Mississippi online sports betting laws

Mississippi moved incredibly fast to authorize sports betting after the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was struck down in May 2018. Within hours, the Mississippi Gaming Commission released draft regulations to govern sports betting.

The fact it was ready to do so can be explained by the long debate that had taken place in the Magnolia State over the legality of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS).

When DFS was legalized the previous year, Mississippi lawmakers took the opportunity to modify the Gaming Control Act of 1972, removing the provision that had prohibited sports betting in the state.

As a result, Mississippi was ready to move fast in 2018 after the PASPA decision, and the first sports bets were placed on August 1 of that year.

Despite ongoing restrictions on Mississippi online betting, the level of sports betting in the state has exceeded predictions. In January 2021 the monthly handle was nearly $68 million – up almost 50 per cent on the same month in 2020. However, handle in the state has not reached this record-setting mark since, most likely due to the end of football season.

The good news is that Mississippi sports betting is perfectly safe provided you use a licensed operator.

The only way to enjoy Mississippi online sports betting is by using a mobile app while you are physically located in a casino, based on land or a riverboat.

The Mississippi Gaming Commission , which regulates all forms of gambling in the state, has firmly resisted any attempt to legalize remote sports betting.

In a state as conservative as Mississippi, it is hard to see this changing soon – despite the boost in tax and licensing revenue this would undoubtedly bring.

As recently as January 2021, three bills were brought before the state legislature that would have permitted online betting, but all failed to pass the committee stage.

As things stand, none of the commercial casinos in the state is using the “Mississippi mobile” option. Only the tribal casinos that are part of the Pearl River Resort actually allow mobile wagers on site.

All casinos licensed to offer sports betting do so through a licensed and reputable betting partner. The only online betting that currently takes place is through the PRR Sports app at tribal casinos.

It remains to be seen whether further attempts to introduce Mississippi online betting will be successful.

Yes, they are. The IRS treats all gambling winnings as taxable income, so it is highly advisable that you keep a record of all your wins.

All winnings at Mississippi casinos are subject to a three per cent income tax, which is withheld by the casino at the time of payout.

If you want to place a sports bet in Mississippi, you will need to be at least 21 years of age.

Although Mississippi was one of the first states to legalize sports betting after the repeal of PASPA, the extent to which the activity is allowed is strictly regulated.

Not only must you be in the state, you need to be physically on premises where betting is allowed. This in effect means a casino, either on land or water. Many are located in Tunica, along the Gulf Coast, or on riverboats.

While Mississippi online betting is technically allowed, you need to be in a casino to place a mobile bet – and only the tribal casinos in the state currently offer this facility.

While betting on college sports is permitted in Mississippi – even on events involving teams based in the state – betting on politics is not. No US-licensed sportsbook is allowed to offer odds for betting on political markets, including domestic and international elections.