We’ve all heard the stories, how one $2 ticket netted some lucky winner millions. And maybe we’ve also wondered how we can get in on the action as well. After all, who hasn’t dreamt of an easy shot at financial freedom? Unfortunately, however, those of us in the Magnolia State are out of luck, as there is no state lottery here. This is a brief overview of lotteries laws in Mississippi.
Lotteries Laws in Mississippi
Mississippi is one of just six states without a state-run lottery. The others are Bible Belt neighbor Alabama, regional outliers Alaska and Hawaii, and western states Nevada and Utah. It may seem unusual for states like Nevada, and even Mississippi, to outlaw state-run lotteries while embracing certain kinds of gambling and gaming, but Mississippi statutes create a clear distinction between gambling and any kind of lottery, and limits gambling to specific counties, cruise vessels, and other vessels on the Mississippi River.
While it is not illegal for Mississippi residents to purchase tickets for out-of-state lotteries, the sale of lottery tickets from other states is prohibited within state lines. Mississippi’s state lotteries prohibition is listed in the table below.
| Code Section | Prohibited Mississippi Code 97-33-31 |
| Distribution of Lottery Revenue | - |
| Additional Purpose of Lottery | - |
| Lottery Prize Subject to Garnishment | - |
| Time Limit to Claim Prize/Disposition | - |
| Prohibited Related Activities | - |
Lotteries Laws, Generally
In the states that sponsor them, lottery laws regulate everything from where, how, and to whom tickets can be sold, to the time limits for claiming prizes and which programs will receive lottery revenues. The majority of states allocate most of the lottery proceeds to a general fund, and from there, the lottery revenue is earmarked for specific projects.
For example, many states use a majority of lottery revenue to fund public education initiatives, while others allocate profits towards environmental protections or transportation infrastructure projects. While states can have their own lottery games, they can also participate in multi-state contests like Monopoly Millionaire’s Club and national lottery pools like Mega Millions and Powerball.
Mississippi State Lotteries Laws: Related Resources
State lottery regulations and the distinction between legal gaming and gambling can be difficult to discern. You can consult with a Mississippi gaming law attorney in your area if you would like legal assistance regarding a lottery law matter. You can also find more resources and information on this topic by visiting FindLaw’s section on Gaming Law.
