Two casinos owned by MGM, the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi and Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, held simultaneous events at 12pm PT to usher in the era of legal sports wagering.

Former NFL stars Willis McGahee and Stanley Morgan led a crowd of dignitaries marking the start of Mississippi sports betting.

"MGM Resorts is proud to once again assume the leadership position in the hospitality industry," said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International.

"Sports wagering is a rapidly growing, exciting new entertainment opportunity for our company. We were proud to take the first sports wager in Atlantic City in June and today the first legal sports wager in two locations in Mississippi."

"This is a defining moment in Gold Strike's nearly 24-year history,” David Tsai, President and COO of Gold Strike Casino, said. "Sports fans have long waited for this day and we are proud to be the first to offer our customers this exciting new opportunity to engage with their favourite sports and teams. We are honoured to be a part of Mississippi gaming history."

MGM predicts sports betting will have a positive effect on its resorts, as the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City recorded the best June in its history after New Jersey began offering sports betting.

Mississippi currently occupies an exclusive slot in the market, being the only state in the south to offer legalised sports betting.. It may be that way for a period of time, as no neighbouring states were even close to passing new legislation this year.

The race is on for operators to launch their sportsbook before the beginning of the upcoming NFL season, with 12 other casinos waiting on approval from state regulators.