Mississippi Gambling

Updated on: January 3rd, 2025

The state is considered conservative in relation to other states. However, Mississippi gambling is quite popular. All Casinos in Mississippi are open 24/7. The state has a long history of being the go-to spot for gamblers in Mississippi. Many gamblers have been gambling in Mississippi since the 1800s.

Over the years, anti-gambling activists have sought to control wagering in Mississippi in efforts to promote responsible gambling. If you are a lottery enthusiast, then you will be disappointed, because Mississippi is one of six states in the United States to now have a state lottery.

In this guide, we will let you know about the gambling age in Mississippi. You will also find out whether online gambling in Mississippi is allowed in the state or not. It is also a good thing to know about Mississippi gambling laws. While the state is known as the gambling hub for many gamblers in the state, gambling was only legalized in 1990. Since then, the industry has had an annual revenue of $2.1 billion.

Mississippi Online Gambling

Online gambling in Mississippi is not allowed. Mississippi does not have an industry for racing. Therefore, any off-track betting apps are considered illegal. You won’t even be able to sell tickets online.

There has been a long-standing argument about whether daily fantasy sports betting should be legal in many states in the US. However, Jim Hood, the Attorney General, declared that daily fantasy sports betting is illegal in Mississippi. The decision forced big sports betting sites like DraftKings and FanDuel to leave the Mississippi gambling market.

Over the years, there have been some attempts to introduce online gambling in Mississippi. The Mississippi representative, Bobby Moak, wanted to introduce the Mississippi Lawful Internet Gambling Act. This act would allow online casinos that are licensed in the state to offer poker games and other forms of gambling to players. Moak was unsuccessful in his attempts to introduce the bill was quashed in 2012.

Types of Live Gambling in Mississippi

You will only find two types of gambling in Mississippi that are legal. This includes charitable gambling and land-based casinos. Charities that want to host gambling events to raise funds may only offer people bingo games, pull tabs, and raffle tickets.

While on the other hand, if casino operators want to provide games to Mississippi residents, they will have to do so on riverboats on the water. However, the Gulf Coast is an exception. Besides, Hurricane Katrina altered the way the gambling houses operate in Mississippi. It’s legislated casinos that are on the Gulf Coast must be within 800 ft of the water.

If you want to gamble in Mississippi, then you can try your luck in the following games: roulette, slots, craps, video poker and live poker. There are also many other cards and table games that you can play at Mississippi casinos. Many players enjoy playing Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and Four Card Poker.

Gambling Laws in Mississippi

The minimum gambling age in Mississippi is 21-years for live gambling in casinos. But for charity organizations, the minimum age is 18-years old.

The gambling laws in Mississippi don’t allow many types of gambling in Mississippi. Especially if those games involve the luck factor. For example, sports pools are not allowed in Mississippi. The laws also prohibit any games of skill that requires players to pay to play. Some of the games are exempt from prohibition because of the Mississippi casino or charity law.

If you are caught contravening the gambling law in Mississippi, then you will be charged with a misdemeanor. Misdemeanor charges carry a fine of $500 if it is the first time the crime has been committed. If you are being charged the second time for the same crime, it will be classified as a felony.

The law that pertains to Mississippi gambling also voids contracts. That means that people who have lost can sue the winners if they believe that the winner won through unlawful actions. This gambling law is called qui tam law in Mississippi.

Casinos in Mississippi

Here are a few casinos in Mississippi that you can visit to play casino games.

Mississippi Gambling FAQs