How We Will Rate Sportsbooks in Mississipp
As soon as MS lawmakers have a change of heart and hop on the online sports betting bandwagon, our team of experts will get down to business. We’ll analyze each sportsbook that the Mississippi Gaming Commission approves and rate them accordingly using our foolproof filtering system. This will help us track down the best sportsbooks in the market. Below, we’ll guide you through the criteria we’ll use for rating sports betting sites in Mississippi.
Regulation and Licensing
We’ll begin our evaluation process by checking whether the online sportsbook has a proper license. A stamp of approval from the state’s regulatory body, the Mississippi Gaming Commission, will confirm that the brand is authorized to operate in Mississippi.
We have no intention of tackling offshore sites, as they are deemed illegal by state law. Most unregulated operators lack adequate patron protection, and their security measures are often subpar, exposing their users’ financial or personal information to hackers. Additionally, you won’t receive any assistance if the sportsbook doesn’t pay you out your winnings or mistreats you in any way.
Legal books, on the other hand, are a whole different story. These brands are constantly monitored by government agencies and must abide by strict rules of conduct.
Sports and Market Selection
Upon launch, Mississippi sports betting sites will boast an all-inclusive betting program that will surely cover all four major sports in detail. The Magnolia State doesn’t have any professional teams, but it does have several top-tier college teams you’ll likely be able to bet on. Additionally, our recommended books will have odds and game lines on popular markets like golf, soccer, NASCAR, tennis, and MMA, to name a few.
Bonuses and Promotions
Promo offers are an excellent way for sportsbooks to secure their position in a competitive market. Therefore, sports fans in Mississippi will have access to some of the most lucrative bonuses in the industry. It might be overwhelming to go through so many deals and determine which ones are worthwhile, but that’s where we come in. Our team will monitor the market continuously and inform you whenever a great promotion pops up — be it a juicy welcome bonus or a hefty odds boost.
Quality of Odds
When assessing a particular sportsbook, we always factor in the quality of odds it offers and the site’s line release times. Top-rated books consistently provide sharp odds and release their opening lines ahead of the competition. It’s recommended, though, that you always shop for the best lines and odds across sportsbooks since they can vary widely across the market for different kinds of bets and competitions.
Mobile Betting Apps
There’s nothing more frustrating than dealing with a sports betting app that’s unresponsive and cluttered. Thus, we always look for sportsbooks with fully optimized Android and iOS apps. Our goal is that you have easy access to key features and markets and an enjoyable experience when betting on the go.
Banking Options and Features
MS betting sites generally offer various payment methods, but not all sportsbooks are equal. If you have a favorite banking option, make sure the sportsbook can accommodate your preferences. It’s also a good idea to evaluate the site’s processing speed for cashouts. Tell you what, why don’t you sit back and relax, and we’ll do the heavy lifting for you?
Customer Support
An enjoyable betting experience depends on good customer service. The site must provide quality and quick assistance whenever customers need it. It should also handle their queries in a professional manner. Several contact channels should be available to provide a fast diagnosis and solution to problems, most notably email, telephone, and live chat.
Brief History of Gambling in Mississippi
Mississippi has a vibrant gambling history, which can be traced back to the 1800s. Indian tribes participated in this activity way before Europeans settled in that area. Due to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act enacted in 1988, some of these traditions are still practiced today. Furious hurricanes that frequently hit Mississippi heavily impacted the gambling sector, causing havoc to the infrastructure and businesses like casinos and steamboats.
The first gambling laws were made after the Civil War. During the war, riverboat casinos were closed, and the entire gambling industry was put on pause. In the next six decades, gambling was still prevalent but not as popular as before the war.
After WWI, Congress put forth the Prohibition Act, enforcing a ban on alcohol and gambling throughout the country. Soon after, the US plunged into the Great Depression, the most significant economic crisis in the nation’s history. Outside of Nevada, gambling remained illegal in all parts of the country, including Mississippi.
Most gambling activities were outlawed with the Mississippi Law Code of 1942, but the lawmakers mostly turned a blind eye toward illicit gambling venues and underground establishments.
The National Indian Gaming Act of 1988 helped revive Mississippi’s gambling tradition. In 1990, the state enacted the Gaming Control Act, thus legalizing dockside gambling alongside coastal counties and the Mississippi River.
The first dockside casino opened in 1992 in Biloxi, which marked the beginning of a new era for gambling in the state. A year later, the Mississippi Gaming Control Commission was assembled and tasked with regulatory duties.
By 2005, around 30 casinos had opened for business, but Hurricane Katrina damaged or destroyed most. Lawmakers took immediate measures to ensure that such a disaster doesn’t happen again — the state amended existing gambling laws to allow casinos to be stationed within 800 feet of water.
The next major milestone in MS gambling history occurred in 2017, when Gov. Phil Bryant signed a fantasy sports bill, allowing DFS operators DraftKings and FanDuel to offer their products in the state. Shortly after the fall of PASPA, the state legalized sports betting.
As it stands, most forms of gambling are legal in MS, with notable exceptions being online gambling and lottery.
Sports Betting in Mississippi
When Gov. Phil Bryant signed off HB 967 during the 2017 legislative session, DFS became legal in Mississippi. Moreover, the bill had also removed old language which prohibited statewide sports betting. By tweaking the state law, the officials paved the path for legal sports betting that came a year later.
A few days after the Supreme Court outlawed PASPA, the Mississippi Gaming Commission released a draft of rules for in-person sports betting at state casinos. On August 1, 2018, two MGM Resorts properties — casinos in Biloxi and Tunica — took the first sports bets in the state. Simultaneously, Mississippi became the third state to launch sports betting markets after New Jersey and Delaware. Since then, more than 20 properties in the state have set up betting lounges.
The state has tried to legalize online sports betting on several occasions but to no avail. Most recently, in January, four gambling bills aiming to legalize online sports betting were introduced. Neither of them made it past the Committee, as they faced strong opposition from local casino operators.
Sports Betting in Mississippi: License and Tax Information
The current MS sports betting law only allows in-person betting at licensed casinos. Online wagering is also permitted, but it must take place on-site at the casino property. Several tribal casinos accept mobile wagers within their grounds via the PRRSports app — these include Silver Star, Golden Moon, and Bok Homa.
The tax rate is set at 12% — casinos are required to pay 8% to the state and 4% to the local government. Any currently licensed operator can apply to offer sports betting.
The legal gambling age is 21.
MISSISSIPPI SPORTS BETTING
Is sports betting legal in Mississippi?
Yes, sports betting was legalized in 2018, and it officially went live on August 1 at casinos in Biloxi and Tunica.
Who regulates sports betting in Mississippi?
The Mississippi Gaming Control Commission is the main regulatory body for all forms of gambling in the state, including sports betting.
What is the minimum age for placing a bet in Mississippi?
You have to be 21 or older to place a bet at Mississippi sportsbooks.
Is it possible to bet online while in Mississippi?
Yes, but the caveat is that you’re within the licensed casino facility. Internet betting is prohibited off the grounds of licensed venues.
Do Mississippi sportsbooks have apps?
Yes, some casino brands in Mississippi offer proprietary sportsbook apps you can use while at the operator’s premises.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I bet on college teams with MS sportsbooks?
Most books offer odds and lines on collegiate athletic events, including Mississippi State and Ole Miss games.
Do MS sportsbooks offer bonuses and promotions?
Yes, but these deals pale in comparison to what you’ll get from legal online sportsbooks in other states.
How many retail sportsbooks are there in Mississippi?
Currently, 23 casinos offer sports betting within their premises.
Can I play at offshore sportsbooks in Mississippi?
You can technically access offshore sportsbooks in Mississippi, but we would advise against it, as these sites are not adequately protected.
How quickly can I cash out my winnings from an MS sportsbook?
You can cash out your winning slips instantly. Even if you order the payout via the app, the pending time is minimal.