Thinking about betting the horses from Mississippi? Here’s where the state actually stands — what’s legal, what isn’t and what your options are.
Can You Bet on Horse Racing in Mississippi?
Mississippi never legalized pari-mutuel horse racing. There is no track and no state-licensed online horse betting; the only horse wagering available is simulcast inside some licensed casino sportsbooks, on casino property.
Repeated bills to add online horse and sports betting have failed, so there is no legal online ADW for Mississippi residents today.
Horse Racing & Betting in Mississippi
No racetrack — Mississippi never legalized pari-mutuel horse racing.
Online wagering is not available — the only horse wagering is simulcast inside some licensed casino sportsbooks, on casino property.
Simulcast betting inside casino sportsbooks, the state’s only horse-wagering option.
More on Racing in Mississippi
There is currently no live horse racing being offered in the state of Mississippi. In fact, there is no manner whatsoever for horse racing fans to wager on the sport of kings, unless they opt to cross state lines into neighboring Tennessee, Louisiana or Arkansas, all of which offer live horse racing.
In a bizarre set of circumstances, it is legal for Mississippi horse bettors to make pari-mutuel wagers at the state’s casinos. However, the twist is that all forms of online wagering are illegal in Mississippi. And with no live or simulcast racing in Mississippi, there’s no other way for horseplayers to get action.
Mississippi does offer retail sports betting. But until they opt to legalize online sports wagering, it appears that the state’s horse bettors are out of luck.
Horse Racing History
There was a time when horse racing was a rich and robust part of the Mississippi landscape. However, that was a long time ago, before Mississippi was even a U.S. state.
When Mississippi was a Spanish-held territory in the 1790s, the Fleetfield Race Track in Natchez was a popular destination to both socialize and bet on the races. However, by the 1830s, strong anti-gambling movements fronted by organized religious groups did their utmost to put a stop to all forms of gambling in Mississippi, and horse racing was among the victims of their purge.
Horse Racing Betting in Mississippi
You can’t legally bet on horse racing in Mississippi in 2026. The state has no live racetracks, no simulcast racing, and no legal online horse betting apps. While Mississippi law technically allows pari-mutuel wagering at casinos, there are no active horse racing events to wager on, and all online wagering remains illegal. For horseplayers, the only practical option is traveling to neighboring states such as Louisiana, Arkansas, or Tennessee, where live racing and online horse betting are legal.
How to Bet on Horse Racing
New to the windows? Start with the straight bets. A win bet needs your horse to finish first; place pays if it runs first or second; show pays for first, second or third. They are the cheapest way to learn the game.
From there come the exotics, where the real payouts live. The exacta asks for the first two home in order, the trifecta the first three, and the superfecta the first four. Multi-race bets — the daily double, Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 6 — string winners together across races, and the Pick 6 jackpot can roll into life-changing money. Our guide to exotic bets walks through each one, and the beginner’s guide to betting on racing covers the basics end to end.
Mississippi Horse Racing Betting FAQs
How old must you be to bet on horses online in Mississippi?
You must be 21 or older to place horse bets in Mississippi.
Is TwinSpires accepting bets in Mississippi?
No, it does not operate in the state.
What are my options?
Simulcast betting inside casino sportsbooks, the state’s only horse-wagering option.
Are there any racetracks in Mississippi ?
There are also no race venues in the Magnolia State.