Gaming Laws in Mississippi

The Gaming Control Act is part of the Mississippi Code of 1972 Title 75, Chapter 76. It formed the Mississippi Gaming Commission to regulate legal activities within the state and also monitor illegal activities, with a first offense punishable by imprisonment in the state penitentiary for not more than two years and/or a fine of no more than $10,000.

Illegal activities include altering or misrepresenting the outcome of a game or event on which wagers have been made, placing or increasing a bet after acquiring knowledge of the outcome of the game or event and manipulating any component of a gaming device contrary to the designed and normal operational purpose for the component among other cheating.

Tribal Casinos

There are three tribal casinos in the state operated by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw, including the Silver State Hotel and Casino, the Golden Moon Hotel and Casino and Bok Homa Casino, all of which comprise the Pearl River Resort. Combined, they operate a total of 3,500 gaming machines and 70 table games such as blackjack, poker, craps and roulette.

Sports Betting in Mississippi

Sports betting is not allowed in the state of Mississippi.

Online Sportsbooks

Even though there are no sportsbooks available at physical locations or online in the state of Mississippi, bettors still have the opportunity to choose from many offshore options. Online sports betting sites are widely considered to be a much safer option than local bookmakers. In addition to having the convenience of placing bets right from a personal computer or mobile device and a variety of options, online bettors can trust reputable and well-reviewed offshore books to always offer lines and pay out, which may not always be the case for local bookies.

Poker and Casino in Mississippi

The Mississippi Gaming Commission regulates 30 operating casinos within the state, the first of which opened in 1992. Gaming tax revenue in the state is estimated at more than $272 million and spent on housing, education, transportation, health care services, youth counseling programs and local public safety programs. More than half of the casinos in Mississippi are located in the cities of Tunica and Biloxi, and most feature either gaming machines, table games, or both, while some also offer poker tables and keno as well.

Online Poker

For those who do not visit the state-licensed and tribal casinos in Mississippi, including riverboats on the Mississippi River, online games may appeal to interested players who can pursue online poker websites in order to participate.

Other Gaming Options in Mississippi

Bingo for charitable causes is legal in the state of Mississippi.

Mississippi Lottery

There is no state lottery in Mississippi.