Mississippi Gaming Commission | 620 North Street, Suite 200 | Jackson, MS 39202 | 601.576.3800 • Fax: 918.683.4811 | info@mgc.state.ms.us
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who oversees the casinos?

The Mississippi Gaming Commission (MGC)

What is the date of the regularly scheduled Commission meetings?

The regularly scheduled meetings are set for the first Thursday after the 15th of each month.  The meetings are generally held at 9 a.m. at 620 North Street, Jackson, MS, our main office. In the event the date of the meeting or the location of the meeting is changed, a notice is posted at 620 North Street, Jackson, MS and on our web site.

When will the agenda for each meeting be available to the public?

The agenda is posted to the MGC web site the Friday prior to the Commission meeting.

What is the payback percentage on slots?

A slot machine “Must theoretically pay out a mathematically demonstrable percentage of all amounts wagered, which must not be less than eighty percent (80%) or greater than one hundred percent (100%) for each wager available for play on the device.  Gaming devices that may be affected by player skill must meet this standard when using a method of play that will provide the greatest return to the player over a period of continuous play.”

Are revenue numbers available for individual casinos?

No.  We are prohibited from releasing information detailing the finances of a particular property.  The information we provide to the public is available on our web page under Reports.

Which areas make up the regions listed in the reports?

Northern – Tunica and Coahoma (Lula) counties.
Southern – Harrison (Biloxi/Gulfport) and Hancock (Bay St. Louis/Lakeshore) counties.
Central –    Adams (Natchez), Warren (Vicksburg) and Washington (Greenville) counties.

Is sports betting legal in Mississippi?

Yes

Does Mississippi have legal horse or dog racing?

There are no licensed Horse or Greyhound tracks physically located within the boundaries of the State of Mississippi.  However, Pari-Mutuel wager is allowed at all licensed casino sportsbooks.

Are lotteries legal in Mississippi?

Yes.  Lotteries in the State of Mississippi are regulated by the Mississippi Lottery Corporation.  All questions pertaining to lottery operations should be referred to the aforementioned entity.

Is it legal to play poker at any location other than a casino?

No.  With the exception of licensed casinos, Mississippi law prohibits all forms of gambling and lotteries.  The general prohibition against gambling can be found at Miss. Code Ann.  § 97-33-1.  In addition to the general prohibition, the Gaming Control Act makes the operation of any “gambling game” without a license a crime. 

Is internet gambling legal?

No. Internet gambling is illegal under state law.

Online sites may advertise they are “legal” and “licensed” forms of gaming. They may be legal or licensed where the bets are received, but it is illegal to place bets from Mississippi with these businesses.
 

Where do I report illegal gambling?

There are several methods to report illegal gaming:

1) By calling (601) 576-3800 or 1-800-504-7529
2) Complete the “Report Illegal Gambling” form on the MGC web site
3) Send illegal gaming information to MGC, P.O. Box 23577, Jackson, MS 39225-3577
 

What type of licenses are available in Mississippi?

A company may receive a license as an operator, manufacturer, distributor, and a wide area progressive operator. 

Individuals receive findings of suitability, key employee licenses and work permits.
 

Where do I find an application for a gaming license?

Applications for licenses and permits can be found by clicking the “Forms and Procedures” button on our website.

A company applying for a license should complete the Mississippi Addendum.

An individual applying for a key license or finding of suitability should complete the Mississippi Addendum and the IAGR Multijurisdictional Application.

These forms are also used for renewals.
 

Where do I find an application for a Junket license?

Applications for licenses and permits can be found by clicking the “Forms and Procedures” button on our website.

An individual applying for a junket license should complete the Junket Application.

Junket Representatives who go to the casinos must also have a work permit.

These forms are also used for renewals.
 

When is my renewal application due?

All license types are required to submit their renewal applications six months prior to the date of the expiration of their license.

How long does it take for a suitability/key employee application to be approved by the Commission?

Once the application is complete and in our possession, there is not a definite time frame.  Usually the process does not take over 4-6 months.

How do I know if the products I sell or service I provide needs to be licensed?

How do I apply for a vendor’s license?

Mississippi does not license vendors at this time.

How do I get a refund for taxes withheld out of my winnings?

How are the casinos taxed?

How are the taxes from casinos spent?

The state taxes are placed in the general fund and used as part of the state’s overall budget.

What type of games are offered in Mississippi Casinos?

I have a new game. How do I get approved to sell it to the casinos?

Can I purchase a slot machine for my home?

According to the law, only antique slot machines may be purchased for the home. They must be at least 25 years old, and must not be displayed for public use.  

How do I know slot machines in Mississippi are fair?

All slot machines offered for play in licensed casinos have been tested and are “approved for play”, which means they meet regulations regarding fairness, reliability, security and auditability.  All slot machines are tested and verified by a gaming laboratory to make sure they pay out at least 80 percent and the games perform properly.

How do I know the table games are fair?

The gaming laboratory division evaluates every table game to determine if the odds are fair and it requires strict internal controls that are designed to protect the integrity of the game and make certain that it is fair.

What is the process for applying to operate a casino in the State of Mississippi?

What is the process for applying for a Manufacturer/Distributors license in the State of Mississippi?

How old do you have to be to play in a casino?

21

What is the procedure for filing Complaints/Disputes?

How do I apply for a gaming license (work permit) to work in a casino?

You must be employed (or seeking employment) by a licensed gaming operator, manufacturer distributor or other gaming entity in order to apply for a work permit.  Your human resources director should be able to instruct you on how to apply for a work permit with the MGC.

How old do you have to be to obtain a gaming permit?

You must be 21 years old to be employed by a casino.

How much of my criminal history am I required to disclose?

You must disclose all of your criminal history regardless of what it is or when it happened.

What should I do if my gaming permit has been lost or stolen?

Who regulates bingo and how can I contact them?

The Charitable Gaming Division of the MGC. (601) 576-3899 OR 1-800-504-7529.

How are the bingo halls taxed?

Bingo halls are not taxed.  Bingo halls may only operate “When held for the benefit of a charitable organization that (i) is licensed pursuant to Section 97-33-55 or Section 97-33-59; (ii) is domiciled in the State of Mississippi; and when the game is held by active members of such organization.” 

What is Self-Exclusion?

“Self-exclusion” means voluntarily having oneself barred from the premises of any licensed gaming establishment (hereinafter “casino”) in Mississippi and from all gaming-related activities and privileges, including the issuance of gaming credit and check-cashing privileges; the receipt of direct-marketing and promotional materials regarding gaming opportunities, junket solicitations, player club memberships, complimentary goods and services and the like; and collection of any winnings or recovery of any losses during the exclusionary period.

How do I apply to the voluntary Self-Exclusion program?

A person may take steps to become a self-excluded person by appearing personally at any office of the MGC where he or she shall present valid identification credentials containing his or her signature and a photograph. They will submit a completed “Request for Self-Exclusion” form then be photographed by a MGC agent and turn over to the agent all player club cards and similar items issued by any casinos to the person for purposes of gambling.

What will happen after I sign up for Self-Exclusion?

The Self-Exclusion Division will add your name to the self-exclusion list and distribute a photograph and description of you to each casino. The casino will then remove you from any mailing lists and make notations in their computer files that you are ineligible for any kind of credit or complimentary service. You will be excluded from the entire premises of all Mississippi casinos, including gaming premises, restaurants, and hotels, and from the issuance of gaming credit, check-cashing privileges, and receipt of direct-marketing and promotional materials regarding gaming opportunities, and collection of any winnings or recovery of any losses during the exclusionary period.

No further points, rewards or benefits may be accumulated or redeemed from the player recognition programs you have participated in. Self-exclusion request does not release you from any debts incurred prior to or during the self-exclusion period.  During the self-exclusion period, any money or thing of value obtained by you from, or owed to you by, a casino as a result of wagers made by you while on the self-exclusion list shall be subject to forfeiture to the MGC. Within a few weeks you will receive a letter notifying you of your placement on the list. You may receive similar letters from the casinos.

What will happen if I go back to the casino while I am on the Self-Exclusion list?

If you are found anywhere on premises of a Mississippi casino, you will immediately be ejected and at the discretion of the casino, may be arrested and prosecuted for criminal trespass pursuant to Mississippi Code Ann 97-17-97.  If you do gamble, you will not be able to collect any winnings or recover any losses.

Can I mail the Self-Exclusion application to one of the MGC offices?

No. The person filing the request for self-exclusion must apply in person to a MGC office to be photographed. You may call the office of self-exclusion at 601-576-3800 or 1-800-504-7529 for additional questions.

     Jackson Office- 620 North Street, Suite 200, Jackson, MS  39202; (601) 576-3800;

    Northern District Office- 3468 Casino Way, Suite C, Tunica Resorts, MS  38664; (662) 363-3073;

    Southern District Office- 1141 Bayview Avenue, Suite 301, Biloxi, MS 39530; (228) 432-0181.
 

Can I place a family member with a gambling problem on the list?

No. The request for self-exclusion may be made only by the individual for whom exclusion would apply, and not by any other person.

What information must I provide?

Click for a copy of the self-exclusion request form and instructions.

https://www.msgamingcommission.com/images/uploads/c_p_self_excl_proced.zip

How long will I be on the self-exclusion list?

The person filing the request for self-exclusion may request to be excluded from gaming activities for one of the following: Five years; Ten years; Lifetime or Other, specify: (not less than Five (5) years).

Can my name be removed from the self-exclusion list?

Self-exclusions remain in effect until the expiration of the period of self-exclusion.

Can I go to the casino to eat if I self-exclude?

No

How do I obtain employment information for the Mississippi Gaming Commission?

Find Out What Jobs Are Open


Job openings are posted for recruitment with Workplace Investment Network (WIN) Job Service Offices and on the Mississippi State Personnel Board (SPB) website at www.spb.ms.gov.

Job announcements include:

• The job title
• The beginning salary
• The minimum education and experience requirements
• The county(ies) where the vacancy exists
• The recruitment period


Make Application


When you find a job(s) that interests you, check:

• That you meet the minimum education and experience requirements of the job announcement;
• That you are available to work in the county in which the vacancy exists;
• That you know the last date the application will be accepted.


You must complete an official State of Mississippi Experience and Training record Application for each job for which you wish to apply or complete an electronic application on the SPB website. Resumes are used for evaluation purposes only and may not be submitted in lieu of an official application. Application forms are available at the SPB and at all WIN Job Service Offices.
State employees who have completed at least six (6) months of continuous employment with the state may submit applications for any job classification at any time.
Applications of individuals who are not state employees, or who have not completed at least six (6) months of continuous employment with the state, are accepted only for jobs that are posted as open for recruitment.
Completed applications must be received and date-stamped by either the SPB or an Employment Service Office by 5:00 p.m. of the posted closure date for that particular job.

Your application will be evaluated by established standards to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your application will be scored according to your education, training, and experience.
Once your application has been scored, your name and score will be placed on a list of qualified applicants, called the List of Eligibles. Your score will be competitively ranked with others who are qualified for the same job. You will be notified in writing of the final action on your application.
Requests for information should be submitted in writing to the SPB and, for identification purposes, must include your name, social security number, and the title of the job for which you applied.

 

Submitting Your Application

• Carefully read the instructions
• Examine the minimum requirements to make sure you qualify
• List the exact title of the job for which you are applying
• Answer all questions thoroughly
• List the county(ies) you are available to work
• Attach required documents (transcripts, licenses, etc.) or mail to SPB if completing an electronic application
• Sign and date your application


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