How Many Casinos Are in Biloxi Mississippi?

Legalized gambling has been a mainstay of the Biloxi economy for over thirty years. Though not as well-known as gambling destinations like Las Vegas and Macau, the city does boast eight world-class casinos and resorts that offer everything from championship golf courses to fine dining to top-name entertainment acts that regularly sell out.

The eight casino resorts in Biloxi are the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, Boomtown Casino, Golden Nugget Biloxi, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Harrah’s Gulf Coast, IP Casino Resort Spa, Palace Casino Resort, and the Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel. Amenities and entertainment options vary at each of these, so it’s best to check them out individually.

The Casino Experience in Biloxi, Mississippi

The Mississippi Legislature passed a casino gambling bill in 1990 that allowed for dockside casino gambling. Since then, the state has authorized thirty state-regulated casinos along the Mississippi River and Gulf Coast. Eight of those are in Biloxi. Three are operated by the Choctaw Indian Tribe. A fourth is scheduled to open in Jones County next year.

Biloxi has casinos with slot machines, video poker, and live gaming tables. Dog and horse tracks are not legal in Mississippi, but most of the casinos have simulcast events from around the country. Gamblers can enjoy live races while sitting in the comfort of the casino, placing bets at their favourite racetracks. Simulcast is also available for sporting events. 

The Mississippi River has a long history of gambling. In the 19th Century, high-stakes players would often travel to ports along to river to board riverboats where tournaments and no-limit games were played. The City of Biloxi honours these traditions and attempts to recreate the experience in their dock-front casinos. It adds a historical and fun element to the games.

What to Do When You’re Not Gambling

Biloxi’s most popular attraction is its casinos, but that’s not the only thing to do while you’re in town. The cast-iron Biloxi Lighthouse, which was active between 1849 and 1939, is a can’t miss attraction that thousands of people visit every year. It’s a Mississippi landmark and is considered by many to be a symbol of the fighting spirit of the local population. 

The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum is also worth taking in. It will be a major eye-opener for those unfamiliar with the seafaring history of the Mississippi gulf coast region. They cover everything from blacksmithing to shrimping, have a 65-foot replica of the Biloxi Schooner, and a Hurricane Katrina exhibit that will give you clarity on the scope of that tragedy.

If you’re looking for more, stop by the Biloxi Visitor’s Center. Established in 2012, the centre is an attraction on its own. It’s 23,000 square feet of breathtaking architecture filled with a wealth of information about the city, its inhabitants, and what to do when you’re not gambling at one of Biloxi’s many casinos. Plan on spending a few hours. There’s a lot to take in.

Rules and Regulations for Gambling in Mississippi

The minimum age for casino gambling or sports betting in Mississippi is 21. Eighteen-year-olds can play bingo, buy lottery tickets, and bet horses in Indian casinos. Dog and horse tracks are illegal inside the state, but simulcast betting is allowed. Sports betting has been legal in Mississippi since 2018 when the US Supreme Court overturned laws prohibiting it.

The Beau Ridge in Biloxi is owned by MGM Resorts International, so it quickly became a primary destination for sports enthusiasts when the new laws went into effect. DraftKings partnered with the Scarlett Pearl Casino in D’Irberville, Mississippi, to open their first retail location there in 2018. Players can use their mobile devices or Kiosks to place bets there.

Biloxi isn’t Las Vegas, but it is a fun and exciting place to gamble if you’re looking for a casino experience. State laws allow for slots and live tables. Sports betting is legal. The cuisine is like nowhere else in the world. Most importantly, the people in Biloxi believe in Southern hospitality, so you can expect to be treated courteously and with respect when you visit there.