Mississippi Online Casino Sites — Best of 2024
Online casinos remain illegal in Mississippi, even though the Magnolia State is no stranger to gambling with its luxurious land-based casinos and legal retail sports betting since 2018.
Our guide explores everything you need to know about the current online casino landscape in Mississippi, the latest legalization updates, top alternative gaming platforms, and practical tips for handling your taxable winnings.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Learn about the current online gambling stance in Mississippi.
- Discover the best alternatives to online casinos in Mississippi.
- Find out how to handle your MS taxable winnings the best way.
Our Top 5 Sweepstakes Online Casinos in Mississippi
While regular online casinos are not legally accessible to MS players, they can play at sweepstakes casinos. These gaming platforms offer casino-style entertainment using virtual currency instead of real money, and allow Mississippians to legally play the best online casino games.
Here are our top 5 sweepstakes online casinos for Mississippi residents, all part of the best US sweepstakes casinos:
Online Gambling in Mississippi: An Overview
Even if MS players can’t access real-money online casinos, they can still enjoy various gambling options, each with its own legal status and age requirements. Here’s a concise overview:
| Gambling Type | Legal Status | Current Situation | Legal Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Casinos | No | Online casino gambling is not permitted in Mississippi. | — |
| Land-Based Casinos | Yes | Numerous licensed casinos operate statewide, offering slots, table games, and poker. | 21 |
| Sports Betting | Yes | In-person sports betting is available at licensed casinos; online sports betting is not yet legalized. | 21 |
| Lottery | Yes | The Mississippi Lottery offers various games, including scratch-offs and draw games. | 21 |
| Bingo | Yes | Bingo is permitted for charitable purposes and conducted by licensed organizations. | 18 |
| Poker | Yes | Poker games are available in licensed land-based casinos. | 21 |
Want to Bet Real Money? Land-Based Casinos in Mississippi
When it comes to active nightlife, Mississippi has it all, including a long list of land-based casinos. These platforms offer excellent in-person gambling experiences and often feature services like fine dining, live entertainment, and bars.
Here are the top three MS land-based casinos to try out in 2024:
- Ameristar Casino in Vicksburg: 1,500 slots, 36 table games, and a 10-table poker room.
- Beau Rivage in Biloxi: 93 table games, 2,100 slots, and a two-tiered poker room with 16 tables.
- 1st Jackpot Casino in Tunica: 900 slot machines and 16 table games.
How to Declare Taxable Winnings in Mississippi?
Gambling winnings in Mississippi are taxed at a 3% state income tax rate for amounts over $600. Casinos handle this by withholding the tax and providing a W2G or 1099 form, which you report on your tax return. For winnings over $5,000, a federal tax of 24% is also withheld.
Note: Mississippi taxes apply to all winnings in the state for both residents and non-residents and are non-refundable.
History of Gambling in Mississippi
Mississippi’s gambling roots trace back to the 1700s, with Native Americans betting on sports and card games. Over time, the state introduced and legalized various forms of gambling:
- 1790s: Fleetfield Race Track became Mississippi’s first horse racing venue.
- 1800s: Riverboat casinos and hotel slot machines emerged.
- 1990: HB2 legalized commercial casinos and charitable gaming.
- 2017: Daily Fantasy Sports and sports betting were legalized.
- 2018: Retail sportsbooks and the Mississippi State Lottery launched.
Note: Mississippi’s evolution reflects its long-standing connection to gambling culture, which is a good sign for the future of online casino regulation.
What’s Next for Mississippi Online Casinos?
The most recent push for online gambling in Mississippi came in February 2024, with House Bill 774 proposing the legalization of online sports betting. While the bill gained some traction, it ultimately failed to advance, leaving the future of online casinos untouched. Lawmakers, like Sen. Brice Wiggins, remain cautious, prioritizing the protection of the state’s brick-and-mortar casinos over new online ventures.
For now, it’s unlikely that Mississippi will see real money online casinos legalized in the near future. The focus remains on safeguarding traditional casino revenue and exploring online sports betting options.
Meanwhile, Mississippians can enjoy social and sweepstakes casinos or land-based casino gambling, offering fun and legal alternatives without the need for legislative changes. To stay updated on state online casino regulation, save our dedicated page to your favorites and check it regularly!
References
- Gaming Control Act Charitable Gaming Law — Retrieved on November 21, 2024
- Income Tax Instructions MS 2023 — Retrieved on November 21, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
No, online casinos are not legal in Mississippi. While you can’t play for real money, social and sweepstakes casinos offer a fun and legal way to enjoy online slots and table games.
The legal gambling age in Mississippi is 21 for tribal casinos and sports betting, while bingo and lottery players must be at least 18.
Yes, gambling winnings in Mississippi must be declared and taxed at a 3% state income tax rate.