Mississippi Gambling & Gaming Laws (2026)

A comprehensive legal reference for gambling & gaming in the state of Mississippi. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 6 different categories.

Daily Fantasy Sports are legal in Mississippi with regulatory requirements. Mississippi legalized daily fantasy sports in 2017.

DFS Rules

Legal with operator licensing

Licensed Operators

Licensed operators only

Penalties

Unlicensed operators face penalties.

Minimum Age

18-21 depending on state

Gambling Age

RESTRICTED

The minimum gambling age in Mississippi is 21 for casino gambling and sports betting. State law sets the minimum gambling age at 21 for casino gambling.

Casino Minimum Age

21+ for casinos/sports betting; 18+ for lottery

Lottery/Other Gambling Age

Legal

Penalties

Underage gambling is a misdemeanor; venues face license revocation.

Minimum Gambling Age

18-21 depending on type

Mississippi permits online sports betting but does not currently authorize online casino gambling or poker. The Mississippi Gaming Control Act regulates gambling, but online casino games remain illegal.

Online Casino Rules

Possession of online casino gambling software is illegal unless licensed for sports betting only.

Licensed Platforms

Sale or operation of online casino or poker platforms is prohibited; only online sports betting is licensed.

Penalties

Violations can lead to felony charges with fines and imprisonment under Miss. Code Ann. § 97-33-51.

Minimum Age

21+ for all gambling activities.

Mississippi legalized online sports betting and online casino gambling following the 2018 Supreme Court decision, under the Mississippi Gaming Control Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 75-76-1 et seq.). Online sports betting launched in 2019 and is regulated by the Mississippi Gaming Commission.

Online Gambling Rules

Possession of licensed gambling software and devices is legal.

Licensed Operators

Sale or operation of online gambling platforms requires a license from the Mississippi Gaming Commission.

Penalties

Unlicensed gambling operations can result in felony charges with fines and imprisonment.

Minimum Age

21 years old

Poker home games exist in a legal gray area in Mississippi. No significant changes have been made to Mississippi's strict gambling laws.

Home Game Rules

Technically prohibited but rarely enforced

Rake/House Cut Rules

N/A

Penalties

Could face misdemeanor gambling charges if reported.

Age Requirements

N/A

Sports betting is legal in Mississippi. No significant changes since the launch of retail sports betting in 2018.

In-Person Betting

Legal for 21+. Mississippi launched sports betting in August 2018, one of the first states after PASPA repeal. Retail only — no online/mobile betting. Available at licensed casinos (primarily along the Gulf Coast and in Tunica County). The Mississippi Gaming Commission regulates sports betting.

Online/Mobile Betting

Retail only — no online/mobile betting. Available at 26+ licensed casinos. Bettors must be physically present at a casino to place a wager. Operator tax rate: 12% of gross revenue.

Penalties

Unlicensed gambling operations face criminal charges. Individual bettors using licensed platforms face no penalties.

Minimum Betting Age

21+