Best Sportsbooks in Mississippi

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9 min read

Mississippi Sports Betting: A Comprehensive Guide

Legal Mississippi Sports Betting

Mississippi was one of the first states to legalize sports betting following the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. The state's approach to sports betting is unique, focusing on land-based sportsbooks at casinos rather than widespread online betting.

Mississippi legalized sports betting in 2018, but it's primarily available at brick-and-mortar casino locations.

What is Legal Sports Betting in Mississippi?

Legal sports betting in Mississippi refers to wagering on sporting events at licensed venues within the state. While mobile betting is technically allowed, it's restricted to on-property use at casinos that offer sports betting. This means that true statewide online sports betting is not currently available in Mississippi.

Mississippi Sports Betting Legislation Timeline

The path to legal sports betting in Mississippi involved several key legislative steps:

  • 2017: Mississippi quietly removes language prohibiting sports betting from its Gaming Control Act
  • May 14, 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court overturns PASPA
  • June 2018: Mississippi Gaming Commission releases regulations for sports betting
  • August 1, 2018: First legal sports bets placed in Mississippi
Mississippi's proactive approach allowed it to become the third state (after Delaware and New Jersey) to offer legal sports betting following the PASPA repeal.

Available Sportsbooks in Mississippi

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Available Bonuses in Mississippi

Best Mississippi Sportsbooks

Mississippi's sports betting landscape is dominated by retail sportsbooks at casinos. Some of the top options include:

  1. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino (BetMGM)
  2. IP Casino Resort Spa (FanDuel)
  3. Horseshoe Tunica (Caesars Sportsbook)
  4. Gold Strike Casino Resort (BetMGM)
  5. Harrah's Gulf Coast (Caesars Sportsbook)

These sportsbooks offer various betting options and are operated by well-known national brands.

Online Sports Betting in Mississippi

Online sports betting in Mississippi is limited to on-property mobile wagering at casinos that offer this service. 

While you can use a mobile app to place bets, you must be physically present within the casino's premises.

How Can I Sign Up For An Online Sportsbook in Mississippi?

Since true statewide online sports betting is not available in Mississippi, the process for signing up is tied to visiting a physical casino. 

Here's a general guide:

  1. Visit a casino that offers sports betting
  2. Locate the sportsbook area
  3. Inquire about mobile betting options (if available)
  4. Follow the casino's specific registration process
  5. Download the casino's sports betting app (if offered)
  6. Fund your account at the casino cage
  7. Place bets while on casino property
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Remember, even if you use a mobile app, you must be physically present at the casino to place bets in Mississippi.

What Sports Can I Bet on in Mississippi?

Mississippi offers a wide range of sports betting options, including:

NFL

The National Football League is extremely popular for betting in Mississippi, with fans eager to wager on NFL regular season games, playoffs, and the Super Bowl.

NBA

Basketball enthusiasts can place bets on NBA games throughout the season, including the exciting playoffs and finals.

MLB

Major League Baseball provides numerous betting opportunities, from spring training to the World Series.

NHL

Ice hockey fans can bet on NHL games, including regular season matches and the Stanley Cup playoffs.

College Sports

Mississippi allows betting on college sports, including in-state and out-of-state teams. This is particularly popular given the state's strong college sports culture.

NASCAR

Auto racing fans can bet on NASCAR events, including individual races and season-long championships.

Mississippi's Sports Teams to Bet On

While Mississippi doesn't have any major league professional sports teams, several nearby teams attract significant betting interest:

  • New Orleans Saints (NFL)
  • Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)
  • Atlanta Braves (MLB)
  • Nashville Predators (NHL)

Mississippi also boasts several notable college sports programs that are popular among bettors:

  • Ole Miss Rebels
  • Mississippi State Bulldogs
  • Southern Miss Golden Eagles
  • Jackson State Tigers
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College sports betting is particularly popular in Mississippi due to the strong fan bases of in-state teams.

Types of Wagers Available

Mississippi sportsbooks offer a variety of bet types to cater to different preferences and strategies:

Moneyline

A straightforward bet on which team or player will win a game or match.

Parlays

Combining multiple bets into a single wager for potentially higher payouts.

Totals

Betting on whether the combined score of a game will be over or under a specified number.

Point Spreads

Wagering on the margin of victory in a game, with one team favored by a certain number of points.

Futures

Long-term bets on outcomes like championship winners or season MVP awards.

Prop Bets

Wagers on specific events within a game, such as player performance or game milestones.

Live Bets

In-game betting allows you to place wagers as the action unfolds in real-time.

Prohibited Bets

While Mississippi offers a wide range of betting options, some restrictions apply:

  • No betting on non-sporting events (e.g., elections, entertainment awards)
  • No betting on high school sports
  • Restrictions may apply to certain types of college sports prop bets

Choosing the Right Mississippi Betting Site

Given the unique nature of Mississippi's sports betting landscape you can't choose the right site and instead must select the right casino to visit.

What Should I Look For When Deciding Which Mississippi Online Sports Betting Site is Right for me?

When choosing a Mississippi sportsbook, consider the following factors:

  1. Location: Choose a casino that's convenient for you to visit regularly.
  2. Betting options: Look for a wide range of sports and bet types.
  3. Odds competitiveness: Compare odds across different sportsbooks to find the best value.
  4. Mobile app availability: Some casinos offer on-property mobile betting apps.
  5. Amenities: Consider the overall casino experience, including dining and entertainment options.
  6. Promotions: Look for casinos that offer sports betting promotions or loyalty programs.
  7. Customer service: Opt for sportsbooks with helpful and knowledgeable staff.
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Since Mississippi sports betting is casino-based, consider the overall casino experience when choosing where to bet.

Why Should I Have At Least 3 Mississippi Sportsbook Accounts?

While having multiple sportsbook accounts is generally advisable, it's more challenging in Mississippi due to the in-person nature of betting. 

However, if possible, there are benefits to using multiple sportsbooks:

  1. Line shopping: Compare odds across different sportsbooks to find the best value.
  2. Diverse promotions: Take advantage of various offers from different casinos.
  3. Expanded betting markets: Access a wider range of sports and bet types.
  4. Different atmospheres: Enjoy varied casino environments for your betting experience.
  5. Backup options: You have alternatives if one sportsbook is crowded or has technical issues.

What Deposit And Withdraw Options Are Available?

Given the casino-based nature of Mississippi sports betting, deposit and withdrawal options are typically cash-based:

  • Cash at the casino cage
  • Casino chips
  • Some casinos may offer limited electronic payment options for on-property mobile betting.

Sports Betting in Mississippi: The Big Picture

Mississippi's sports betting landscape is unique, focusing on retail sportsbooks at casinos. While this limits accessibility compared to states with full online betting, it does provide a more immersive social betting experience.

Mississippi Sports Betting Tax Rate

Mississippi imposes a 12% tax rate on sports betting revenue. This is split between state and local taxes:

  • 8% state tax
  • 4% local tax
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Mississippi's 12% tax rate is relatively competitive compared to some other states, helping to ensure a viable market for operators.

Importance of Responsible Gaming in Mississippi

Responsible gaming is a crucial aspect of Mississippi's sports betting industry. The state and licensed operators are compliant with promoting safe gambling practices and providing resources for those who may develop gambling-related issues.

Some responsible gaming measures in Mississippi include:

  1. Self-exclusion programs: Bettors can voluntarily ban themselves from gambling activities.
  2. Problem gambling helpline: A 24/7 helpline is available for those seeking assistance.
  3. Educational resources: Casinos provide information on responsible gambling practices.
  4. Training for casino staff: Employees are trained to recognize signs of problem gambling.
  5. Advertising restrictions: Regulations ensure that gambling ads are not targeted at vulnerable populations.
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If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, contact the Mississippi Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling at 1-888-777-9696 for confidential support.

FAQs About Mississippi Sports Betting

Age Restrictions

What is the minimum age to bet on sports in Mississippi?

You must be 21 years or older to place sports bets in Mississippi.

NCAA Betting

Can I bet on Mississippi college teams?

Yes, betting on Mississippi college teams is allowed, including both in-state and out-of-state teams.

Online Betting

Is online sports betting legal in Mississippi?

Online sports betting is only legal within casino properties that offer this service. Statewide mobile betting is not currently available.

Residency Rules

Do I need to be a Mississippi resident to bet on sports?

No, you don't need to be a resident, but you must be physically present at a licensed casino to place bets.

Offshore Sportsbooks

Can I use offshore sportsbooks in Mississippi?

No, only sportsbooks licensed by the Mississippi Gaming Commission are legal to use within the state.

Summary of Mississippi Sports Betting Options

While Mississippi's approach to sports betting is more restrictive than some other states, it provides a regulated, safe environment for sports enthusiasts to enjoy wagering on their favorite teams and events. The casino-based model offers a social, immersive experience that many bettors enjoy.

As the sports betting industry continues to evolve, future discussions may exist about expanding online betting options in Mississippi. 

However, for now, sports bettors in the state can enjoy a variety of wagering options at the many casino sportsbooks across Mississippi.