Gambling Laws of Mississippi Legal State of Gambling

History and Timeline for Mississippi Online Gambling

This timeline outlines the sequence of events that culminated in the legalization of gambling in the state of Mississippi.

In 1990, the Mississippi Legislature ushered in a new era by legalizing dockside casino gambling through House Bill 2 during a Special Legislative Session. This landmark bill, effective from June 29, 1990, established the Mississippi Gaming Control Act, leading to the formation of the Mississippi Gaming Commission to oversee and regulate the operations of dockside casinos. Initially, the Mississippi State Tax Commission managed gaming activities until the Gaming Commission assumed full responsibility on October 1, 1993. Governed by three appointed Commissioners serving staggered four-year terms, the Gaming Commission operates under strict guidelines, ensuring no Commissioner serves more than a decade. The Charitable Gaming Law allowed bingo play to raise funds for registered nonprofit organizations, setting limitations on game frequency and times. Since the inauguration of the first regulated bingo hall in October 1992, charitable gaming has expanded, now conducted in approximately half of Mississippi's counties.

• October 1993: Establishment of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, marking the transition of primary regulatory authority for the casino industry from the tax commission to the newly formed Gaming Commission.
• Early 1994: Rapid growth in the casino industry as 19 casinos opened their doors in Mississippi shortly after the Gaming Commission assumed regulatory control.
• October 1992: Inauguration of the first regulated bingo hall, marking the initiation of charitable gaming activities, now conducted in approximately half of Mississippi's counties.
• November 1992: Landmark decision enabling the potential creation of a state lottery as 53% of the state's electorate voted to repeal Section 98 of Article 4 of the Mississippi Constitution, which had previously prohibited the establishment or advertising of any lottery within the state.

Legalization of Sports Betting in Mississippi

• Prior exclusion of pari-mutuel betting on racetracks or Off-Track Betting (OTBs) despite an established gambling industry in Mississippi.
• Legalization of horse betting occurred only subsequent to the enactment of sports betting regulations in 2018, marking the initial authorization of legal horse betting within the state.
• August 2018: Landmark legalization of sports betting in Mississippi, allowing for in-person wagering on casino grounds exclusively.
  28 casinos with sportsbooks across the state provided avenues for individuals to engage in in-person sports betting activities.
• Limited availability of sports betting apps offered by a few casinos, usable solely within the premises of the respective sportsbooks.
• Emphasize that despite the legalization of in-person sports betting, online sports betting remains illegal in Mississippi, necessitating physical presence at licensed casino locations to place wagers.

Legalization of Online Gambling in Mississippi

As of the current regulations in Mississippi, online gambling remains illegal within the state. Despite the presence of a well-established gambling industry encompassing various forms of in-person wagering such as casinos, sports betting, poker rooms, and charitable gaming, the state has not legalized online gambling activities. This prohibition extends to online casino gaming, sports betting, and any other forms of gambling conducted through internet platforms. Mississippi law mandates that individuals must be physically present at licensed casino establishments to participate in any form of gambling, enforcing strict restrictions that do not permit or regulate online gambling within the state's borders.