Mon, 08/18/2025 - 10:46

Red-hot Moran teams with Spirited, looking to win maiden

By Ron Gierkink
Michael Burns
King's Plate-winning jockey Pietro Moran will be aboard Spirited Thursday.

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Apprentice sensation Pietro Moran won Saturday’s $1 million King’s Plate in front-running style on longshot Mansetti. The meet’s leading rider, Moran should again be tough to catch in Thursday’s fourth race at Woodbine aboard Spirited in the 4-year-old’s third career start in a 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight event on Tapeta.

To accommodate a year-long renovation project on the main turf, racing on Thursdays has been pushed back to a 5:30 p.m. post time, with seven-race cards planned.

Mon, 08/18/2025 - 10:35

It's been a summer to remember for jockey Gonzalez

By Steve Andersen
Benoit Photo
Ricky Gonzalez rode Velocity ($72) to an upset victory in Saturday's Del Mar Oaks.

DEL MAR, Calif. – For the record book, Velocity’s upset win in Saturday’s Del Mar Oaks was the second career Grade 1 win for jockey Ricky Gonzalez.

In a sense, though, it was his first public win at that level. There was nothing wrong with Fair Maiden’s surprise win in the Grade 1 La Brea Stakes at Santa Anita in December 2020, other than it occurred during the pandemic before an empty grandstand.

“It was Covid,” Gonzalez said on Sunday morning in the Del Mar stable area. “There was no crowd or anything.”

Mississippi Sports Betting

Mississippi lawmakers have once again moved forward with legislation to expand sports betting, marking a rare instance in recent years where such a proposal has passed one chamber.

HB 1581 cleared the House last week, continuing a familiar trend: mobile sports betting bills gain traction in a single chamber but ultimately stall before becoming law.

Although Mississippi was one of the first states to legalize sports wagering following the repeal of PASPA in 2018, efforts to authorize full statewide mobile betting have repeatedly fallen short in the years since.

During this legislative session, lawmakers are also considering measures that would ban sweepstakes casinos.

Our Best Mississippi Sports Betting Offers

 

Disclaimer: For those outside of Mississippi, you may face restrictions on the offers you see on this page.

About Sports Betting in Mississippi

 

Quick Facts About Mississippi Sports Betting Sites

 

  • Traditional statewide online sportsbooks promos are not currently available in Mississippi.

  • Residents can legally access Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platforms.

  • Players must be 21 years or older to participate in DFS contests.

  • DFS apps offer contests across major sports, including football, basketball, baseball, tennis, and more.

 

Pros and Cons

 

Variety of sports and contests

Regular bonuses and promotions

Mobile-friendly experience

Smaller prize pools for niche sports

 

 

The Legality of Online Sports Betting in Mississippi

 

Mississippi takes a limited approach to online sports betting. While some neighboring states are moving closer to full mobile wagering, Mississippi still restricts most betting activity to physical casino properties.

 

Sports betting is legal in the state, but wagers must be placed at licensed, land-based casinos. Although some casinos offer mobile apps, bettors must be physically present on casino grounds to place real-money wagers.

 

Because of this restriction, many residents look for alternatives such as Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). DFS platforms provide a legal way for Mississippians to participate in online sports contests without visiting a brick-and-mortar sportsbook.

 

 

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) in Mississippi Explained

 

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) offer a skill-based alternative to traditional sports betting. Instead of wagering on outcomes like point spreads or totals, players build virtual teams made up of real athletes. Your success depends on how those athletes perform in real games compared to the lineups built by other participants.

 

DFS platforms provide a wide range of contest formats. While each site may have its own variations, most contests in Mississippi fall into the following categories:

 

 

Salary Cap Contests

 

Salary cap contests are among the most popular DFS formats. Players receive a virtual budget to assemble a lineup. Star athletes come with higher price tags, so you must balance elite talent with lower-cost value picks.

 

The objective is simple: score the most fantasy points without exceeding the salary cap.

 

 

Pick’em Contests

 

Pick’em contests are straightforward and beginner-friendly. Instead of drafting a full team, you predict whether a player will go over or under a projected statistic.

 

For example: Will a player score more or less than 24.5 points?

 

Many platforms allow you to combine multiple picks into a single entry for the chance at a higher payout.

 

Best Ball Contests

 

Best ball contests involve drafting a team once - typically before a week or season begins. After that, the platform automatically counts your highest-scoring players for each scoring period.

 

This format eliminates weekly roster management, making it ideal for players who prefer a draft-only experience.

 

Head-to-Head Contests

 

In head-to-head contests, you compete directly against one other player. Both lineups accumulate points based on real-game performance, and the higher score wins a fixed prize.

 

 

Popular Markets on Mississippi DFS Sports Apps and Sites

 

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests often mirror traditional sports betting markets, but instead of wagering against the house, players compete against one another. Success depends on research, strategy, and player analysis.

 

Below are some of the most popular DFS markets available to players in Mississippi:

 

 

1. Football (NFL)

 

The NFL is the most popular sport on DFS platforms. Contests range from single-game slates to full-week tournaments and season-long best ball drafts. Rather than betting on spreads or totals, players build lineups based on projected performance and fantasy scoring.

 

 

2. Basketball (NBA)

 

The NBA is another major DFS draw. Common contest types include salary cap tournaments and pick’em-style entries focused on player stat projections, such as points, rebounds, or assists.

 

 

3. Baseball (MLB)

 

With games played nearly every day during the season, MLB is well-suited for daily fantasy contests. Players can enter daily lineup competitions or participate in prop-style contests centered on pitching and hitting statistics.

 

 

4. Golf (PGA Tour)

 

Golf DFS contests typically follow multi-day tournament formats. Players draft fantasy teams of golfers and earn points based on performance metrics such as birdies, finishing position, and cuts made.

 

 

5. Hockey (NHL)

 

While not as widely played as football or basketball, NHL DFS contests attract a dedicated audience. The sport’s fast pace and deep statistical categories reward players who understand line combinations, special teams roles, and matchup dynamics.

 

 

6. Tennis

 

Tennis offers nearly year-round DFS opportunities thanks to global tournament schedules. Contests typically focus on individual performance metrics, including aces, break points won, and match outcomes.

 

 

7. College Football & Basketball

 

College sports hold strong cultural significance in Mississippi. DFS contests allow participants to build lineups based on their knowledge of teams, matchups, and emerging players.

 

In addition to these mainstream markets, many DFS platforms also offer contests in niche sports such as MMA, motorsports, and esports, providing options for fans seeking specialized competitions.

 

 

Conclusion – A Fun and Strategic Way to Stay Connected to Your Favorite Sports

 

If you’re a sports fan in Mississippi searching for an interactive way to engage with your favorite teams, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platforms offer a compelling option. Unlike traditional sportsbooks, DFS contests emphasize research, strategy, and player performance rather than betting odds.

 

These platforms let you build lineups, test your sports knowledge, and compete against other fans in a dynamic, skill-based environment. With flexible entry fees and a wide range of sports available, DFS provides multiple ways to participate at your own pace.

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Mississippi Sportsbooks

Currently Operating Sportsbooks

Current Sportsbooks

14

Licenses Allowed

30
Sportsbook
Partner/Retail Location
state image Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code

Harrah's Gulf Coast: 280 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39530

Horseshoe Tunica Hotel & Casino: 1021 Casino Center Dr, Robinsonville, MS 38664

Tropicana Greenville: 199 N Lakefront Rd, Greenville, MS 38701

state image FanDuel Promo Code

IP Casino Resort: 850 Bayview Ave, Biloxi, MS 39530

Sam's Town Casino: 1477 Casino Strip Resort Blvd, Robinsonville, MS 38664

state image DraftKings Promo Code

Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort: 9380 Central Ave, D'Iberville, MS 39540

state image BetMGM Bonus Code

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino: 875 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39530

Gold Strike Casino Resort: 1010 Casino Center Dr, Robinsonville, MS 38664

state image Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook Promo 2026

Hard Rock Biloxi: 777 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39530

Sports Betting Legalization in Mississippi

Mississippi Sports Betting Law Highlights

  • More than a dozen retail sportsbooks around state, but no statewide mobile betting.
  • 21+ age requirement.
  • Wagering on in-state college teams and prob betting are allowed.
  • Betting on "mobile" apps is restricted to patrons who are on casino properties with sportsbooks.
  • 12% tax on sports betting revenue, but no license fees.

Legalization Timeline

  • Sports betting legalized

    March, 2017

    Legislation to legalize daily fantasy sports contests passes, while the prohibition on sports wagering is also rescinded in anticipation of a favorable Supreme Court decision, which would come the following year.

  • First retail sportsbooks open

    August, 2018

    BetMGM opens the first retail sportsbooks in Mississippi at the Beau Rivage and Gold Strike casinos.

  • First sports betting app launches

    September, 2021

    BetMGM launches its online sportsbook at the Gold Strike, although in order to place a wager on the BetMGM sportsbook app, bettors must be physically present somewhere on the casino property. Two months later, BetMGM would launch the same app at the Beau Rivage.

  • Caesars joins the "mobile" fray

    April 10, 2024

    While legislative efforts to offer statewide mobile betting continue to stall, Caesars launches its onsite mobile app at Harrah's Gulf Coast.

  • Legislative effort to expand mobile wagering fails

    April 16, 2024

    After a bill to legalize statewide mobile wagering initially passes the Mississippi House of Representatives, the two chambers fail to come to agreement on an amended bill, thus dashing hopes for the session.

FAQs

Is sports betting legal in Mississippi?

Sports wagering is legal in Mississippi, where there are a plethora of retail betting locations. Mobile betting is limited to the physical parameters of casinos with sportsbooks, however.

Who can bet on sports in Mississippi?

People who are at least 21 years of age and physically present on the property of a casino sportsbook can bet on sports in Mississippi.

Who regulates sports betting in Mississippi?

The Mississippi Gaming Commission regulates sports betting in the Magnolia State.

What can I bet on in Mississippi?

Mississippians are blessed with a bevy of sports on which to bet, including: auto racing, badminton, baseball, basketball, bowling, boxing, cycling, fighting, football, golf, handball, hockey, lacrosse, bull riding, table tennis, tennis, Olympics, rugby, soccer, softball, track and field, yacht racing.

What can't I bet on in Mississippi?

If it's a sport at the collegiate level or above in Mississippi, odds are you can bet on it, as there's no ban on wagering on in-state schools.

Is DFS legal in Mississippi?

Yes, participating in daily fantasy sports contests is expressly legal in Mississippi.

Is it legal to bet on horse racing in Mississippi?

While there aren't any racetracks in Mississippi, it's perfectly legal to bet on horse races at licensed casino sportsbooks that offer parimutuel wagering. Online account wagering is not yet legal.

Have other Questions? Email cservice2@drf.com

Responsible Gambling

21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Fri, 08/15/2025 - 14:32

Instant Replay seeks better trip in Smarty Jones Stakes

By Patrick Moquin
Barbara D. Livingston
Instant Replay managed to win the $200,000 Bathhouse Row at Oaklawn Park while traveling wide in April.

Instant Replay and Tip Top Thomas will meet again in the $200,000 Smarty Jones Stakes at Parx Racing on Tuesday. The 3-year-old colts ran against one another in the Grade 3 Indiana Derby last month when Tip Top Thomas dueled all the way around the track in a gate-to-wire victory for trainer Todd Pletcher while Instant Replay finished three lengths back in fifth.

Fri, 08/15/2025 - 14:07

Howard Wolowitz to Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint

By David Grening
Barbara D. Livingston
Howard Wolowitz zipped a half-mile in 46.64 seconds Friday morning over the Oklahoma dirt training track.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Howard Wolowitz, a Grade 1 winner at Kentucky Downs last year, put in a strong workout Friday morning at Saratoga that convinced his connections he’s ready to return to Kentucky Downs in the $2 million Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint on Aug. 30.

Howard Wolowitz zipped a half-mile in 46.64 seconds Friday morning over the Oklahoma dirt training track, while galloping out five furlongs in 59.96 seconds. He went in company with Urban Legend, a 4-year-old gelding who is 2 for 13.

Fri, 08/15/2025 - 14:05

D'Angelo's pair look to validate last-out victories

By Patrick Moquin
Ryan Thompson/Coglianese Photos
Trainer Jose D'Angelo sends out the pair of Giftedbydesign and J Squared in Sunday's feature at Gulfstream.

A pair of 3-year-old geldings trained by Jose D’Angelo will square off in a $25,000 starter allowance with a purse of $40,000 at Gulfstream Park on Sunday. Both earned blowout victories in their last start, though they did so under vastly different circumstances.

J Squared made his debut at a mile and 70 yards last August in a $35,000 maiden-claiming race, where he went straight to the lead and never looked back in a 6 1/4-length victory. He has not run since and will switch from synthetic to a turf mile. D’Angelo also gelded him ahead of his 3-year-old debut.

Fri, 08/15/2025 - 14:00

Irad Ortiz Jr. wins Venezia Award

By David Grening
Barbara D. Livingston
Irad Ortiz Jr. will be presented with the Venezia Award during a ceremony at Saratoga on Aug. 22.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. was selected the winner of the Mike Venezia Award, which honors the rider who displays the exemplary sportsmanship and citizenship that personified Venezia, who died from injuries suffered in a spill at Belmont Park in 1988.

Ortiz, 33, was chosen by a committee comprised of members of the Venezia family, representatives of The Jockeys’ Guild, and retired Eclipse Award-winning jockey Richard Migliore.

Fri, 08/15/2025 - 13:59

Schwarzenegger to await maiden race

By David Grening
Barbara D. Livingston
Schwarzenegger was entered in two spots this week but won’t run in either one.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The highly touted 2-year-old Schwarzenegger’s debut continues to be put on hold.

Already scratched a couple of times, he was entered in two spots this week but won’t run in either one. On Thursday, he scratched out of a maiden race when a midday rainstorm prompted New York Racing Association officials to move the final four scheduled turf races to the dirt, including a 5 1/2-furlong maiden turf sprint in which Schwarzenegger was entered.

Fri, 08/15/2025 - 13:57

McAfee, Bracket Buster taking their shot at Sovereignty in Travers

By David Grening
Barbara D. Livingston
McAfee comes out of a second-place finish behind Chunk of Gold in the Grade 3 West Virginia Derby.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – They are not coming with visions of beating Sovereignty, but hey, at least they’re coming.

The connections of McAfee and Bracket Buster said Friday that they are planning to enter their horses Sunday for the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes on Aug. 23, where Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Sovereignty looms a heavy favorite. Magnitude, the Risen Star and Iowa Derby winner, and Strategic Focus, third in the Curlin Stakes, are the other confirmed runners for what figures to be a five-horse field.

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