Mississippi Casinos – Best Places to Gamble in MS

Mississippi has a long history with gambling that goes way back to when it wasn’t even a state yet. Settlers used to bet on horse races under Spanish rule, and even the game of five-card poker has its roots there. Things were going strong until the 1950s when a religious group called the Biloxi Protestant Ministerial Association and the Kefauver Committee started cracking down on the industry.

For a while, gambling went underground, but things started to look up again in the 1990s thanks to the Mississippi Gaming Control Act of 1990 and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988. This brought non-tribal casinos to the dockside and allowed federally recognized Indian tribes to build casinos on reservation grounds. This was great for the local industry until Florida introduced casino-style gambling, which posed some stiff competition.

In Mississippi, unauthorized gambling is strictly forbidden, and you could face a fine of up to $500 or even up to 90 years in jail if you can’t pay the fine. Even if you win some money, you can still be fined. The state has a broad definition of gambling that covers most internet games, but dog fights are excluded.

If you want to gamble in Mississippi, you need to be at least 21 years old. To learn more about the state’s gambling laws, you can check out the Mississippi Code, which includes the Mississippi Gaming Control Act, the Gambling & Futures Contracts Act, and the Gambling & Lotteries Act.

List of Top Gambling Venues in Mississippi

Related reading: Mississippi online casinos

Reviews of the Top Mississippi Casinos

1. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino is a luxurious casino resort located in Biloxi, Mississippi. It was opened on March 16, 1999, at a cost of $800 million. The venue is quite large, with over 85,000 square feet of gaming space, including over 1,800 slot machines, 80 table games, and a 16-table poker room. Some of the popular games that can be played at Beau Rivage include slot machines such as Wheel of Fortune, Lightning Link, and Buffalo Gold, table games such as blackjack, craps, and roulette, and poker games such as Texas Hold’em and Omaha.

In addition to gaming, Beau Rivage offers a variety of dining options, including fine dining at BR Prime and Jia, casual dining at The Buffet and Terrace Cafe, and quick bites at The Roasted Bean and The Corner Cafe. The resort also has several bars and lounges, including the Breeze Bar, the Eight75 Lounge, and the Topgolf Swing Suite.

Beau Rivage’s hotel features over 1,700 rooms and suites, ranging from deluxe rooms to luxurious penthouses. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with amenities such as flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet access, and comfortable bedding. The resort also has a variety of amenities, including a spa, a fitness center, a salon, and a pool.

While Beau Rivage is generally well-received by customers, some complaints have been made about the high price of drinks and food, as well as the lack of free amenities such as Wi-Fi and parking. However, overall, Beau Rivage is considered one of the top casino resorts in Mississippi and attracts many visitors from around the country.

2. IP Casino Resort Spa

IP Casino Resort Spa is a popular gaming and entertainment destination located in Biloxi, Mississippi. The venue opened in the year 1997 and has since become a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike.

The casino floor at IP Casino Resort Spa offers a variety of games for guests to enjoy. Players can choose from a range of slot machines, including popular titles like Wheel of Fortune, Buffalo Gold, and Lightning Link. Additionally, the casino offers table games such as blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat.

The venue has a large gaming space with over 1,400 slot machines and 60 table games available for guests to play.

In addition to the gaming offerings, IP Casino Resort Spa has a range of dining options to suit all tastes. There are multiple restaurants on site, including a buffet, a steakhouse, an Italian restaurant, and a sushi bar. Guests can also enjoy drinks and snacks at the various bars and lounges located throughout the property.

For those looking to stay overnight, IP Casino Resort Spa has a hotel with over 1,000 rooms available. The rooms feature modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet, and luxurious bedding.

The resort also offers various amenities for guests to enjoy, such as a spa, a fitness center, a swimming pool, and a golf course.

While IP Casino Resort Spa generally receives positive reviews from customers, some have complained about issues with the cleanliness of the rooms and the level of customer service provided by staff members. However, these complaints are relatively rare and do not seem to be a widespread issue.

3. Golden Nugget Biloxi

Golden Nugget Biloxi is a luxurious casino and hotel located in Biloxi, Mississippi. The venue was launched in 2013 and has since become a popular destination for gaming and entertainment.

The casino floor at Golden Nugget Biloxi offers a wide range of games for guests to enjoy. Players can choose from over 1,100 slot machines, including popular titles like Wheel of Fortune, Buffalo Gold, and Lightning Link. Additionally, the casino offers table games such as blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat.

The venue has a large gaming space with over 60 table games and 1,100 slot machines available for guests to play.

In addition to the gaming offerings, Golden Nugget Biloxi has a variety of dining options to satisfy all tastes. The on-site restaurants include a steakhouse, an Italian restaurant, a buffet, and a seafood restaurant. Guests can also enjoy drinks and snacks at the numerous bars and lounges located throughout the property.

Golden Nugget Biloxi has a luxurious hotel with over 700 rooms available. The rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet, and luxurious bedding.

The resort also offers various amenities for guests to enjoy, such as a spa, fitness center, swimming pool, and a marina. Guests can relax and unwind at the spa, workout at the fitness center, or take a dip in the pool.

Some customers have complained about the high prices of food and drinks at the on-site restaurants and bars. Additionally, some guests have reported issues with the cleanliness of the rooms and the level of customer service provided by staff members. However, these complaints are relatively rare and do not seem to be a widespread issue.

4. Harrah’s Gulf Coast

Harrah’s Gulf Coast is a popular casino and hotel located in Biloxi, Mississippi. The venue was launched in 1994 and has since become a well-known attraction for gaming and entertainment.

The casino floor at Harrah’s Gulf Coast offers a variety of gaming options. Guests can enjoy over 800 slot machines, including popular titles like Wheel of Fortune, Buffalo Gold, and Lightning Link. Additionally, the casino offers table games such as blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat.

The venue has a medium-sized gaming space with over 35 table games and 800 slot machines available for guests to play.

Harrah’s Gulf Coast has a range of dining options to suit all tastes. The on-site restaurants include a steakhouse, an Italian restaurant, a buffet, and a café. Guests can also enjoy drinks and snacks at the various bars and lounges located throughout the property.

For guests looking for an overnight stay, Harrah’s Gulf Coast offers a hotel with over 500 rooms. The rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet, and comfortable bedding.

The resort also offers numerous amenities for guests to enjoy, including a spa, fitness center, swimming pool, and golf course. Guests can relax and rejuvenate at the spa, workout at the fitness center, or play a round of golf at the golf course.

5. Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast

Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast is a casino and hotel located in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The venue was launched in 1992 and has since become a popular destination for gaming and entertainment.

The casino floor at Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast offers a wide variety of games for guests to enjoy. Players can choose from over 1,100 slot machines, including popular titles like Wheel of Fortune, Buffalo Gold, and Lightning Link. Additionally, the casino offers table games such as blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat.

The venue has a large gaming space with over 35 table games and 1,100 slot machines available for guests to play.

In addition to the gaming offerings, Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast has a range of dining options to suit all tastes. The on-site restaurants include a steakhouse, a buffet, and a café. Guests can also enjoy drinks and snacks at the various bars and lounges located throughout the property.

Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast offers a hotel with over 300 rooms available. The rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet, and comfortable bedding.

The resort also offers numerous amenities for guests to enjoy, such as a spa, fitness center, swimming pool, and golf course. Guests can relax and rejuvenate at the spa, workout at the fitness center, or play a round of golf at the golf course.

Mississippi Gambling Revenues

Mississippi is one of the leading states in the US when it comes to gambling revenues. In 2021, the state’s gambling industry generated a total of $2.08 billion in revenue, which represents an increase of 16.6% from the previous year. This revenue is generated from a variety of sources, including casinos, sports betting, and lottery sales.

The vast majority of Mississippi’s gambling revenues come from casinos. There are 26 casinos operating in the state, and they generated a total of $1.88 billion in revenue in 2021. This revenue is generated from a combination of slot machines, table games, and other forms of gambling, such as sports betting and poker.

In Mississippi, gambling revenues are allocated to a variety of different purposes. A portion of the revenue goes to the state’s general fund, which is used to fund various programs and services. Another portion of the revenue goes to local governments, which use the funds to support infrastructure projects, public safety, and other programs. Additionally, a portion of the revenue goes to support the state’s education system, including funding for K-12 schools and higher education.

Overall, Mississippi’s gambling industry plays a significant role in the state’s economy and generates substantial revenue for a variety of different purposes. While the industry faces competition from neighboring states, Mississippi has been able to maintain its position as a leading gambling destination and is expected to continue generating significant revenue in the years to come.

Indian Gaming Tribes in Mississippi

Mississippi is home to several Native American tribes, many of which operate gaming facilities on their lands. These tribes have a long history in the state, and their gaming operations have played a significant role in the local economy.

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is the largest tribe in the state, with over 10,000 members. The tribe operates several gaming facilities, including the Pearl River Resort and the Silver Star Casino. These casinos have been successful in generating revenue for the tribe, which is used to support various tribal programs and services.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe is another prominent tribe in Mississippi. The tribe operates the Paragon Casino Resort in Louisiana, but they also have a history of operating gaming facilities in Mississippi. In 1994, the tribe opened the Tunica-Biloxi Bingo Palace, which was the first Native American gaming facility in the state.

Despite the success of these gaming operations, there have been disputes between the tribes and the state government over the years. Some state officials have argued that the tribes should pay taxes on their gaming revenues, while the tribes have maintained that they are exempt from such taxes under federal law.

Here is a list of all Indian gaming tribes in Mississippi:

• Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
• Tunica-Biloxi Tribe
• Mississippi Band of Chakchiuma Indians
• Mississippi Band of Chickasaw Indians
• Mississippi Band of Creek Indians
• Mississippi Band of Natchez Indians
• Mississippi Band of Pascagoula Indians
• Mississippi Band of the Yuchi Indians

A History of Gambling in Mississippi

Gambling has a long and complex history in Mississippi, dating back to the early 19th century when the state was still a territory. At that time, gambling was mostly confined to private clubs and informal gatherings, but it quickly grew in popularity and became more organized over time.

The first legal gambling operation in Mississippi was established in the late 1800s, when horse racing became popular in the state. In 1900, the state passed a law allowing pari-mutuel betting on horse races, which helped to further legitimize gambling in the state.

In the 1940s and 1950s, casino gambling began to emerge in Mississippi, thanks in part to the influence of organized crime syndicates. At the time, the state had few regulations governing gambling, and casinos operated largely outside the law.

This changed in the 1960s when the state government began to take a more active role in regulating gambling. In 1966, the state legalized bingo games for charitable purposes, and in 1990, the state established a regulatory agency to oversee the growing gambling industry.

In the years that followed, Mississippi’s gambling industry continued to grow, with new casinos opening up across the state. Today, Mississippi is home to 26 casinos, which generate billions of dollars in revenue each year.

Along the way, Mississippi’s gambling industry has faced numerous challenges and controversies. In the 1990s, there was a backlash against gambling from religious groups and other activists who argued that it was immoral and harmful to society. In response, the state government imposed stricter regulations on the industry and established a self-exclusion program to help people with gambling addiction.

More recently, Mississippi’s gambling industry has faced competition from neighboring states, which have also legalized casino gambling in recent years. Despite this competition, however, Mississippi has remained a popular destination for gamblers from around the country, and the state’s gambling industry continues to thrive.

Gambling Taxes in Mississippi

If you’re a gambler in Mississippi, it’s important to understand the tax implications of your winnings. In Mississippi, gambling winnings are considered taxable income at both the state and federal levels. The amount of taxes you will owe depends on several factors, including the type of gambling you engage in and the amount of your winnings.

For most types of gambling, including casino games and sports betting, Mississippi imposes a flat tax rate of 3% on all winnings over $1,200. This tax is withheld from your winnings at the time they are paid out, so you don’t have to worry about paying it separately. However, if you win a large amount, you may still owe additional taxes on the winnings.

For example, let’s say you win $10,000 playing slot machines at a casino in Mississippi. The casino will automatically withhold 3% ($300) for state taxes and another 24% ($2,400) for federal taxes. This means that you will receive a net payout of $7,300. However, if your total income for the year is high enough, you may owe additional federal taxes on your winnings.

If you are a professional gambler, meaning that you earn your living primarily through gambling, you will be subject to different tax rules than casual gamblers. In this case, you will be required to pay taxes on all of your gambling winnings, regardless of the amount. You will also be allowed to deduct gambling-related expenses, such as travel and equipment costs, from your taxable income.

To pay your gambling taxes in Mississippi, you will need to file a state tax return and report your winnings and losses for the year. You will also need to report your gambling income on your federal tax return. The specific forms you will need to use depend on the type and amount of your winnings, so it’s a good idea to consult a tax professional or use tax software to ensure that you are filing correctly.

Mississippi Gambling FAQ

How much can you win at Mississippi casinos before being taxed?

In Mississippi, any gambling winnings over $1,200 are subject to a flat tax rate of 3%. This tax is automatically withheld by the casino at the time you receive your payout. However, if you are a professional gambler, you may be required to pay taxes on all of your gambling winnings, regardless of the amount.

How to ban yourself from casinos in Mississippi?

If you feel that you need to take a break from gambling or want to self-exclude yourself from casinos in Mississippi, you can do so by filling out a self-exclusion form. This form is available at each casino in the state, and once you fill it out and submit it to the casino, you will be barred from entering any of their facilities for a specified period, usually one to five years.

Who regulates gambling in Mississippi?

The Mississippi Gaming Commission is the regulatory agency responsible for overseeing all gambling activities in the state. This agency is responsible for licensing and regulating all casinos and other gaming establishments in Mississippi, ensuring that they operate fairly and in compliance with state and federal laws.

What is the minimum gambling age in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, the minimum gambling age is 21 for all types of gambling, including casino games, sports betting, and lottery games. Anyone under the age of 21 is prohibited from gambling in the state, and casinos are required to check IDs to ensure that their patrons are of legal age.

Can I gamble online in Mississippi?

No, online gambling is not legal in Mississippi. The state has not yet passed any legislation allowing online casinos or sports betting sites to operate within its borders. However, some offshore gambling sites may accept players from Mississippi, although this is not technically legal.

What types of gambling are legal in Mississippi?

In addition to traditional casino games like slots, table games, and poker, Mississippi also allows for sports betting, lottery games, and charitable gambling. However, these activities are subject to various regulations and restrictions, and only licensed establishments are allowed to offer them.

How many casinos are there in Mississippi?

As of 2021, there are around 30 licensed casinos operating in Mississippi. These casinos are located throughout the state, with most of them in the Gulf Coast region and the city of Tunica.

Can I deduct gambling losses on my taxes in Mississippi?

Yes, if you itemize your deductions on your state tax return, you can deduct gambling losses up to the amount of your gambling winnings. However, you must keep detailed records of your losses and winnings, and you can only deduct losses that exceed 2% of your adjusted gross income.