Mississippi Casinos June Revenue Declines as State Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling

The Mississippi Gaming Commission has released its monthly report, revealing that the state's commercial casino sector recorded $197.6 million in revenue in June. 

That figure represents a significant decline of 2.2% compared to the same month last year, when the three regions, between them produced adjusted gross gaming revenue of $202.0 million. The June figure is also 11.6% lower than the combined revenue for May 2025, which was $223.5 million. 

Coastal Region Still Leading the Way in Mississippi

Coastal remains the biggest revenue generator of the three regions in the state, recording $130.5 million in June, around 66% of the combined total. It also recorded the smallest year-on-year decline in revenue, down 1.0% from June 2024's $131.8 million.

The Central region contributed the smallest revenue, $24.6 million in June, representing just 12% of the sector's overall return. It also showed the most significant year-over-year loss, declining from $26.1 million a year ago. 

Mississippi Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling Operators

While the state's regulated sector struggles with disappointing revenue returns, the Mississippi Gaming Commission (MGC) has been taking action to crack down on illegal operators. 

The Commission has issued cease and desist letters to ten operators of unauthorized online sportsbooks and casinos that were found to be violating state and federal laws. 

The online operators in question have reportedly used false advertising to attract Mississippi residents, including the illegal use of photos and logos from legitimate, licensed casinos in the state. These were then used in fake advertisements on Facebook that suggested that online casino gaming was now legal in the state. 

The Executive Director of the MGC, Jay McDaniel, said, “The MGC will aggressively pursue both domestic and offshore illegal operators, and the MGC is currently providing criminal case files to our state and federal law enforcement partners and requesting prosecution. Companies like those put on notice today mislead our residents by claiming to be legal outlets, when in fact they operate illegally and without providing any tax revenue or other tangible benefit to Mississippi.”

According to the MGC, the full list of state and federal laws allegedly violated includes the Mississippi Gaming Control Act, the Mississippi RICO Act, the Federal Wire Act, and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006.

The Commission has also warned that anyone who engages in illegal online gambling could face criminal prosecution and the loss of any funds deposited with illegal gambling sites. 

Online casino gaming and sports betting are illegal in Mississippi. Currently, the only place where state residents can bet on casino games or sports events is at one of the state’s licensed casino venues. Lawmakers tried to ban sweepstakes casinos earlier in the year, but a measure that passed the House died in a Senate committee.