Mississippi Sports Betting – Best MS Sportsbooks 2024
In the state of Mississippi, sports betting at a retail site such as a casino has been legal since August 2018. However, several attempts to allow online sportsbooks have fallen by the wayside. The most recent attempt came in January 2022, but the bill died in committee just a month later.
In this article, we’ll explain a little more about the history and growth of sports betting in the Magnolia State. You’ll discover exactly why lawmakers are struggling to get approval, as well as finding out what the alternatives are.
Away from the legal situation, we’ll also explain everything else there is to know about Mississippi sports betting. Discover the most popular wager types, common sportsbook bonuses and learn how to register for an online betting account. But first, let’s talk about our favorite bookmakers in MS.
Best Licensed Online Sports Betting Sites available in Mississippi
Before we get into the nitty gritty of sports betting in the Magnolia State, here are our favorite online bookmakers. We have an extremely experienced team who spend a lot of time assessing sportsbooks. Dozens of criteria are considered when choosing the best sportsbooks, and this is the verdict.
Code: BBCSUSA
1
Risk Free
$1000
Bet
Risk Free
$1000
Bet
99
points
Risk-Free First Bet up to $1000
Excellent sports betting app available in Mississippi
At times, this article will get pretty deep into the weeds. If there are some specific elements of Mississippi sports betting that you’d prefer to focus on, feel free to skip ahead! These are the topics we’ll be covering.
People have always liked gambling, even dating back to our prehistoric ancestors. Archaeologists have found primitive dice fashioned from bones and rocks, suggesting that there’s some innate enjoyment to be found in wagering. And for as long as humans have organized sporting events, betting has taken place.
Thanks to more recent technological developments, namely the internet and smartphones, it’s easier than ever before to bet. All kinds of new games have appeared, such as Daily Fantasy Sports and even virtual sports. But when we talk about betting, we’re not referring to those activities.
Online sports betting is purely the act of wagering on a specific event within a real world sport. Whether it’s the result of an NFL fixture, who will shoot the most 3-pointers, or which horse will win next year’s Preakness Stakes.
Is Online Sports Betting Allowed in Mississippi?
The online sports betting situation in MS is a little complicated. Retail sportsbooks are completely legal and it’s legal to place bets via mobile when physically located on these premises. But there is still much opposition to opening up online betting fully, because the land-based casinos are trying to protect their own interests.
There is certainly support for online sports betting among lawmakers though, who have been trying to resolve the issue for some time. Democrat Cedric Burnett is one notable figure. His January 2020 bill (HB 172) was shot down before he tried again in January 2022 with HB 184. Frustratingly for supporters of Mississippi sports betting, that died in committee just a month later.
With states like New York generating over $1 billion every month through mobile sportsbooks, you have to wonder how long this stalemate will continue. In the meantime, locals wishing to bet online are forced to turn to offshore betting sites. They’re safe, as they’re licensed by reputable authorities in Malta, the UK and other respectable jurisdictions. And while they’re not technically legal, there’s not much the MS authorities can do about it.
Sports Betting Options in Mississippi
There are so many different ways to bet on sports these days. Here are some of the most popular Mississippi sports betting lines.
Moneyline
The moneyline is a simple visual representation of which team will win the contest. Whichever side is perceived by the bookmaker as being the strongest will have smaller odds, representing a greater probability of winning.
All you need to do as a bettor is decide which team will win the game. That’s all there is to it. This simplicity is a large part of the moneyline’s appeal.
Spread
The points spread introduces a virtual handicap to the underdog, which makes it harder for the favorite to win the bet. Of course, if it’s easier for one team to win, the probability of them doing so increases. Therefore the two team’s odds are brought more closely in line.
The point of the spread is to spice up an otherwise unappealing event. If everyone knows that the Mississippi Braves are going to win comfortably, there’s not really much point in betting on the opposition.
Totals
Another set of creative betting lines are the totals markets. These apply to all kinds of in-game events, such as the number of goals in a hockey game or the total points in one period of an NBA fixture. It can also apply to individual players, like the number of three pointers scored by Steph Curry.
Totals lines are sometimes called “Over/Under”’ markets. That’s because your job is to guess whether the true value will be higher or lower than the bookmaker’s line.
Futures
It’s hard enough to predict the outcome of a game the day before it begins. But futures markets can require you to guess what will happen months or even years from now. Only those with real sports betting knowledge can hope to succeed.
Why are they so popular if it’s difficult to win? It’s simply down to the increased odds. Low probability means a higher potential payout and if you succeed, it can be lucrative.
In-Play
Betting once the game has begun is known as live, or “in-play” betting. With so many of us now owning smartphones and having access to high-speed internet, it’s easier than ever to access online sportsbooks. You can do it from the office, while stuck on a train or even when using the restroom!
Mississippi sports betting fans are just as likely to bet in-play as anywhere else in the world. If you’re watching Monday Night Football, betting live can really spice things up.
Parlay
One of the main draws of sports betting is the chance to win money. If so many people are in it for profit, it follows that those same people would be tempted by the prospect of a big payday. And that’s exactly what parlays promise us.
By joining multiple bets together into one big wager, it becomes harder to win. But naturally, the potential rewards increase exponentially. The more picks you add, the greater the possible returns.
Teasers
Parlays are tricky to land and the bookmakers know it. That’s why they came up with the teaser, which gives bettors a little more flexibility. By tweaking the terms of the bet, such as adjusting the points spread to suit you, there’s a better chance you’ll succeed.
Naturally, since they’re slightly easier to win, teasers don’t quite pay as much as regular parlays. But they still offer extremely attractive returns, which explains their popularity among bettors in MS.
The Growth of Sports Betting in Mississippi
Retail sports betting sites in Mississippi first opened on August 1, 2018. The Beau Rivage and Gold Strike casinos both partnered with BetMGM sportsbook and were the first locations to accept legal bets. From that point, things have grown rapidly.
Experts predicted that the state would likely handle around $180 million in retail bets per year. However, the real numbers were already around $150 million by the end of 2018, after less than half a year of operations.
2019, the first full calendar year for legalized Mississippi sports betting venues, saw sales figures of more than $370 million. That raised over $5 million in taxes for the state of MS. By July 2022, there were 23 retail betting locations licensed by the Mississippi Gaming Commission.
After the latest attempt to legalize online sportsbooks fell through in February 2022, mobile betting sites remain illegal. Should they ever be permitted, there would surely be a further spike in growth.
Why is Sports Betting So Popular in MS?
There are multiple factors behind the popularity of sports betting in Mississippi. Here are the main drivers.
Long affiliation with sports. The University of Mississippi’s football team, formed in 1893, draws larger crowds than many professional teams.
The promise of winning money. Sports betting is not just exciting, but the lure of striking it rich offers an extra appeal.
Generous promotions and bonuses. With so many tempting deals and the prospect of getting something for nothing, why wouldn’t you get involved?
1. Long Affiliation With Sports
The state of Mississippi doesn’t have a professional sports team. Jackson, the most populous city, has around 150,000 people, and that number is on the decline. However, that’s not to say the locals aren’t passionate about sports. It’s just that there aren’t very many of them!
For example, the University of Mississippi, known as “Ole Miss”, is extremely well supported. Their football team routinely attracts crowds in excess of 65,000 for the biggest games, putting them on par with many top NFL franchises.
2. The Promise of Winning Money
They say that money makes the world go round. It certainly pays for nice stuff, anyway! You can’t get away from the fact that winning cold hard cash is a big factor in the appeal of sports betting.
You don’t have to be a big spending baller placing sizable wagers either. With parlays, teasers and futures betting, it’s possible to turn a few bucks into a big score. And that’s particularly attractive to lovers of Mississippi sports betting.
3. Generous Promotions and Bonuses
Bookmakers across the country, not only in Mississippi, are having to work harder than ever. The market is so competitive, that brands must come up with increasingly appealing offers to tempt us in.
Once we’ve registered, the focus shifts to customer retention, so the bonuses never end. Ultimately, who doesn’t like to get something for nothing?
Sports Betting Bonuses
Whether you’re wagering in person at a Mississippi sports betting venue, or an offshore bookmaker, there are lots of great deals. In this next section of our guide, we’ll cover some of the most common sportsbook bonuses and promotions.
First Time Deposit Bonus
Almost every sportsbook will offer some kind of incentive for joining. The welcome package may comprise several elements, but it almost always contains a first time deposit match bonus. Fund the account with real money and the betting site will increase that amount by a fixed percentage, usually 100% or more.
Reload Bonus
To encourage repeat business, the top online betting sites also offer what we call “reload” bonuses. They work just like a first time deposit offer, only they’re not for new players and they tend to be smaller. Something in the region of 20% to 50% is about standard for Mississippi sports betting sites.
Odds Boost
Some bookmakers will enhance the returns on certain lines to provide a little extra value to regular bettors. It might be that the odds setters choose a selection of specials every day that all account holders can take advantage of. But some betting sites will even let you pick out your own markets to boost.
Free Bet
Sometimes awarded to new players and other times for existing customers, the free bet is a coveted sportsbook bonus. You’ll receive a betting token that’s valid on specific sports and betting lines. But if you lose, it won’t cost you real money! When you win, you won’t be allowed to keep the value of the free bet, only the profit. But it’s still great to have a shot at landing something for nothing!
Risk-Free Bet
Not quite the same as free bets, risk-free bets are placed using real money. However, if the wager loses, you’ll get your money back, usually as a free bet. For instance, BetMGM offers new players a risk-free bet worth a massive $1,000!
Loyalty Program
It’s been a common sight at online casinos for a long time, but recently sports betting sites have got in on the act too. The more bets you place, the greater the number of loyalty points you’ll accrue. You can trade these in for tangible rewards like clothing and gadgets, or exchange them for free bets and other bonuses. And the more points you accumulate, the better the perks you’ll receive, such as enhanced support or increased withdrawal limits.
Popular Sports to Bet On in Mississippi
Although Mississippi doesn’t have a professional team, the locals are still crazy about sports. Teams from the University of Mississippi have enjoyed lots of success over the years and they are extremely well supported.
The Ole Miss Rebels football team draws as many fans as the top NFL sides for their biggest games. While the baseball team recently won the 2022 College World Series, beating Oklahoma in the finals.
Here are the sports that Mississippians like to bet on the most.
How to Sign up for Online Sports Betting in Mississippi
As we previously discussed, the online betting situation in Mississippi is a little complicated. As a result, several offshore bookmakers operate in the state. And what’s more, some betting operators like BetMGM do accept bets online, as long as the bettor is in a licensed premises.
If you want to know how to sign up with an online bookmaker, here’s what you need to do.
To start off, pick out your favorite betting site. Check our list at the top of this page for safe and secure recommendations.
Click the link to load the bookmaker’s homepage and find the button which opens the registration form. It will say something along the lines of “Join” or “Register”.
Once the signup form is loaded, you’ll need to fill it out. All of the best online betting sites require basic personal information for identity verification purposes. This includes your name, date of birth, home address and telephone number.
If the bookmaker has a welcome bonus, you may need to enter a promo code before completing the signup form. All betting sites handle this differently. Some will get you to choose from a list of offers at this point, while others ask for a bonus code when depositing.
Now that your account is open, you’ll need to credit some real funds for betting. Open the cashier section and choose your preferred banking option. Enter the deposit amount, paying attention to any limits displayed on the page. Confirm the transaction when you’re ready.
Congratulations, you are now all set to get started! Browse through the many different betting lines, add selections to your betslip and place your first wager. Good luck!
Sports Betting Payment Methods
All Mississippi sports betting sites are different, but there’s a lot of overlap in the available banking options. That’s because the top sportsbooks try to make life as easy as possible for their customers.
As a result, many of the safest and most convenient deposit methods crop up time and time again. These include the following:
Paypal
Neteller
Skrill
Paysafecard
EcoPayz
Cryptocurrency
Direct bank transfers
Mastercard
Visa
Discover
American Express
Cash at physical locations
Responsible Gambling in MS
For the overwhelming majority of Mississippians, gambling is a harmless pastime, nothing more than a bit of fun. Sadly, a minority of people do develop problems with sports betting.
If you feel that things are getting out of hand, you can turn to any of these groups for help.
National Problem Gambling Helpline. Dial 1-800-522-4700 or visit ncpgambling.org for more information about this nationwide charity. The helpline is staffed 24/7.
Gamblers Anonymous. A community led support group based on the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous. Visit gamblersanonymous.org for more details.
Mississippi Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling. This local organization is contactable on 1-888-777-9696. They will assist you in getting the help you need.
Useful Tools
Most Mississippi sports betting sites provide responsible gambling tools to help you stay on top of things. If you feel that things are beginning to spiral out of control, consider implementing one or more of the following.
Time Limits. Configure automated reminders to let you know that you’ve been using the sportsbook for a long time.
Deposit Limits. Set a self-imposed cap on the volume of money deposited to your betting wallet.
Time Outs. Take a short break from wagering and the sportsbook will not allow you to access your account.
Self Exclusion. Even stronger than a time out, this option will block you from accessing the account for good. Steps will be taken to prevent marketing materials being sent your way and attempts to open new accounts will be denied.
FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Mississippi?
Yes. Mississippi sports betting has been permitted in a retail environment since August 1, 2018. Online bookmakers are not allowed, unless you are physically located in a licensed sportsbook within the state. Several offshore betting sites are accessible though, and many Mississippi residents safely utilize these brands.
What is the legal age to place a bet in Mississippi?
Just like most of the USA, you must be at least 21 to engage in sports betting in Mississippi.
Can I bet on college sports in MS?
Absolutely. Unlike some states, there are no Mississippi sports betting laws which restrict betting on college sports or teams.
Are offshore sportsbooks legal in Mississippi?
While they’re not technically legal, they aren’t illegal either. Mississippi sports betting lobbyists have been trying to gain approval for legal mobile sportsbooks for years with no luck. This has led many residents to turn to safe offshore betting sites. There is no record of anyone from MS ever having been punished for doing this.
What are the best Mississippi sports betting sites?
BetMGM is a safe and secure betting brand with a retail license in MS. However, you can only place online bets if you’re actually at the Beau Rivage or Gold Strike casinos. For a list of alternatives, simply scroll to the top of this page.
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