NHL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Mississippi for Hockey

Mississippi made history as the third state to launch legal sports betting post-PASPA in August 2018. But here's the catch: statewide mobile betting is NOT permitted. You can only place bets through mobile apps while physically inside a licensed casino. For hockey fans in the Magnolia State, this means visiting one of Mississippi's 29 casinos to place NHL wagers.

Is NHL Betting Legal in Mississippi?

Yes, but with major limitations. Mississippi legalized sports betting on June 21, 2018. The first legal bets were placed on August 1, 2018.

Quick facts:

You must be 21 or older. Mississippi does NOT allow statewide online/mobile sports betting. You can download sportsbook apps (BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel), but you must be physically located inside a licensed casino to place wagers. Geofencing technology restricts betting to casino premises only. The Mississippi Gaming Commission (MGC) regulates all sports betting activity. Mississippi has 29 casinos with sports betting, including 26 commercial casinos and 3 tribal casinos. Only three sportsbook apps are currently available: BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and Pearl River Resort.

Read more: Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Mississippi

Legislative update: In January 2024, Representative Casey Eure introduced HB 774 to expand online sports betting statewide. The bill cleared the Mississippi House in February 2024 but missed legislative deadlines and died in April 2024. Industry observers remain optimistic Mississippi could legalize statewide mobile betting in 2025 or 2026.

This is Mississippi's most significant limitation compared to other legal sports betting states.

Top Sportsbooks for NHL Betting in Mississippi

Mississippi has retail sportsbooks at 29 casinos. Here are the top options for NHL betting.

BetMGM at Beau Rivage / Gold Strike

Locations: Beau Rivage Resort & Casino (Biloxi), Gold Strike Casino Resort (Tunica)

BetMGM operates sportsbooks at two of Mississippi's premier casino properties. Comprehensive NHL markets including moneylines, puck lines, totals, player props, and futures. The BetMGM app works on-site for convenient mobile wagering within the casino. "One Game Parlay" feature available for hockey SGPs. Professional betting lounges with multiple screens.

Best for: Gulf Coast (Biloxi) and Tunica-area bettors.

Shurzy Tip: BetMGM's app works on-site, which means you can bet from the slots or poker tables without walking to the sportsbook counter. Download it before you go.

Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah's Gulf Coast

Location: Harrah's Gulf Coast (Biloxi)

Caesars launched its sportsbook app at Harrah's Gulf Coast in April 2024. Sharp NHL pricing, Caesars Rewards loyalty program, and daily odds boosts. The Caesars app provides convenient on-site mobile betting. Retail sportsbook offers comfortable seating and premium viewing experience.

Best for: Biloxi-area bettors seeking Caesars Rewards loyalty benefits.

Shurzy Tip: Caesars Rewards is legit even for casino-only betting. Stack points from your sports bets and table games, cash them in for comped rooms or dinners. Your bookie won't do that.

Pearl River Resort Sportsbook

Location: Pearl River Resort (Choctaw, Mississippi)

Pearl River Resort is operated by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and offers a sportsbook with mobile app functionality on-site. NHL markets available including moneylines, puck lines, and totals. Tribal gaming destination with resort amenities.

Best for: Central Mississippi bettors and tribal gaming supporters.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

How Mississippi Sports Betting Works (Casino-Only Model)

Here's the step-by-step process for betting in Mississippi.

Travel to a licensed casino with a sportsbook. Download the sportsbook app (BetMGM, Caesars, or Pearl River) if available at that property. Create an account while on casino premises. Fund your account at the sportsbook counter or through the app. Place bets via the app (on-site only) or at the counter. Cash out winnings at the sportsbook counter.

Geofencing: Mississippi's geofencing restricts mobile betting to within casino properties only. Once you leave the casino, the app will not allow wager placement.

NHL Bet Types in Mississippi

Mississippi casino sportsbooks offer standard NHL markets. Here's what you can play.

Moneyline Betting

Pick the winner, straight up.

Puck Line (-1.5 / +1.5)

Hockey's spread. Favorites must win by 2+ goals (-1.5), underdogs get a 1.5-goal cushion.

Shurzy Tip: Can't shop lines across multiple apps from your couch in Mississippi. Do your homework before the casino trip, know what lines you want and what odds are fair.

Total Goals (Over/Under)

Usually set between 5.5 and 6.5 goals per game.

Player Props

Anytime goal scorer, shots on goal, assists, saves (goalies). Prop depth varies by casino, BetMGM and Caesars offer the most options.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

Period Betting

1st-period moneyline, 1st-period total, 2nd-period total. Period betting eliminates late-game empty-net variance.

Shurzy Tip: Period betting is clutch for tight games. If you're expecting a defensive slugfest, bet the first-period under instead of the full game. You dodge empty-net chaos and overtime coin flips.

Team & Game Props

Team total goals, both teams to score, overtime (yes/no). Available at major casino sportsbooks.

NHL Parlays

Standard parlays combining multiple bets. SGPs available through the BetMGM app on-site.

NHL Futures Betting

Stanley Cup winner, Conference winners, division winners, Hart/Vezina/Calder Trophy odds. Available at all major Mississippi casino sportsbooks.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

NHL Betting Experience in Mississippi

Here's what retail betting looks like in Mississippi.

• Retail Sportsbook Advantages: Big-screen viewing, watch NHL games on multiple large screens. Social atmosphere, betting alongside other hockey fans. Instant cash payouts, no withdrawal waiting periods. Professional assistance, staff can help with complex bets.
• Limitations: Travel required, must physically visit a casino. No home betting, cannot bet from your couch. Limited hours, sportsbooks have operating hours. Geographic concentration, most casinos in Tunica or Gulf Coast areas.

Shurzy Tip: Plan casino visits around NHL game schedules. Download apps beforehand to save time on-site. Join loyalty programs (Caesars Rewards, MGM Rewards) for perks. Check a sportsbook hours before traveling. Consider day trips from Memphis (Tunica) or New Orleans (Gulf Coast).

Expert NHL Betting Tips for Mississippi Bettors

Here's how to bet smarter on hockey in Mississippi's retail-only market.

1. Watch Goalie Announcements Closely: A backup goalie can flip a line 2-3 goals instantly. Check team sources before visiting the casino, you can't adjust on the fly from home.
2. Consider Back-to-Back Situations: Teams playing consecutive nights face fatigue. The team on night two of a back-to-back allows more goals. Factor this into totals and puck lines.
3. Shurzy Tip: Since you can't bet from home, do all your research beforehand. Identify target bets, note goalie announcements, check injury reports, calculate desired odds. Walk into the casino with a plan.
4. Track Pace & Expected Goals (xG): Raw win/loss records can mislead. Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality and predicts future performance. Research before your casino visit. Free resources: Natural Stat Trick, Evolving Hockey.
5. Home-Ice Advantage Isn't Massive: NHL home advantage is modest, roughly 3-4% edge in win percentage. Don't overweight home teams.
6. Look for Underdog Value: NHL's low scoring creates frequent underdog wins. Moneylines and +1.5 puck lines often offer value overlooked by casual bettors.
7. Prepare Before Your Casino Visit: Since you can't bet from home, do your homework first. Identify target bets, note goalie announcements, check injury reports, calculate desired odds.
8. Monitor Mobile Betting Legislation: HB 774 (statewide mobile betting) died in 2024, but similar legislation may return in 2025-2026. Stay informed on potential market expansion.

How to Start Betting on NHL Games in Mississippi

Getting started requires a casino visit. Here's the play-by-play.

• Choose a casino: Select from Beau Rivage (Biloxi), Harrah's Gulf Coast (Biloxi), Gold Strike (Tunica), Pearl River Resort, or other licensed properties. Travel to the casino, you must be physically present to bet.
• Download the sportsbook app (if available) or visit the sportsbook counter. Create an account with accurate info (name, DOB, address, last four of SSN). Must be 21+. Fund your account by depositing at the counter or through the app.
• Navigate to NHL/Hockey to find available markets. Place your bet using the app (on-site) or sportsbook counter. Enjoy the game, watch on the sportsbook's big screens. Cash out by collecting winnings at the sportsbook counter.
• Beginner-friendly bets: Anytime goal scorer (lower variance), puck lines (better payouts), first-period unders (less chaotic).

Safe, Responsible Hockey Betting in Mississippi

The Mississippi Gaming Commission ensures all licensed sportsbooks comply with consumer protection laws. Your funds are protected at regulated casino sportsbooks.

Mississippi casino sportsbooks offer betting limits, self-exclusion options, and problem gambling resources. Use these tools proactively.

Responsible Gambling Resources:

• Mississippi Council on Problem Gambling: 1-888-777-9696
• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• Gamblers Anonymous: Meetings throughout Mississippi

If betting ever feels like a burden, reach out. Mississippi's resources are confidential and free.

Never bet money you can't afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses. Track your bets. Stick to a plan.

Final Thoughts: Mississippi's Best for NHL Betting

Mississippi's sports betting market is retail-only, you must visit a licensed casino to place NHL wagers. While this limitation is significant compared to neighboring states with statewide mobile betting, Mississippi offers legal, regulated options.

BetMGM at Beau Rivage/Gold Strike is the best overall choice, comprehensive markets, on-site mobile app, premier casino amenities. Caesars at Harrah's Gulf Coast offers loyalty rewards and sharp pricing. Pearl River Resort provides a tribal gaming option.

Key limitations:

No statewide mobile betting. Must physically visit casinos. Geofencing restricts apps to casino premises.

Future outlook: Statewide mobile betting legislation (HB 774) died in 2024 but may return. Monitor legislative developments, Mississippi could join the mobile betting revolution by 2025-2026.

For now, plan casino visits around NHL schedules, do your research beforehand, and enjoy Mississippi's retail sportsbook experience responsibly.