024
HB 774 dies in the Mississippi State legislature, thus ending hope of an online sports betting bill being passed before 2025.
USA Betting News
How to start betting in Mississippi
Sports betting in Mississippi has some quirks because the state currently only allows online sports betting at certain properties throughout the state. This means that even if you have a mobile betting app on your phone and have previously used it successfully, the app won’t be operable unless you’re physically located at certain approved sportsbooks.
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Choose a sportsbook
Choosing a sportsbook might be as simple as reading online reviews or asking friends for recommendations. Since Mississippi requires you to place your mobile app bets while at a casino, it’d also be wise to pick a sportsbook that is close by. Mississippi has a few online sportsbooks to choose from (i.e. BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, Pearl River Casino) that are partnered with casinos. Find a casino that’s close to you and see which sportsbook they’re partnered with.
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Begin the Registration Process
Next you can start the registration process from home. Technically you can skip ahead to step #3, but you’ll need to complete this step eventually anyways so why not do it now? To start the registration process, simply go to the website of the sportsbook app you’ve chosen and click the button that says “Sign Up” or “Get Started” which is often located in the upper right corner of the website. After clicking that button, provide your personal information (Name, address, phone number, email address, last four digits of your social security number, etc.).
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Visit your sportsbook
Once you’ve completed sharing your personal information with your chosen sportsbook, you’ll need to visit the sportsbook in person with valid government-issued identification like a driver’s license. Because of state laws, there are no exceptions to this rule. Once inside the sportsbook you can complete registration with a staff member (or in some cases with a kiosk)
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Download your sportsbook’s app
Most sportsbooks offer an online version and a mobile app to use on your phone. Download your sportsbook’s mobile application. Sportsbook staff members will likely direct you to do this in-person if you’ve not already done so.
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Deposit
Of course you’ll need money in your account if you wish to place wagers. You can deposit funds in person at the sportsbook or via your new mobile app.
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Choose your bet and bet size
There are a variety of wagering options within each sportsbook. If you’re just getting started, moneylines are the most straight-forward bet and allow bettors to wager on who will win an event. Point spreads, over/unders, parlays, player props and futures bets are also popular choices.
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Place a wager
Every sportsbook runs independently from each other so they each may offer different point spreads or odds on the same wager. Before placing your wager, try shopping around with other apps to get the best price. Once you’ve found odds you like, type in your wager amount and submit your wager. If your wager wins, your winnings and your original bet will be deposited back into your account shortly after the event you bet on finishes.
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Withdraw funds
Hopefully you make it to this step because that means you won your bets. Each online sportsbook has different methods and processes for cashing out money, but with any regulated Mississippi sportsbook you can expect to have your money within a few days.
Home Field Advantage
Mississippi residents love to support the state’s local schools like the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State. There aren’t any professional sports teams located within Mississippi, but the state has adopted several franchises located in neighboring states. Tennessee teams like the Titans, the Memphis Grizzlies, and Nashville Predators are popular teams to bet on in Mississippi. The New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans have a lot of loyal fans in The Magnolia State too.
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ImageNFL – Tennessee Titans: Founded in 1960 as the Houston Oilers, the franchise moved to Tennessee in 1997 and has been the Titans since 1999. The Titans have enjoyed some success, making 10 playoff trips in that time and one Super Bowl appearance in the 1999 season. The team plays its home games at Nissan Stadium. The Titans have had some iconic moments thanks to Eddie George, Steve McNair and who could forget, “Music City Miracle.”
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ImageNFL – New Orleans Saints: Who dat? The Saints enjoyed an impressive run from 2006 through 2020 that included seven NFC South division championships and a win over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV at the end of the 2009 season. This run was orchestrated by the sensational QB and head coach pairing of Sean Payton and Drew Brees. The Saints head into the 2024 season having missed the playoffs in each of the three years since Brees retired.
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ImageNBA – New Orleans Pelicans: Since their 2002 arrival, the Pelicans (formerly known as the Hornets) failed to garner much success with only eight playoff appearances and two postseason series wins. The team’s current superstar tandem of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson aim to give Mississippi sports fans something to cheer about with a successful postseason run this year.
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ImageNBA – Memphis Grizzlies: Founded as the Vancouver Grizzlies in 1995, the franchise moved to Memphis in 2001 and plays its home games at FedEx Forum. Their season runs from October through April, and although they’ve made the postseason frequently, the 2023-24 season was a big let down. The Grizzlies haven’t yet reached the NBA Finals.
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ImageNHL – Nashville Predators: Founded in 1998, the Predators’ hockey season runs from early October through April, although it can be extended into May and June if the team makes the playoffs. The Predators play their home games at Bridgestone Arena and made one Stanley Cup Final, in 2017, but lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games.
The National Council on Problem Gambling’s Mississippi affiliate is the Mississippi Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling (MCPCG). The MCCPG is a great resource for anyone struggling with gambling addiction in the state and offers referrals for gambling addiction treatment, crisis intervention and helpful information. The MCPCG’s confidential and toll-free helpline is 1-888-777-9696 and its textline is 53342 (Text msgambler).