Mississippi Sports Betting: The Best Mississippi Betting Sites for 2024

You might be surprised to know that the Magnolia State boasts the third most visited gambling destination in the United States: Tunica, Mississippi, where you can find hosts of picturesque riverboat casinos docked along the river that gives the state its name. The fairly conservative state has quite an open view toward gambling, with casinos open both on the water and on land now, after a period of prohibition in its early history. Mississippi is also the fourth state to legalize sports betting, though for now, those bets may only be made in person. Daily Fantasy is also allowed in the state.

Gambling Laws in Mississippi

As stated previously, Mississippi has a fairly open and forward view towards gambling in general, and sees its casinos, both on land and on the river, as a major draw for residents and tourists alike. It was one of the first states to accept sports bets, anticipating that the the U.S. Supreme Court would strike down Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, which it did. Unfortunately attempts to legalize online sports betting specifically have not made it off the ground. Two bills were proposed in 2019, for example, and both died in the Mississippi legislature by April 2019.

Most Popular Sports in Mississippi

The southern state has a long history and its fair share of sports teams, though no major league franchise teams as of yet. A baseball-loving state, Mississippi supports two minor league teams within the Southern League, including the Biloxi Shuckers. Fans can also find ample opportunity to watch soccer and basketball, among other sports throughout the Magnolia State.

Baseball – Biloxi Shuckers

The Biloxi Shuckers came about officially in 2014, when the Huntsville Stars (Alabama), formerly the Nashville Sounds (Tennessee), were sold to Biloxi Baseball and moved to Mississippi. They have a rich history, reaching back to 1978 under previous names, but in the last few years, they have won the support of fans in their new state and two division titles within the Southern League. They have remained affiliated with the MLB team the Milwaukee Brewers, and continue to gain traction and fans across the south.

Soccer – Mississippi Brilla

The Brilla soccer team is a “shining” example of Mississippi’s religious roots, taking its name from a bible passage and the Spanish word for “shine.” They are part of the Brilla Soccer Ministries, which practices sports ministry through game play. They have gained plenty of fans since entering the league in 2007; they were the first soccer franchise in the state after a near ten-year gap when the Jackson Chargers dissolved in 1999.

Basketball – Mississippi Rebels

The Ole Miss Rebels men’s basketball team represent the University of Mississippi and have been playing their craft in the top division of college basketball, the NCAA Division 1. In such a highly competitive league the team have fared particularly well and have managed to retain several state championships in the past decades, and even push several players onto big things in the NBA.

Football – Mississippi Rebels

Also representing the states university, this NCAA football outfit compete in a strongly fierce division against the countries best young football stars. Under the skillful guidance of coach Matt Luke, they have managed to maintain a strong bowl record of (.649).

History of Mississippi Sports Betting

It was not legal to play at sports betting sites in the state but that situation changed completely a mere 1 year ago. In May 2018, the US Supreme Court removed the federal law that prohibited sports betting in Mississippi for so long. Nowadays, this prohibition stas in the state’s historical background and Mississipi looks forward towards better regulation and development of its gambling industry. The next table shows you some other key moments in the history of Mississippi sports betting and gambling.

Legal Online Sports Betting Age in Mississippi

The legal gambling age in Mississippi is 21, but that does not yet extend to online sports betting. Betting must be conducted in person, on a licensed casino property. In fact, some of the concerns that have kept an online sports betting bill from gaining traction in the legislature have to do with preventing underage gambling, so you can trust that this is a topic the state takes seriously. When online sports betting is approved, it will likely follow the regular gambling age in place for in-person betting.

• Sports Betting Age
  The legal gambling age is21 in MIssissippi.
• Alcohol Age
  The legal drinking age is21 in MIssissippi.
• Marijuana Age
  There is currently no age, as there is no legal marijuana usage in MIssissippi.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal Outside of the State?

Up to a while ago the PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) was ruling the option of sports betting completely in any of the states. This changed in 2018 when the law was revoked by the Supreme Court. Now, each state can decide if they will legalize online sports betting or not. This is a big progress and players from all over the US were thrilled to learn about it. Now, states are gradually moving towards changes in regulation. Still, some are faster than others, like the NJ betting laws for example.

Taxes on Your Winnings: Do You Have to Pay Anything?

We cannot say for certain what Mississippi will decide about taxing online betting winnings, since it is not yet legal. But it is likely to follow trends in the U.S. and Europe, where most countries implement 5% duty on winnings, no matter the amount. These earnings can go towards funding projects in the state, which is an attractive proposition for lawmakers. It remains to be seen what the legislature will decide, but the Mississippi Department of Revenue may provide further information when the time comes.

Upcoming Regulation Changes in Mississippi Betting Law

Lawmakers in Mississippi have certainly been at the forefront of legalizing sports betting, being one of the first states to do so after the striking down of PASPA. Though recent bills like SB 2667 and HB 1481 — both seeking to allow mobile or internet-based platforms for sports betting — have died in committee, legislators are still actively seeking these reforms in hope of bringing the best gambling websites to the state.

Sports Betting Guides for Nearby States

• Arkansas
• Tennessee
• Alabama
• Louisiana