The Mississippi Gaming Commission (MGC) has officially joined the list of states cracking down on unlicensed online gambling.
In a June 17 announcement, the Commission confirmed it issued cease-and-desist letters to multiple companies operating illegally in the state. The enforcement effort targets both offshore sportsbooks and sweepstakes-style casino sites that have been advertising or accepting Mississippi players in violation of state and federal law.
In its statement, the MGC cited violations of numerous laws, including the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, Federal Wire Act, and several sections of the Mississippi Code covering illegal gambling, racketeering, and gaming regulation. The Commission emphasized that any form of online gambling is illegal in Mississippi unless conducted on-site at a licensed casino or through a tribal compact.
“These operators mislead Mississippi residents by presenting themselves as legal platforms,” said Executive Director Jay McDaniel. “We are committed to pursuing both civil and criminal penalties where appropriate and have already begun sharing evidence with law enforcement partners.”
Operators Identified in the Enforcement Action
The MGC named the following sites in its cease-and-desist orders:
- betwhale.ag
- betus.com.pa
- betonline.ag
- mybookie.ag
- bovada.lv
- americascardroom.eu
- ignitioncasino.eu
- lasatlantis.com
- slotsandcasino.ag
- chumbacasino.com
While some of these operators promote themselves as “free-to-play” or “sweepstakes” casinos, the MGC made clear that any game involving consideration, prize, and chance qualifies as illegal gambling under state law — even if no direct payment is required to play.
A Growing National Trend
Mississippi’s move follows similar actions in other states.
In late 2023, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board issued cease-and-desist letters to several social casinos, citing constitutional violations. The state’s legislature voted unanimously to prohibit sweepstakes-based gaming in the state, but Gov. Jeff Landry vetoed the bill.
New York regulators have also taken action by targeting the payment processors behind these platforms — cutting off access to funds for both operators and users.
And just last week, Michigan announced enforcement against five illegal gambling sites, continuing a nationwide trend of more aggressive oversight targeting offshore and sweepstakes casino operators.
These moves reflect a broader shift in state-level enforcement strategies, with regulators increasingly unwilling to tolerate the legal ambiguity surrounding sweepstakes casinos and offshore gambling sites.
What This Means for Players
Players in Mississippi should be aware that using any of the sites listed above could result in criminal charges or the forfeiture of funds. The MGC has also encouraged anyone who has lost money to an illegal operator to consult an attorney, noting that state law allows for the recovery of those funds under certain conditions.
The message from regulators is clear: If an online casino or sportsbook is not licensed by the state, it is operating illegally — and both operators and players may face serious consequences.
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