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

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.”

What constitutes legal and illegal gaming in Mississippi?

What is the difference between legal and illegal gaming in Mississippi?

Mississippi criminal statutes beginning at Miss. Code Ann. § 97-33-1 make it a crime to wager or bet on any type of game or to promote such wagering. Mississippi case law establishes that wagering constitutes playing a game that: 1) requires consideration/payment; 2) has an element of chance; and 3) has the potential to win a reward in the form of anything of value.

What are examples of games that are legal?

Mississippi law allows for exemptions in certain situations where gaming can take place:

  1. Most any gambling game can be played on a casino floor if the casino is licensed by the MS Gaming Commission, including wagering on sporting events. (97-33-1, et seq. & 75-76-1, et seq.)
  2. Gaming and sports wagering at a casino operated by the MS Band of Choctaw Indians.
  3. Bingo can be played at a bingo hall licensed by the MS Gaming Commission, where the proceeds from the play goes to a licensed charitable organization. (97-33-50, et seq.)
  4. Lottery games if conducted through the Mississippi Lottery Corporation. (27-115-1, et seq.)
  5. Raffles may be conducted if held by a nonprofit civic, educational, wildlife conservation or religious organization if all proceeds go to the nonprofit organization. (97-33-51)
  6. Fantasy sports contests may be played online or in person as long as the game is conducted by a fantasy contest operator licensed by the MS Gaming Commission. (97-33-301, et seq.)
  7. Amusement games with a primary purpose of entertaining children under 18 (typically found at arcades or amusement centers). (97-33-8)

What are some examples of games that are illegal?

Slot machines, table games, poker, sports wagering, bingo games, lotteries, raffles, etc. that are NOT conducted and exempted pursuant to the above-referenced statutes. For example, sports wagering not conducted in a casino is illegal (online and mobile sports wagering apps are illegal), online casino games are illegal, bingo played for money outside of a licensed bingo hall is illegal, raffles conducted by a person or entity that is not a nonprofit or conducted for a purpose not listed above are illegal.

Who can enforce or prosecute gambling crimes?

The enforcement and prosecution of illegal gaming is carried out not only by the Mississippi Gaming Commission, but by any state or federal entity with authority in the jurisdiction. If you are playing or promoting illegal gaming you are subject to arrest, prosecution and potential forfeiture of gaming funds.

Why do I see casino apps and sports betting apps advertised on my phone or computer that say they are legal?

There are many companies that promote illegal games online or through mobile applications that say they are legal to play. This is not true, and any casino game or sports wagering conducted online where money is paid and won, is illegal. The companies offering them, and the players may be subject to prosecution. You may report any such activity to the MS Gaming Commission.

What if I want to have an event where people can play games like bingo?

You must take away one of the three elements of a gambling game in order to do so. In other words, if players don’t pay any consideration to enter the game it is not gambling. Or if money is collected (for charity, for instance) but no prize of value is awarded, the game is not illegal.

If you have any questions, you may contact the Mississippi Gaming Commission’s Enforcement Division at 601-576-3800.

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

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

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 procedure for filing Complaints/Disputes?

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

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 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.

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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