Mississippi Sports Betting & Sportsbooks – How To Bet In MS

Welcome to your ultimate guide for Mississippi sports betting! Are you eager to get in on the action but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of sports wagering in the Magnolia State, including the legal landscape, top sportsbooks, and latest news. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be ready to join the exciting world of Mississippi sports betting and start placing your bets with confidence. Now, let’s dive right in!

Is Sports Betting Legal in Mississippi?

In August 2018, just three months after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) and removed a 25-year federal ban on sports wagering, Mississippi became the fourth state to allow legal sports betting within its borders.

Today, there are 29 retail sportsbooks operating in the state of Mississippi.

In addition, mobile sports betting is legal in Mississippi through BetMGM Sportsbook and Pearl River Sports, but wagers can only be placed on the premises of each platform’s partner casinos. Online sports betting from anywhere in the state is not yet available in Mississippi.

When Will Online Sports Betting Launch in Mississippi?

In recent years, considerable efforts have been made by Mississippi legislators to expand the state’s online betting market. House Bill 172 (2020), House Bill 1042 (2021), and Senate Bill 2732 (2021) all sought to legalize statewide mobile betting but struggled to gain much traction and ultimately died in committee.

In 2022, Mississippi lawmakers introduced a total of four sports betting bills (HB 997, HB 184, SB 2462, and SB 2652), all of which intended to allow online wagering to take place from anywhere in the state. Unfortunately, none of the proposals made it through committee.

Proponents of statewide mobile betting did finally manage to secure a key victory in March 2023 when Governor Tate Reeves signed HB 606 into law, creating a 13-member mobile sports betting task force designed to complete a comprehensive analysis of all matters related to online sports betting by December 2023.

Although HB 606 does not guarantee an expansion of the Mississippi mobile betting market, it is certainly a step in the right direction. Vermont passed a similar bill in 2022, and it ultimately led to the state legalizing online sports betting in June 2023. Therefore, Mississippi residents have reason to be optimistic that the dream of statewide mobile betting will become a reality in the not-so-distant future.

Mississippi Sports Betting Rules & Regulations

A general summary of the sports betting rules and regulations currently in place in the state of Mississippi is provided below.

• In the state of Mississippi, sports betting is only available to individuals who are 21 years or older.
• Mississippi permits in-person wagering on sporting events at licensed retail sportsbooks across the state. There are currently 29 commercial or tribal casinos in the state of Mississippi that are authorized to offer retail sports betting.
• Retail sportsbooks in Mississippi are allowed to offer mobile sports betting apps to customers, but all wagers must be placed at their brick-and-mortar locations. Online sports betting from anywhere in the state is not available.
• Mississippi sports bettors can place wagers on both professional and college sporting events, including matchups involving in-state schools like the University of Mississippi or Mississippi State University.
• Prop bets on individual college athletes are not allowed.
• Wagers on high school sporting events, esports, political elections, or entertainment award ceremonies (e.g., the Oscars) are also prohibited.
• There is no maximum amount for how much an individual can wager on a single game or event.

What Are the Best Mississippi Sportsbooks & Betting Sites?

As previously mentioned, there are two mobile sports betting apps available in the state of Mississippi: BetMGM Sportsbook and Pearl River Sports. Further information about each option is provided below.

BetMGM Sportsbook

BetMGM Sportsbook launched its mobile platform in Mississippi in November 2021 and, to this day, remains the only major U.S. sportsbook to offer online betting in the Magnolia State. The platform offers a comprehensive betting experience, including a wide range of betting markets, in-game wagering options, and a generous welcome offer to all new customers.

Customers will also get to enjoy BetMGM’s top-tier customer loyalty program, which offers a variety of exciting prizes and special benefits to reward bettors for their consistent play and dedication to the platform.

BetMGM operates in nearly two dozen states across the U.S., and Mississippi sports bettors will get the same experience as those in other states when using BetMGM Sportsbook, with the only difference being that all wagers on the app must be placed at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi or Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica.

Pearl River Sports

Pearl River Resort launched the state’s first on-premises mobile betting app (Pearl River Sports) in February 2019, allowing wagers to be placed at Bok Homa Casino in Heidelberg, Golden Moon Casino in Philadelphia, or Silver Star Casino in Philadelphia. The platform offers both pre-game and in-game wagers on most major professional and college sporting events, but there is a very limited number of betting markets available and no welcome offer is provided to new customers.

How Can I Bet on Sports in Mississippi?

Mississippi sports bettors have plenty of different ways to get in on the action. Here are a few of the best options currently available:

Online Sportsbooks

On-premises mobile sports betting is currently legal in Mississippi through BetMGM Sportsbook and Pearl River Sports, but statewide mobile sports betting is not yet available. However, if and when the state decides to expand its online betting market, there is sure to be interest among some of the biggest names in the industry. DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars Sportsbook all offer retail sportsbooks in Mississippi and would likely jump at the opportunity to launch their platforms in the Magnolia State.

Retail Sportsbooks

In addition, Mississippi sports bettors will have the option to visit any of the state’s 29 licensed retail sportsbooks located at commercial and tribal casinos across the state. These physical sportsbooks provide a vibrant and immersive atmosphere where bettors can enjoy the excitement of watching all their favorite teams compete and seeing their wagers play out in real time.

Daily Fantasy Sports

In 2017, Mississippi became the fourth state to legalize daily fantasy sports (DFS). Anyone who is 18 years or older in Mississippi can sign up with DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog Fantasy, and plenty of other popular DFS sites and mobile apps. These platforms offer a wide range of contests on all your favorite sports and leagues, giving you a chance to showcase your sports knowledge and compete against other fans for huge cash prizes.

Horse Racing

Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is also legal in Mississippi. Although there are no active horse racing tracks in the state, Mississippi residents will have the option to bet on races taking place all over the country via simulcast wagering at licensed casino sportsbooks across the state. Online horse racing betting, on the other hand, is prohibited. TwinSpires, FanDuel Racing, AmWager, and other popular online racebooks are not available in Mississippi.

Offshore Sportsbooks

While offshore sportsbooks may be an option for Mississippi sports bettors, caution should be exercised when considering them. Offshore sportsbooks operate outside the jurisdiction and regulations of the United States, which can pose risks related to security, legality, and customer protection.

Mississippi bettors should be aware that using offshore sportsbooks may result in limited recourse in case of disputes or issues with payouts. It is recommended to prioritize licensed and regulated sportsbooks within the state or those authorized to operate legally in the United States to ensure a safer and more secure betting experience.

Visit Neighboring States

Lastly, Mississippi residents will always have the option to visit other U.S. states with legal betting options to explore their offerings and find new and exciting ways to bet on all their favorite players and teams. Three of Mississippi’s bordering states have already legalized sports betting in some capacity: Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee.

Both online and retail sports betting options are available in Arkansas and Louisiana, while Tennessee is a mobile-only state but offers over a dozen digital sportsbooks (DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, etc.) and allows wagers to be placed from anywhere across the state.

Where Can I Bet on Sports in Mississippi?

There are well over two dozen different Mississippi casinos that currently offer in-person wagering on sporting events. A few of the most popular retail sports betting locations are discussed below.

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino

• Retail Sportsbook:  BetMGM Book Bar & Grill at Beau Rivage
• Address: 875 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39530
• Launch Date: August 2018

BetMGM Sportsbook at Beau Rivage went live on August 1, 2018. The BetMGM Book Bar & Grill is located on the casino floor, near the Beau Rivage Poker Room, and offers the ultimate gameday experience. Visitors can watch all their favorite teams compete on dozens of high-definition TVs (including a giant video wall), choose from a wide variety of food and drink options, and place wagers 24/7 using the site’s conveniently located sports betting kiosks.

Gold Strike Casino Resort

• Retail Sportsbook: BetMGM Book Bar & Grill at Gold Strike
• Address: 1010 Casino Center Dr, Tunica Resorts, MS 38664
• Launch Date: August 2018

BetMGM Sportsbook at Gold Strike also launched in August 2018 and is one of the most popular retail sports betting locations in Mississippi. Located near Chicago Steakhouse on the main casino floor, BetMGM Book Bar & Grill at Gold Strike features 50 HD flat-screen television screens as well as premium dining tables, booths, and bar seats to allow you to relax and enjoy all the action.

Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort

• Retail Sportsbook: DraftKings at Scarlet Pearl Sportsbook
• Address: 9380 Central Ave, D’Iberville, MS 39540
• Launch Date: November 2021

Another fantastic option for Mississippi sports bettors is DraftKings at Scarlet Pearl Sportsbook, which first opened on November 16, 2021. Visitors will be able to place bets on a wide range of sports and leagues using self-service kiosks that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The site also offers a comfortable lounge area with 23 HD TVs surrounding an astounding 144-square-foot entertainment screen.

IP Casino Resort Spa

• Retail Sportsbook: IP Sportsbook Presented by FanDuel
• Address: 850 Bayview Ave, Biloxi, MS 39530
• Launch Date: September 2018

IP Casino Resort Spa launched its retail sportsbook in August 2018 but re-branded a month later after partnering with FanDuel. IP Sportsbook Presented by FanDuel is located adjacent to The Sportsbar by FanDuel and offers a wide range of betting markets on all major sports and leagues, including football, baseball, basketball, soccer, golf, boxing, UFC, Tennis, and motorsports. Betting kiosks are available 24/7, and the site’s viewing area is open until 1:00 a.m. every night.

How To Sign Up & Start Betting on Sports in Mississippi

What Teams Can I Bet on in Mississippi?

Sports culture in Mississippi is deeply ingrained in the state’s fabric, with passionate fans supporting various sports at both professional and collegiate levels. It serves as a unifying force, bringing communities together and creating a shared sense of pride and excitement. A few of the most popular teams among Mississippi sports fans are discussed below.

Ole Miss Rebels

The Ole Miss Rebels, representing the University of Mississippi, have a strong and dedicated fan base in Mississippi. The Rebels’ football program, known for its storied history and passionate fan support, draws large crowds to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford all season long. Beyond football, Ole Miss also has successful programs in basketball, baseball, and several other sports, consistently attracting loyal supporters from across the state.

Mississippi State Bulldogs

The Mississippi State Bulldogs, representing Mississippi State University, also enjoy a passionate following in Mississippi. The Bulldogs’ football team, known for their cowbell-ringing fan tradition, has experienced periods of success, including notable wins and bowl game appearances. Their rivalry with Ole Miss, often referred to as the Battle for the Golden Egg, creates intense matchups and fuels the competitive spirit between the fan bases.

Memphis Grizzlies

While the Memphis Grizzlies are based in Tennessee, they have a significant fan base in Mississippi, particularly in the northern part of the state. As the only NBA team in the region, the Grizzlies attract avid supporters who follow the team’s games closely. Mississippians often make the short trip to Memphis to cheer on the Grizzlies at the FedExForum, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere during home games.

New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints, despite being based in Louisiana, have a sizable and passionate fan base within Mississippi. The Saints’ proximity to the state, along with historical ties and shared cultural connections, have fostered a strong following. Mississippians enthusiastically support the team, often donning Saints merchandise and gathering at local establishments to watch the games.

Strategies & Tips for Mississippi Sports Bettors

While there is no foolproof method to guarantee big winnings in the world of sports betting, there are plenty of guidelines to follow and strategies to implement to increase your chances of long-term success. Here are a few of the best tips and tricks for Mississippi sports bettors:

• Do Your Research: Spend time researching and analyzing teams, players, and statistics to make informed betting decisions. Stay updated with the latest news, injuries, and team dynamics to identify value bets.
• Stay Disciplined & Patient: Sports betting is a long-term endeavor, and success often comes through discipline and patience. Avoid chasing losses or making reckless bets in an attempt to recover quickly. Stick to your strategies and trust the process.
• Practice Proper Bankroll Management: Avoid placing overly large bets on single events, as this can quickly deplete your bankroll. Instead, allocate a small percentage of your bankroll for each wager to minimize risks and maintain consistency.
• Stay Objective: It’s important to approach sports betting with objectivity. Avoid biases towards favorite teams, players, or hometowns. Base your decisions on data, analysis, and the current situation rather than personal preferences or emotions.
• Consider Line Movement: Pay attention to line movements, which occur when the betting market adjusts the odds for a particular game. Understanding line movement can help you identify when to place your bets to take advantage of favorable odds before they change.
• Track Your Bets & Analyze Results: Keep a detailed record of your bets, including the type of bet, odds, stake, and outcome. Regularly review your results to identify patterns, assess your profitability, and adjust your strategies accordingly.

Mississippi Sports Betting FAQ