Online Gambling in Mississippi: Laws, Forms, and Player Behavior

As of August 2025, online poker is illegal in Mississippi. The state has not legalized or regulated any form of real-money online poker. Mississippi law prohibits all forms of online gambling, including poker, and the Mississippi Gaming Commission has issued cease-and-desist orders to operators offering such services to residents. Engaging with these illegal platforms may expose players to legal risks, including potential fines and forfeiture of funds. While some offshore sites accept Mississippi players, they operate in a legal gray area and are not protected by state regulations. Casual, non-monetary poker games among friends are permitted, provided no money or valuables are wagered.

Mississippi operates a state lottery, managed by the Mississippi Lottery Corporation since 2018. The lottery offers a variety of games, including scratch-off tickets and draw games such as Powerball and Mega Millions, with a minimum purchase age of 21. Winnings are subject to both federal and state withholding taxes, and prizes over certain thresholds require reporting via Form W-2G. The lottery proceeds support education and state programs, making it the only statewide legal form of non-casino gambling available to residents outside of casinos and charitable gaming.

In Mississippi, bingo and other charitable gaming activities are legal when conducted by qualified organizations such as nonprofits, churches, or charitable groups. These games are strictly regulated and must be held for fundraising purposes rather than profit. Participants typically pay a small fee to play, and all proceeds are required to support the charitable mission of the organization. Bingo halls and events must obtain proper local permits and adhere to state laws to ensure compliance with Mississippi’s limited gambling framework outside casinos and the state lottery.

In Mississippi, charitable gambling is legal and tightly regulated. This includes activities such as raffles, bingo, and pull-tab games conducted by qualified nonprofit organizations, churches, and other charitable groups. The purpose of these games must be to raise funds for charitable causes rather than generate profit for organizers. Organizations must obtain the proper permits and comply with state and local regulations, including reporting requirements and restrictions on prize values. These laws ensure that charitable gambling remains a safe and transparent way to support community initiatives.

In Mississippi, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are legal and regulated. Operators offering DFS must obtain a license from the Mississippi Gaming Commission and comply with state regulations to ensure fair play and consumer protection. Players can participate in contests that involve selecting lineups of real-world athletes and compete for cash prizes based on the statistical performance of those athletes. DFS is treated differently from traditional online gambling, allowing residents to engage legally from anywhere in the state without being limited to casino premises.

In Mississippi, social gambling—also called sweepstakes or virtual gaming—is legal under specific conditions. These platforms allow players to use virtual currencies, such as Gold Coins or Sweeps Coins, to play casino-style games like slots, poker, or blackjack. To remain legal, no purchase can be required to obtain the virtual currency that can be redeemed for prizes, and all games must operate within these restrictions. Social gambling provides a legal alternative for residents who want online-style gaming without violating state laws that prohibit real-money online casinos and poker.

In Mississippi, land-based casinos are fully legal and form a major part of the state’s gambling industry. Licensed casinos operate along the Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River, offering a wide range of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, and live poker. Both commercial casinos and tribal casinos, such as those run by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, are regulated to ensure fair play and compliance with state law. These casinos are overseen by the Mississippi Gaming Commission, which enforces licensing, operational standards, and responsible gaming requirements, making them a key driver of tourism and economic revenue for the state.