Mississippi Gaming Commission Cracks Down on Illegal Online Gambling with Cease and Desist Orders

The Mississippi Gaming Commission has issued cease and desist letters to multiple online gambling sites found operating illegally in Mississippi. Letters were issued electronically and by mail to companies operating sports wagering and/or online casinos in contravention of state and federal laws, including but not limited to, Mississippi criminal gambling laws at Miss. Code Ann. § 97-33-1, et seq., the Mississippi Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act, Miss. Code Ann. § 97-43-1, et seq., the Mississippi Gaming Control Act, Miss. Code Ann. § 75-76-1 et seq., the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, 31 U.S.C. § 5361 et seq., the Federal Wire Act of 1961, 18 U.S.C. § 1081 et seq., and the Illegal Gambling Business Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1955. The online wagering offered by these sports book and gaming sites is illegal in Mississippi, as wagers may only be offered and accepted on the premises of, and by an establishment authorized by Mississippi law or Tribal Compact.

“Our laws are clear that casino style gaming and sports wagering are not allowed online in Mississippi, outside of a licensed casino,” MGC Executive Director Jay McDaniel said. “The MGC will aggressively pursue both domestic and offshore illegal operators, and the MGC is currently providing criminal case files to our state and federal law enforcement partners and requesting prosecution. Companies like those put on notice today mislead our residents by claiming to be legal outlets, when in fact they operate illegally and without providing any tax revenue or other tangible benefit to Mississippi.”

The MGC cautions citizens from engaging with any online site that offers gambling opportunities, as the player could be subject to criminal prosecution and forfeiture of money deposited with the site. These sites often promote themselves as legal, but there are no legal exceptions for online sports books or socalled “sweepstakes” casinos. While some games might be advertised as free to play, if there is an opportunity for the player to provide consideration and win something of value, and an element of chance exists in the game outcome, it is gaming under Mississippi law.

The MGC is committed to protecting the citizens of Mississippi and its visitors by ensuring that gaming is conducted honestly and competitively, and that gaming is free from criminal and corruptive elements. If you would like to report illegal gambling in the state, please contact the Mississippi Gaming Commission at 601-576-3800. If any person has lost money or property to a company offering unlicensed wagering online or otherwise operating illegally in Mississippi, you may be entitled to recovery, with costs, pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 87-1-5, and may consider consulting an attorney to determine whether you have a potential cause of action.