The Mississippi Gaming Commission has issued cease and desist orders to a total of 10 gambling platforms operating illegally in the state. The gambling platforms are located both offshore and in domestic sites, and the MGC has filed criminal cases against these operators, saying that these platforms have even gone to the extent of pretending to be legal entities, duping residents.

The Mississippi Gaming Commission has issued a stern warning to unlicensed gambling operators conducting business in the state without authorization. In a sweeping enforcement action, the MGC has sent cease-and-desist letters to at least ten companies it accuses of illegally offering games of chance and sports betting products without the required licenses.

The regulator is demanding that these entities cease operations in Mississippi within 14 days of receiving the notice. The letters, which were dispatched both by mail and electronically, cite a host of legal violations, including infractions under state and federal laws such as the Mississippi Gaming Control Act, the Mississippi Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act, the Illegal Gambling Business Act, and the Federal Wire Act of 1961.

Illegal operators misusing established casino brands

According to MGC Executive Director Jay McDaniel, these rogue companies have gone to extraordinary lengths to present themselves as legitimate gambling platforms. In several instances, they misappropriated the branding and imagery of well-known land-based and coastal casinos operating legally in Mississippi.

McDaniel explained that illegal websites had even used images of licensed venues in social media ads - particularly on platforms like Facebook - to create misleading promotions. These tactics, he said, were aimed at duping Mississippi residents into believing they were gambling through regulated channels.

"The MGC will aggressively pursue both domestic and offshore illegal operators," McDaniel stated. "We are currently providing criminal case files to our state and federal law enforcement partners and requesting prosecution."

Sweepstakes and unlicensed betting under fire

The crackdown also forms part of a broader push by the state to combat the rise of illegal online sweepstakes and unregulated betting sites. Mississippi, like a growing number of US states, has classified many sweepstakes-style gaming sites as unlawful, particularly those that allow users to wager money under the guise of promotional contests.

McDaniel emphasized that these platforms not only bypass regulatory oversight but also exploit the trust of local consumers, luring them into wagering in environments that offer no consumer protection or financial accountability. There's no tax revenue generated, no responsible gaming protections in place, and no recourse for players who get cheated, he added.

Players may be entitled to compensation

The Mississippi Gaming Commission has also reminded the public that Mississippi law provides a legal pathway for players who have lost money to illegal operators. Under certain provisions, residents may be entitled to recover their losses - along with associated legal costs - incurred through gambling with unauthorized platforms. Consumers should know they have rights, McDaniel stated. We encourage anyone who believes they've been misled by one of these platforms to come forward, he continued.

A clear message from the regulator

This enforcement action sends a clear message to illegal gambling operators: Mississippi will not tolerate companies that flout the law and prey on unsuspecting residents. By leveraging state and federal statutes and by collaborating with law enforcement at all levels, the MGC is taking a firm stand in protecting both the integrity of its regulated gambling market and the safety of its citizens.

As the industry continues to evolve and shift toward digital platforms, Mississippi's swift and decisive action signals its commitment to upholding high standards - and to rooting out bad actors who operate outside the law.