Online Casinos for Mississippi (MS) Players in 2024

Introduction

Mississippi, located in the Southeastern United States, is a state steeped in history and culture. The powerful Mississippi River defines much of the state’s western boundary, carrying tales as ancient as the land.

Jackson, the dynamic capital, is the largest city, anchoring the Greater Jackson metropolitan area, which is home to around 600,000 people. Cities such as Gulfport, Southaven, and Biloxi also play significant roles in the state’s urban tapestry.

Mississippi rich heritage is deeply connected to the Native American tribes of the Mississippian culture, including the Chickasaw and Choctaw. The Natchez, Yazoo, and Biloxi tribes have also left a lasting legacy, their names woven into the fabric of local towns.

This deep cultural heritage lays the foundation for Mississippi’s vibrant entertainment scene, where the thrill of modern casinos intertwines with the state’s storied past. From the best casinos in Biloxi to the lively gaming resorts along the Mississippi River, the state offers a unique blend of history and excitement for gambling enthusiasts!

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History of Gambling in Mississippi

In 1992, Mississippi embraced dockside gambling along its navigable waterways, sparking a wave of unprecedented growth and introducing new challenges to the industry. Yet, the roots of gambling in the state run deep, tracing back centuries.

The Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Natchez, Mississippi’s most historically significant indigenous peoples, engaged in gambling rituals long before European settlers arrived, often wagering on the outcomes of games like stickball and chunky – a precursor to modern handball. By the late 1700s, under Spanish rule, the Fleetfield Race Track in Natchez became a hub for betting and social gatherings.

The early 1800s saw the emergence of bustling gambling houses at Natchez-under-the-Hill along the Mississippi River, where travelers on steamboats found endless opportunities to test their luck.

Furthermore, in 1849…

… Pass Christian, a charming town on the Gulf Coast, became the site of the South’s first yacht club, hosting races that attracted both tourists and betting enthusiasts. However, Biloxi had already established itself as the coast’s premier tourist destination by 1847. Steamboats ferried visitors from New Orleans to establishments like Madame Pradat’s, the Nixon Hotel, and the Magnolia Hotel, where they indulged in dancing, hunting, boating, and, of course, gambling.

The allure of gambling was so strong that in 1926, three Biloxi entrepreneurs pooled their resources to open the Isle of Caprice, a casino, dance hall, bathhouse, and refreshment pavilion. Although the Isle of Caprice vanished into the waters in 1932, the passion for gambling in Biloxi didn’t.

Even after the Prohibition era ended in 1933, grand Gulf Coast hotels like the Pine Hills, Edgewater Gulf, and the White House continued to draw tourists with the promise of high-stakes poker games and other gambling activities, euphemistically referred to as the ‘lounge business.’ Slot machines increased, with the Biloxi Daily Herald reporting that 254 machines had been registered in Gulfport.

The gambling scene flourished through the 1940s and 1950s, bolstered by the influx of World War II troops training at Biloxi’s Keesler Air Force Base. Although Hurricane Camille ravaged the coast in 1969, destroying many clubs along the Strip, the area soon reinvented itself as a family-friendly resort destination, temporarily shifting away from its gaming roots.

The gambling landscape…

…transformed once more in 1988, when the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act enabled tribes to open casinos, leading the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians to establish the Silver Star Casino in Neshoba County. Coastal interests soon pushed for a return to legalized gambling, and on 29 June 1990, the state legislature passed the Mississippi Gaming Control Act, permitting gambling on vessels docked along the Mississippi River or the Mississippi Sound, subject to county approval.

With Hancock County voting in favor of dockside gambling in December 1990 and Harrison County following suit three months later, the stage was set for a new era.

On 1 August 1992, the Isle of Capri opened in Biloxi, marking the dawn of legalized riverboat gambling in Mississippi. This move sparked a rapid expansion, and by 2002, Mississippi’s thirty casinos employed over thirty-two thousand workers, significantly contributing to the state’s economy through tax revenues.

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Gambling Laws in Mississippi

Mississippi, like many states, enforces strict gambling laws, regulating this age-old pastime to ensure it is conducted legally and responsibly. Legal gambling is permitted only under specific circumstances, and those caught participating in illegal activities may face serious legal repercussions. The consequences can be even more severe for those found operating illegal gambling ventures within the Magnolia State.

If you’re looking to stay within the bounds of the law, understanding when and where gambling is legal in Mississippi is crucial. Also, the legal gambling age in Mississippi is 21.

For many years, the major casinos were concentrated along the Gulf of Mexico, with many built on floodwaters or operating as casino cruise vessels. However, when Hurricane Katrina struck, the devastation forced many of these establishments inland.

This led to a significant shift in the state’s approach to its gambling industry, resulting in the development of more casinos further inland. Originally, these casinos were situated on the water due to a combination of social, legal, and political factors.

Interestingly…

…until 2018, Mississippi was one of only six states without a state-run lottery. This absence might seem surprising, especially for a state that allows certain forms of gambling, but Mississippi law has historically drawn a clear distinction between gambling and lotteries.

For many years, while residents could legally purchase tickets for out-of-state lotteries, the sale of those tickets within Mississippi was prohibited. However, this changed in 2018 when new regulations were introduced, finally legalizing this form of entertainment. Also, sports betting has been available in Mississippi since 2018 at the casino locations.

This shift marked a significant change in Mississippi’s approach to gambling, reflecting a growing acceptance of regulated gaming within the state.

But does Mississippi allow online gambling?

Daily fantasy sports are the only legal form of online gambling. Unfortunately, online casinos remain prohibited.

The timeline for legalizing online casinos in the state is uncertain. Some believe that the recent legalization of the lottery signals a shift towards a more gambling-friendly environment, while others argue that Mississippi is far from regulating online casinos. Regardless, any movement toward legalization appears to be a long way off.

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Mississippi Casino Guide

While there is no option to gamble online in Mississippi, the vibrant casino scene offers plenty of exciting alternatives. With over 30 casinos scattered across various towns and cities, there’s no shortage of options for gaming enthusiasts.

Biloxi, located in Harrison County on the Gulf of Mexico, stands out as Mississippi’s premier casino destination. Known for its bright lights and lively atmosphere, Biloxi rivals Las Vegas in its appeal. The city’s picturesque beaches offer a perfect escape from the casino action.

Notable casinos in Biloxi include:

• Beau Rivage
• Golden Nugget Biloxi Hotel & Casino
• Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi
• Island View Casino
• Boomtown Biloxi

Another popular destination is Tunica in Tunica County. The 1900s legalization made this place a gambling mecca. It is home to six top-notch gambling houses, like:

• Hollywood Casino Tunica
• Horseshoe Tunica
• 1st Jackpot Casino Tunica
• Hollywood Casino & Hotel Tunica

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Depositing and Withdrawing when in MS

Please see below for a table of the withdrawal/deposit and banking term rankings. Click on the casino name for a detailed look at the withdrawal and deposit score of each casino and how we determined each. More information about deposit and withdrawal terms for US players can be found here.

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To Conclude

Mississippi’s gambling landscape offers a special combination of opportunities and restrictions. The state’s laws clearly define where and how gambling can occur, with legal options including a wide array of land-based casinos and daily fantasy sports. While online casinos remain off-limits, Mississippi’s vibrant casino scene, particularly in cities like Biloxi, provides plenty of excitement and variety.

Recent legislation (including the 2018 law that introduced a state-run lottery) signals a willingness to embrace regulated gaming. However, navigating the regulations is crucial for anyone looking to participate in its diverse gambling options.

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Written by: Michael Shackleford