Online Sports Betting in Mississippi: A Comprehensive Overview
Mississippi is one of the few southern U.S. states that has embraced sports betting following the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to overturn PASPA. While the state has taken significant steps to legalize and regulate sports wagering, online sports betting remains partially restricted. This article provides a thorough overview of the current landscape of online sports betting in Mississippi, the legal framework, available options, and what bettors should expect.
Legal Status of Online Sports Betting in Mississippi
Sports betting was officially legalized in Mississippi in 2018, making it one of the early adopters post-PASPA. However, unlike other states that have embraced fully mobile and online wagering, Mississippi’s legislation contains a unique limitation: online sports betting is legal only on-site at licensed casinos. This means that bettors can place bets using a mobile app, but only if they are physically present at a Mississippi casino that holds a valid sports betting license.
This form of limited mobile betting is known as “on-premises mobile betting.” Off-premises mobile betting—placing wagers from home or anywhere outside the casino—is still prohibited under current Mississippi law.
Mississippi’s Regulatory Framework
The Mississippi Gaming Commission is the governing body responsible for overseeing all forms of sports betting in the state. It regulates sports wagering at the state’s numerous commercial and tribal casinos.
To legally participate in sports betting in Mississippi, bettors must:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Be physically present within the licensed casino premises when placing a mobile bet.
- Use only state-approved operators.
Available Sportsbooks and Casino Partnerships
Several major casino properties in Mississippi offer retail sportsbooks, many of which are partnered with prominent national sportsbook brands. Some examples include:
- Beau Rivage Resort & Casino (Biloxi) – partnered with BetMGM.
- Gold Strike Casino Resort (Tunica) – also partnered with BetMGM.
- IP Casino Resort Spa (Biloxi) – partnered with Caesars Sportsbook.
- Horseshoe Tunica – operates under Caesars Sportsbook as well.
These partnerships allow bettors to use branded apps within the casinos, offering odds on major sports such as football, basketball, baseball, hockey, MMA, and more.
Sports Betting Markets and Bet Types
Bettors in Mississippi can access a wide range of markets and wager types, including:
- Point spreads
- Moneylines
- Totals (Over/Under)
- Parlays
- Teasers
- Futures
- Prop bets
- Live/in-play betting (available within casino premises only)
These options give bettors a full-featured sports betting experience, though restricted in where they can access it.
Efforts to Expand Statewide Mobile Betting
There have been several legislative efforts since 2019 to expand mobile betting statewide, allowing residents to place wagers from anywhere within Mississippi. Despite bipartisan support in some cases, these bills have yet to pass into law.
Opposition to full online sports betting in the state often centers around concerns related to problem gambling and potential harm to the brick-and-mortar casino industry. However, pressure continues to mount from bettors and operators alike to modernize the state’s betting laws.
Taxation and Economic Impact
Sports betting has provided a modest boost to Mississippi’s economy, especially through casino tourism and increased foot traffic. The state imposes a 12% tax on gross gaming revenue—8% to the state and 4% to local municipalities.
While revenue numbers are strong for retail sportsbooks, industry experts believe that allowing statewide mobile betting could significantly increase tax revenue and market engagement.
Responsible Gambling Measures
The Mississippi Gaming Commission promotes responsible gambling through various initiatives, including:
- Self-exclusion programs
- Mandatory signage in casinos
- Partnerships with problem gambling support organizations
These efforts aim to ensure a safe and controlled betting environment, especially important in a state where access is geographically limited but still widely available within casino walls.
Conclusion
Mississippi offers a unique case study in how a state can legalize sports betting while still maintaining strict controls on mobile wagering. Bettors in the Magnolia State can enjoy a full suite of betting options, but only within licensed casino properties. With ongoing legislative interest and shifting public sentiment, it’s possible that full online sports betting could arrive in the near future. For now, Mississippi remains a retail-first sports betting state with a growing appetite for digital expansion.
