Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Mississippi?

While full scale online betting is not legal, retail sports betting is alive and well in the Magnolia State, with more than two dozen retail Mississippi sportsbooks in operation. There have been attempts to introduce full online sports betting, but due to opposition from state casinos it has seen little movement on the legislative front. For now, sports betting and gambling in the state remain legal only on the grounds of one of the state's many casinos.

While regular online sportsbooks aren't allowed in Mississippi, sweepstakes-style sportsbooks are legally accessible. Below, you can find our selection, and for detailed information on each, check out our comprehensive reviews of Fliff Social Sportsbook and Sportzino.

Mississippi Sports Betting Overview

What Is The Current Sports Betting Landscape In Mississippi

Sports betting is legal in Mississippi, but only retail sports betting in state casinos. Online betting is not legal in Mississippi, with the exception of when you are actually on the property of one of the retail books and using their online platform. This means that the big multi-state online sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel are not yet available in homes around the state. 

Legal retail sports betting launched in the state in 2018, shortly after the removal of the Professional and Amatuer Sports Protection Act by the Supreme Court. It meant that Mississippi was one of the most proactive states in the US, acting quickly as soon as legal sports betting was a possibility. Online betting has been a different, and longer, story. 

Since 2018, a number of sports betting bills have been introduced in Mississippi, most of which have never made it to a vote. Mississippi casinos have thus far opposed legislation aimed at expanding online betting, but there are signs that there may be light around the corner. 

When Is Sports Betting Expected To Launch in Mississippi?

It’s possible that legal online sports betting will arrive in Mississippi in 2024, but it’s far from a sure thing yet. HB 774 was introduced by Rep. Casey Eure in January 2024, and after some amendments the bill passed through the Senate committees by April. This means that a vote could be forthcoming in the first half of 2024.

It’s the furthest a sports betting bill has made it thus far in the Mississippi legislature, suggesting that we may not have to wait much longer for full scale legal online betting in the state. 

Mississippi Sports Gambling Updates

After wasting absolutely no time to introduce retail sports betting in 2018, it’s been a long road towards online gambling in Mississippi. Check out our timeline below to see the main events along the way. 

• April 2, 2024 - The Senate Gaming Committee passes HB 774, setting it up for a possible floor vote. 

• Feb. 1, 2024 - HB 774 is passed by the Mississippi House of Representatives. It now moves to the Senate. 

• Jan. 31, 2024 - Two more bills are introduced which would expand Mississippi betting to include online. This time, HB 377 enjoys bipartisan support from Democrats and Republicans in the state. HB 774 is similarly popular. 

• Jan. 24, 2024 - Another new bill, HB 635, is introduced.

• Jan. 23, 2024 - A new online sports betting bill, HB 271, is introduced by Democratic Rep. Cedric Burnett. 

• Dec. 15, 2023 - The Mobile-Online Sports Betting Task Force publishes its detailed report on “all matters related to online sports betting”, including potential tax revenues. 

• November 2023 - The Mobile-Online Sports Betting Task Force reveals objections from state casinos, after meetings in October and November.

• February 2023 - The Mississippi House appropriations committee approves a bill to create a sports betting task-force, seen as a useful stepping stone towards legalization. The Mobile-Online Sports Betting Task Force includes representatives from state casinos.

• February 2022 - A total of four sports betting bill all can’t make it past a committee, closing the book on online sports betting in 2022.

• Jan. 27, 2022 - The Mississippi Mobile Sports Pool And Race Book Wagering Act is introduced by Sen. Philip Moran.

What Sportsbooks Are Expected To Launch in Mississippi?

Real sports betting is alive and well in Mississippi and you can be sure that the top multi-state sportsbooks would jump at the chance to launch in the Magnolia State. Below, you can check out some of our favorite sites that we expect to arrive in Mississippi once online sports betting goes live. 

Our number one choice, BetMGM, is already up and running in Mississippi, but can only be used while you are physically present in either of the state’s BetMGM retail sportsbooks. They can be found in Beau Rivage Resort & Casino and Gold Strike Casino Resort.  

1. BetMGM

Best for: Current Mississippi bettors

BetMGM was the first retail sportsbook to arrive in Mississippi and it’s one of the most popular online sportsbooks in the US. If you’re looking for an online sportsbook you can use right now in Mississippi, albeit only on BetMGM premises, go for BetMGM.

The range of betting markets at BetMGM is really excellent, with tons of ways to bet on all the major US sports. I’m a huge fan of the live betting experience at BetMGM too, which includes the ability to stream certain sports live. If that’s not available, you’ll get live text updates that include the latest stats, so you can get a sense of how things are progressing. 

BetMGM’s welcome bonus is what makes it ideal for higher stakes bettors. The value of your first bet will get refunded if it loses, up to a maximum of $1,500 in bonus bets. As usual, you can’t withdraw any of your bonus bets without first using them to place bets. This kind of offer is perfect if you’re signing up with a large bet in mind, since you know that at worst you’ll get a second chance at the bet up to a huge limit of $1,500. 

I also want to shout out MGM Rewards, the loyalty program which incorporates in-person MGM resorts. You’ll get discounts and benefits at casinos around the country, ideal if you ever make trips to the likes of Vegas or Atlantic City.

You can head over to our full BetMGM review for more details. 

• WSN rating: 4.4/5

• Sign up offer: Get Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets!

• Promo Code: WSNMGM

• App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.2/5 (Android)

Pros:

• Large welcome bonus

• Excellent loyalty program

• Great live betting platform

Cons:

• Casino games take up space on the sportsbook

• No phone support

2. FanDuel Sportsbook

Best for: Mobile Betting 

FanDuel is the most popular sportsbook in the US, leading the way in total betting handle. If you want to find out what all the fuss is about, sign up with FanDuel. 

FanDuel’s success is based on being extremely strong across the board. For one thing, FanDuel has my favorite mobile app in the US, which is also the highest rated sportsbook app on the App Store. The app makes betting on the go very easy, with a simple but intelligent design that makes placing bets as intuitive as possible. It’s perfect for live betting too. 

New players who sign up to FanDuel can claim $200 in bonus bets, provided they make a first bet of $5 or more which winds up winning. It’s a great introduction to the platform and especially valuable for lower stakes players, since they only need to bet $5 up front to qualify. However, it’s worth remembering that if your bet loses, you effectively miss out on a welcome bonus. 

FanDuel also really excels in providing on-running value for its members, with lots of regular bonuses and promotions. That goes for odds boosts, parlay bonuses, bonus bets and more, which get updated practically every day depending on what sports are attracting the most interest. 

Check out our in-depth FanDuel review to learn more about our favorite sportsbook.

• WSN rating: 4.8/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

• App rating: 4.9/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

Pros

• Excellent mobile app

• Lots of ongoing promotions

• Market leader

Cons

• Loyalty club could be improved

• You need to win your qualifying bet to trigger a welcome bonus

3. DraftKings Sportsbook

Best for: Variety of Features

DraftKings is hot on FanDuels’ heels as the most popular sportsbook in the country. If you’re looking for the platform that combines the widest range of features under one roof, it’s DraftKings.

The range of bets and markets on offer at DraftKings is second to none. I’ve often noticed interesting prop bets on the likes of the NFL and NBA which you just can’t find on any other platform, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking for more obscure ways to bet. 

Really though, the sportsbook is just the tip of the iceberg. When you join DraftKings, you also get access to one of the top Daily Fantasy Sports platforms in the country, with the largest selection of different sports. There are betting guides and articles explaining how the world of sports betting works, as well as a social platform where you can interact with other DraftKings members. Plus, there are free play pick’em games, online casino games and online poker in states which legally allow it. 

New players at DraftKings can get $150 in bonus bets in exchange for signing up, making a deposit of just $5 or more, and placing your first $5 bet. It doesn’t even need to win to trigger your bonus bets, which become available instantly after you place your qualifying bet. DraftKings is the only major US sportsbook which allows $5 minimum deposits, making it very friendly for casual and lower stakes players. 

Check out our in-depth DraftKings review for plenty more details.

• WSN rating: 4.8/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

• App rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

Pros

• Tons of features

• $5 minimum deposit

• Excellent mobile app

Cons

• Live chat is automated

• Site design can take a little while to get used to

4. Caesars Sportsbook

Best for: In-person Perks

Caesars is one of the most iconic brands in US gambling. It’s my number one recommendation if you’re looking for the best in-person perks to go with your online betting. 

When you join Caesars, you automatically get signed up to Caesars Rewards, the overarching loyalty program of the Caesars brand. Every time you gamble online or spend money on any Caesars product, you earn loyalty points which can be redeemed for all kinds of things. You can cash them in for bonus bets and other sportsbook promos, or in-person benefits at Caesars resorts, like restaurant vouchers. Caesars also often runs interesting promos on the sportsbook where you can grab prizes like tickets to concerts or other events at their locations. 

Away from the loyalty program, the sportsbook in general is very strong. The software is on the simpler side, making it nice and easy for beginners and casual players to sign up and start betting. There is a second chance bet promo on offer for new players, worth up to $1,000 in bonus bets. All you need to do is sign up with the promo code WSN1000, make a deposit and place your first bet. If it loses, your stake gets refunded in full as bonus bets. You’ll get 1,000 points for Caesars Rewards too, thrown in for good measure.

You can read a lot more in our Caesars Sportsbook review. 

• WSN rating: 4.3/5

• Sign up offer: $1,000 First Bet on Caesars

• Promo Code: WSN1000

• App rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.3/5 (Android)

Pros

• Top class loyalty program

• Nice and simple software

• Iconic brand

Cons

• Ongoing promos could be improved

• Quick pick news feed is a little distracting 

5. ESPN Bet

Best for: Sports News Content

ESPN Bet was one of the most eagerly anticipated sportsbooks in the US when it launched in November 2023. If you’re a sports nut who loves reading and watching the latest content, ESPN Bet is the perfect sportsbook for you. 

ESPN Bet took over from Barstool Sports. Its USP is easily the fact that the wider brand is one of the biggest names in sports journalism, and they leverage that insight and analysis to provide content on the sportsbook. Users get access to Penn Play Rewards, the loyalty program associated with Penn Entertainment which can land you prizes and experiences at in-person casinos and resorts. 

ESPN Bet’s software is on the simple side. It’s still a relatively young site, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few more bells and whistles added over time. It’s also only available as a mobile app. This isn’t really an issue for most players, with mobile now the dominant way that people bet on sports. Still, it would be nice to have the option of a desktop site. 

Check out our in-depth ESPN Bet review for more details.

• WSN rating: 4.6/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $10, Get $150 in bonus bets

• App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.4/5 (Android)

Pros:

• Trusted brand name

• Beginner friendly platform

• Good loyalty program

Cons:

• Mobile only site

• Design is a little sterile

Nearby Betting States

Mississippi is bordered by three states that have some form of legal sports betting.

Tennessee sports betting is online only, meaning Mississippi residents simply need to cross the border and take out their phones to place a bet. There are 12 sportsbooks up and running in the Volunteer State, making it the largest market currently easily accessible from the Magnolia State.

To the west, Arkansas has had legal retail and online sports betting since 2022. However, the state has a significantly reduced selection of just three online sportsbooks, with Betly the clear front runner. The reason the traditional big names haven’t made it to Arkansas is that some unique regulations in the state require online sportsbooks to hand over 51% of their earnings to their in-person casino partner. 

Sports betting is also legal in 55 of the 64 parishes of Louisiana, with six top multi-state sportsbooks available in the Bayou State.

What Sports Will You Be Able To Bet On in Mississippi?

Sports fans in Mississippi can access a full range of sports at retail sportsbooks in the Magnolia State. 

NFL

The NFL attracts the most bets of any sport in the US, and the Super Bowl is by far the most wagered-on event every year. There are an absolute ton of ways to bet on the NFL, from classics like moneylines and point spreads every week of the season to ultra-specific prop bets that let you hone in on the performance of individual players. NFL promos are huge too, with everything from odds boosts to parlay boosts on offer from September through to February. The Super Bowl also lands with a menu of fun exclusive bets, like the color of the Gatorade thrown over the winning coach, or the order of the songs in the halftime show. Check out our NFL betting promo page for more information.

NBA

The NBA is not far behind the NFL, attracting millions of dollars of bets at US sportsbooks throughout the season and postseason. It’s also one of the sports that creates the most bonuses and promos, with sportsbooks regularly coming up with all kinds of incentives to bet on the NBA. The NBA Championship winner is a very popular futures market, while superstars like LeBron James and Steph Curry also inspire special offers and prop bets. Head over to our NBA promotions page for the latest offers. 

NHL

Hockey isn’t the most popular sport in the south, but it still attracts a lot of interest at sportsbooks around the US. The Stanley Cup finals is among the most anticipated events every year, and you can be certain that betting sites in the US will come up with exclusive offers and ways to bet to capitalize on its popularity. Head over to our NHL betting promotions page for details on all the best promos. 

MLB

Baseball is very popular in Mississippi, with two pro Minor League teams in the state in the Mississippi Braves and the Biloxi Shuckers. The MLB provides a near unparalleled selection of betting opportunities in the US, thanks to its long season and high volume of games from April to October. Check out our MLB bonuses page for the latest updates. 

UFC

UFC has been a quiet revelation at US sportsbooks over the last decade or more. The sport of Mixed Martial Arts has exploded in popularity, and the meteoric rise of a young sport combined with a legion of new (and not always super knowledgeable!) fans has seen some unique betting opportunities arise. Head over to our UFC betting guide where we go deep on all the different ways you can bet on MMA, tips and strategy, bonuses and more. 

What Wager Types Will Be Available in Mississippi?

In this section, we’re covering all the most popular ways you can bet on sports at US sportsbooks.

Moneyline Bets

A bet on the moneyline is simply a bet on which side will win a game. The payout is determined by the odds which are assigned to each side, with positive odds indicating the underdog and negative odds indicating the favorite. Here’s an example:

• Orlando Magic +160

• New Orleans Pelicans -190

To understand moneyline bets, it’s easiest to think in terms of $100. Here, the Pelicans are favorites and you would need to bet $190 in order to win $100, for a total payout of $290. Orlando are the underdogs, and a $100 bet would be enough to win $160, for a total payout of $260. 

Point Spread Bets

A bet on the spread is all about the margin of victory. The sportsbook sets a spread of points that compensate for the difference in quality between the two teams, a little like a headstart for the underdogs. To win a bet against the spread, the team needs to win the game taking the point spread into account. Here’s how it can look:

• Orlando Magic (+4.5) -110

• New Orleans Pelicans (-4.5) -110

Here, the spread is 4.5 points. To win a bet on the Pelicans, they would need to win by 5 points or more. To win a bet on the Magic, they either need to win the game or simply avoid losing by 5 points. With this type of bet, the odds are normally around -110 for both sides. 

Totals Bets

Totals are bets on the combined total number of points scored by both teams in the game. The winners and losers are not relevant. This bet is also known as Over/Under, as the sportsbook sets a line for the total and you can either bet on the Over or the Under. Here’s how it might look:

Orlando Magic vs. New Orleans Pelicans 

• Over (209.5) -110

• Under (209.5) -110

Prop Bets

Proposition bets or prop bets are bets on things that happen in a game, which may or may not have a direct impact on the result. Normally, they center around statistics for either individual players or the team as a whole. For instance, you can place prop bets on the passing yards thrown by a quarterback in the NFL, layups in the NBA, or the number of yellow cards a player or entire team receives in a soccer game. You can also find more novelty props, like the color of the Gatorade thrown over the winning coach in the Super Bowl, or simply the result of the coin toss. 

Parlay Bets

A parlay is a combination bet. You simply add multiple selections to the same betslip, the odds get multiplied together, and all of your selections must be correct to win the bet. It’s a riskier way to bet, but with higher payouts. Same Game Parlays are a popular variation, whereby all the selections come from a single game. 

Futures

Futures bets are based on outcomes a long way in the future, usually the winners of a championship or tournament. Futures are especially popular at the start of a season or competition, like just before the Fifa World Cup or betting on the winner of the Super Bowl in September. However, you can place futures at any point as the competition progresses. As a rule of thumb, the earlier you place a futures bet, the better the odds.

Live Betting

This involves betting on games as they happen live, with the odds changing second-by-second depending on what is happening in the game. It allows you to analyze the game and tailor your betting strategy in real time, and potentially take advantage of anything that you can spot about the game before the odds change. US sportsbooks usually have dedicated live betting sections, where you can follow live updates from the games and sometimes even stream them live.

Betting Restrictions in Mississippi?

Retail sports betting in Mississippi is subject to the following restrictions:

• Betting on political events, like the outcome of elections, is not permitted.

• Betting on award ceremonies or entertainment events, like the Academy Awards is not allowed. 

• Betting on eSports is not currently allowed in Mississippi

• High school sports are exempt from betting. 

College sports are legal to bet on in Mississippi, including on in-state teams like Ole Miss. The only exception here is prop bets on college athletes, which are not allowed. 

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Mississippi?

Yes, Daily Fantasy Sports is legal in Mississippi and has been since 2017. The big two DFS sites are available to players in the Magnolia State.

1. DraftKings DFS

Best For: Range of Sports

DraftKings has the widest selection of games and sports of any DFS site in the US, including millions of dollars or prize pools. In addition to the standard daily and weekly contests you can enter against strangers, DraftKings has excellent customization options. You can create your own leagues, invite your friends and even chat to each other using the social platform, all on the same site. DraftKings works extremely well on mobile too, with the iOS app rated 4.9 on the App Store. 

Claim your DK DFS Bonus.

2. FanDuel DFS

Best For: Beginners

FanDuel is right up there with DraftKings. It has a slightly reduced range of sports on the menu, but shares many of the same features and contests. One area that FanDuel stands out is in its beginner-friendliness, and I always advice DFS newbies to start out on FanDuel. There are beginner only contests that you are only allowed to enter if you have just signed up to the site, where you can get your feet wet without jumping in against the experts. FanDuel also has excellent free play options, where you can win your share of prize pools without spending a dime of your own money. 

Start off right, start with FanDuel.

Is Fliff Legal in Mississippi?

Yes, Fliff is legal and available in Mississippi. Fliff is a social sportsbook which allows you to play prediction contests for free, which follow a similar pattern to the bets available at real money sportsbooks. 

The games at Fliff can be played using two types of virtual currency, Fliff Coins and Fliff Cash, both of which can be obtained for free in various ways. When you win additional Fliff Cash through the games, you can redeem it for cash prizes. 

Legally, Fliff is not considered to be a form of sports betting. Instead, it falls under the category of sweepstakes contests. Fliff is like a sports betting version of social casinos like Chumba Casino or Luckyland Slots, which allow people to play casino-style games in states that don’t have legal gambling. New users who sign up to Fliff now can get a bonus on their first purchase of Fliff Coins, worth up to 600,000 Fliff Coins and $100 Fliff Cash. It’s not quite regular sports betting, but it’s a great alternative while we wait for legal online sportsbooks to make it to Mississippi. 

Claim your Fliff promo offer.

Sports Teams in Mississippi

There are no major league teams in Mississippi. That fact doesn’t really tell the full story though, and sports is very popular in the Magnolia State. College sports in particular inspires a lot of support, thanks to some of the oldest and most storied college programs in the country. Check out the NCAA Division 1 teams below:

• Alcorn State Braves

• Jackson State Tigers

• Mississippi State Bulldogs

• Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils

• Ole Miss Rebels

• Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles

Why You Should Trust Us

The team here at WSN.com is made up of regular sports and betting fans. Between us, we’ve got multiple decades of experience in the world of sport: watching it, writing about it and betting on it. All the information that makes it onto our site comes from the perspective of regular bettors, informed by all of our years of experience. 

The reviews you can read are based on direct, first hand experience. This is also ingrained in our review process. We test out everything from a perspective of regular bettor. We sign up, claim the bonus, make the bets and withdraw the winnings, so our readers know exactly what to expect from their sportsbooks. When we find something we like, we can’t wait to share it with the rest of the betting community. When we find something we think can be improved, we don’t sugar coat it. 

A fair and honest perspective lies at the heart of everything we produce. 

Getting Help: Responsible Gambling in Mississippi

Although online sports betting is not yet legal in Mississippi, there are plenty of safeguards in place already to protect anyone in the state struggling with gambling. It’s also worth remembering that, even though they aren’t technically forms of sports betting, DFS and social sportsbooks like Fliff can also be the source of gambling problems, and should only be used as part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle. 

Here are some resources you can access in Mississippi if you or your friends or family are struggling:

• The Mississippi Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling can be contacted at 1-888-777-9696 if you can text “msgambler” to 53352.

• The National Council on Problem Gambling provides support nationwide by calling or texting 1-800-GAMBLER.

• Gamblers Anonymous hosts meetings in Mississippi.

US sportsbooks also often provide tools to help users play responsibly. They include:

• Deposit and Loss Limits, which let you control how much money you can spend over a period of time.

• Opting Out of marketing and other notifications which encourage people to keep playing.

• Cool Off Periods which mean you take a temporary break.

• Self-exclusion which permanently bans you from a site.