South Dakota Online Casinos and Gambling Sites
South Dakota is a part of the original Wild West and has a rich gambling history due to waves of settlers bringing the pastime to the area in the 17th and 18th centuries.
In keeping with tradition, there are many land-based casinos throughout the State.
But what about gambling online? That’s where things get a little murky, but we are here to clear it up for you.
In this guide, we will explain South Dakota’s gambling laws so you can play with confidence. We will also share the safest online bet methods and sites accepting players from the state.
Gambling Highlights
Want to gamble in the Mount Rushmore state? The following table provides a snapshot of what forms of gambling are legal.
It includes general information for online and land-based casinos, as well as other forms of gambling, such as the state lottery.
Is Gambling Legal?
Yes
Legal Gambling Age
21
Land-Based Casinos
Yes
Online Casinos
Grey Area
Land-Based Sports Betting
Yes
Online Sportsbooks
No
Legal State Lottery
Yes
Charitable Gambling
Yes
Table of Contents
Everything You Need to Start Playing
Is Online Gambling Legal in South Dakota?
Key Takeaways
- It is illegal to own/operate an online casino.
- Since the law doesn’t restrict playing at offshore sites, residents can still find ways to gamble online.
- No one has been prosecuted for playing at sites regulated outside of the state.
- Online sports betting is illegal, but some retail sportsbooks offer a mobile option if you’re on their property.
Operating an online casino in the state is illegal, and as such, the state has no gambling sites within its borders.
However, the laws don’t address gambling at sites licensed elsewhere, so residents can leverage that grey area to play at offshore casinos.
Retail sports betting was legalized in 2020, but state-wide mobile sports betting failed to pass the House.
Some land-based casinos with sportsbooks can offer mobile betting within the perimeters of their walls.
Best South Dakota Online Casinos in 2024
Numerous casino sites accept players from South Dakota. Our team has reviewed dozens to bring you the best.
Below are our top picks.
| RANK | CASINO | BONUS | PAYOUT SPEED | LICENSED | TOTAL GAMES | SLOTS | OUR RATING | CLICK TO PLAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
DuckyLuck Casino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-5 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 699 | SLOTS 600 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 2 |
Bovada Casino |
BONUS 125% up to $3,750 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 549 | SLOTS 435 | OUR RATING 3.9 / 5 | Play Now |
| 3 |
SlotsandCasino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-2 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 691 | SLOTS 594 | OUR RATING 3.9 / 5 | Play Now |
| 4 |
BetUS |
BONUS 150% up to $3,000 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-7 days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 491 | SLOTS 367 | OUR RATING 4.5 / 5 | Play Now |
| 5 |
Cafe Casino |
BONUS 350% up to $2,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 547 | SLOTS 384 | OUR RATING 3.5 / 5 | Play Now |
*Last Updated: July, 2024
Top South Dakota Casinos by Category
Some gambling sites focus on specific elements. Here are the main features of our top two recommended casino operators serving the state.
Best Online Casino for Slots & Other Games
There are a lot of exciting facets to DuckyLuck Casino, but its game selection is outstanding.
There are over 600 titles on this site, including a diverse variety of slots, table games, live dealers, and specialties.
Leading software developers like Saucify, Betsoft, and Rival provide the entertainment.
The live dealer games from FreshDeck Studios are exceptionally high quality.
You can choose from multiple blackjack, baccarat, or roulette tables with varying limits for low and high rollers.
Top Features
- Impressive live dealer studios.
- Unique titles like Card Clash.
- Curated game selection from the best software providers.
Best Site for Sports Betting
Bovada has been a trusted online casino and sportsbook for over ten years. This site is a one-stop shop for all your betting needs.
You can wager on US sports like professional and college football or go global with European soccer, rugby, and cricket. It also features a prop builder for customizable betting options.
Bovada is known for its quick payouts, intuitive interface, and caring customer support. There isn’t much more you could ask for in a sportsbook.
Top Features
- Solid reputation with 10+ years of experience.
- Fast payouts and attentive customer service.
- Easy-to-use wagering options like a prop builder.
How We Choose the Best Casino Sites
We go through a rigorous process to choose the best gambling sites in South Dakota. They must meet the following criteria:
Reputation
We read reviews from multiple sources to get a general feel for how a casino is received.Fast & Reliable Payments
Our team deposits and withdraws at each site to experience the casino banking methods and see how quick payouts are.Security & Safety
Casino license and SSL encryption are part of our review process.Game Variety
The team plays the games and looks for a diverse selection from quality software providers.Quality Bonuses
We examine the terms and conditions of online casino bonuses to see whether they are fair and reasonable.
Top Online Casino Games for Real Money in South Dakota
Although the Mount Rushmore state has no online casinos, residents can still gamble on the Internet.
Below, We will review some of the most popular games for real money.
Slots
South Dakotans can play thousands of real money slots at offshore sites. There, you can find endless titles with varying themes and features like free spin bonus rounds.
Poker
You can also access various poker games at online casinos. Offshore sites have countless options, like Omaha, Let Em Ride, Pai Gow, and Caribbean Stud.
Blackjack
Another game you can find is online blackjack. Due to its popularity, many casino sites offer variants like Perfect Pairs, Pontoon, and Spanish 21.
Live Dealer Games
South Dakota is a large state, so if you don’t live close to a casino, don’t worry. Live dealer games allow you to bring the casino experience into your home.
Other Online Casino Games
There are plenty of specialty online casino games for South Dakotans, like keno, bingo, craps, and scratch-offs.
Check out some other popular options below.
South Dakota Online Casino Bonuses
Playing online lets you access many perks you don’t necessarily get at land-based casinos. Below are the most popular types of promotions that you will find at gambling sites serving the Mount Rushmore state.
Welcome Bonuses
Large introductory offers that nearly every online gambling site provides to new players.
Free Spin Offers
Promotional deals that give you a set number of free rounds on specific games.
Reload Deals
Get additional bonus cash when you deposit additional funds or top off your account.
Our Favorite Promos
The following bonuses are the top offers we recommend.
500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins Welcome Bonus
If you’re new to DuckyLuck, you can claim a welcome bonus that matches 500% of your first three deposits up to $7,500, plus gives you 150 free spins on select slots.
The rollover requirements for this offer are only 30x, and the max payout is 10x the deposit amount.
There’s no bonus code needed for this offer.
Bovada 125% up to $3,750 Crypto Welcome Bonus
Bovada has an incredible $3,750 crypto welcome bonus for new players. It matches 125% up to $1,250 on your first three crypto deposits.
The rollover requirements for the first deposit are just 25x, while the following two are 50x.
To claim this offer, use code BTCCWB1250 on your first deposit and code BTC2NDCWB on the second and third.
Casino Apps
Since owning and operating an online casino in South Dakota is illegal, there are no state-regulated apps.
However, many offshore sites are formatted for small screens and don’t require you to download anything. All you need to do is log in and play in your browser on your mobile device.
You’ll find the quality of these offshore mobile casinos is the same as that of a computer.
Also, some land-based gambling businesses are permitted to offer mobile sports betting in the state.
In this case, you can only use the app while on the casino’s property, which is monitored by geo-location.
Facts About Online Casinos for South Dakota Players
Here are some facts about gambling in the state that you need to consider before placing your bets.
- Some land-based casinos let you bet on sports on a mobile app, but you must stay on the property.
- Most offshore sites are licensed and regulated by other countries.
- You can find a better selection of games at offshore sites than at land-based casinos.
- It’s crucial to do your research and play at trustworthy gambling sites.
- Most offshore sites won’t let you use a US bank account to deposit or withdraw.
- Cryptocurrencies are widely accepted at many gambling sites and are one of the most secure banking methods.
SD Gambling Laws Summary
The Mount Rushmore state has legalized many forms of gambling, including land-based casinos, retail sports betting, horse race betting, the lottery, and charitable gaming.
Before betting anywhere in the state, it’s a good idea to do some research. Below is a summary of South Dakota’s gambling laws.
| South Dakota Gambling | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Land-based Casinos | Brick-and-mortar casinos are legal. Deadwood has 22 commercial casinos, and 12 tribal casinos are scattered throughout the state. |
| Online Gambling | Online casinos are prohibited in South Dakota. However, no one has ever been charged for gambling offshore. |
| Online Sports Betting and Land-based | Land-based sports betting is legal. Although online sports betting is not, a few locations offer mobile apps for use while you’re there. |
| State Lottery | South Dakota has a state lottery that offers a variety of games like Powerball, MegaMillions, and Dakota Cash. |
| Charitable Gambling | Bingo and charitable raffles are legal if conducted by a registered non-profit or charity. |
| Poker | Poker is legal in licensed casinos. There are no standalone card rooms or private clubs. |
| Horse & Dog Racing | Horse race betting is legal, and only one race track is currently operating. Dog racing is illegal. |
| Fantasy Sports | The law in South Dakota doesn’t explicitly say DFS is legal or illegal. Some Fantasy Sports sites still operate in the state. |
| Social Gambling | Social gambling is illegal. However, no one has ever been prosecuted for playing a gambling game at home. |
| Taxes on Gambling Winnings | South Dakota does not tax a player’s gambling winnings, but gamblers are still subject to a 24% federal income tax. |
Disclaimer: The information on this page does not, nor does it intend to, constitute legal advice. This page is for learning purposes and may not have the most up-to-date information year-round. Readers should contact their attorney and/or accountant for advice concerning any particular legal matter. Do not take any action without first contacting a lawyer in your state.
South Dakota Gambling Laws: A Deep Dive
The stance on gambling in the state is a mixed bag.
While multiple forms of gambling are legal, some are simply not addressed by the law, and others are strictly prohibited.
We will do a deep dive into the complexities of the state gambling laws to shed some light on the situation.
Land-Based Casinos
South Dakota has 22 commercial casinos, all required to be in the historic city of Deadwood.
The other 12 are tribal and are located on reservations throughout the state.
Most commercial establishments are on the small side. Many have an average of a hundred slots and less than a dozen table games.
On the other hand, the largest casino is tribal and has over 400 slot machines.
It’s also worth mentioning that South Dakota is one of the only states with a betting limit. You cannot legally place a wager over $1,000.
Horse & Dog Tracks
Horse race betting is legal in South Dakota. However, the only track in operation is The Stanley County Fairgrounds in Fort Pierre.
The options for off-track betting are limited as well. While wagering on simulcast races is legal, the only place you can do so is the Triple Crown Casino in North Sioux City.
There are also mobile betting apps for horse racing, and like most states, dog racing is illegal.
Bingo, Lottery and Charitable Gambling
Bingo is legal when conducted by non-profit, charitable, religious, or educational organizations.
The other form of charitable gambling that’s permitted is raffles. Organizations conducting bingo or raffles must submit a written notice 30 days before the event.
South Dakota has a state lottery that offers numerous games like Cash Dakota, Powerball, and MegaMillions.
The state also has over 1,300 video lottery casinos, which host a combined 10,000 machines, including slots, keno, video poker, video bingo, and video blackjack machines.
The payout range is 80-92%, and the maximum bet is $2. Video lottery establishments may have up to 10 machines. Also, a beer, wine, and/or liquor license is required.
Social Gaming at Home
Social gaming falls under the state’s definition of gambling, which includes a person who engages in gambling in any form where anything valuable is wagered on an outcome.
That means private, at-home games for money are illegal.
However, no one has ever been prosecuted for doing something like hosting a small poker night, so take it with a grain of salt.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
Poker is only legal at licensed casinos. There are no standalone poker clubs.
There are only four poker rooms currently, three in Deadwood and one on the opposite side of the state near Sioux Falls.
The most well-known is Silverado Franklin Casino, which only has around five tables but hosts major events like the RPT South Dakota State Poker Championship and the Deadwood Shootout Poker Tournament.
Sports Betting
The state legalized sports betting in 2020 and began accepting bets at four locations in Deadwood the following year.
In 2022, a proposal to allow online sports betting passed the Senate but failed in the House.
For now, the closest you’ll get to online sports betting is the mobile apps that some casinos permit you to use on their property.
They allow you to place your wager while you’re anywhere in the building instead of having to be at the kiosk, but you cannot use them once you leave.
Casinos in South Dakota
The state has 12 tribal casinos on reservations and 22 commercial, all concentrated in Deadwood.
Take a look at the interactive map below.
Top Casinos
- Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort
- Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort
- Gold Dust Casino
Summary
- Total Casinos: 34
- Tribal Casinos: 12
- Poker Rooms: 4
South Dakota Gambling vs. Neighboring States
When you compare the states neighboring South Dakota, who has the most lenient gambling laws?
Let’s find out.
| State | Is some form of Gambling Legal? | Legal Gambling Age | Legal Land-Based Casinos | Playing at Online Casinos | Legal Sports Betting | Legal State Lottery | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | Yes | 21+ | Legal | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| North Dakota | Yes | 19+ | Legal | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Minnesota | Yes | 18+ | Legal | Grey Area | Not Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Iowa | Yes | 21+ | Legal | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Nebraska | Yes | 21+ | Legal | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Wyoming | Yes | 21+ | Legal | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Montana | Yes | 18+ | Legal | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal |
The whole region surrounding South Dakota seems to have similar views on gambling.
Land-based casinos, lotteries, and charitable gaming are legal in all seven states. Also, online gaming sites are in a grey area across the board.
The one state that stands out is Minnesota. It has yet to legalize sports betting and explicitly prohibits playing at casino sites licensed elsewhere.
A Brief History of South Dakota Gambling
The history of gambling in the state is woven with interesting stories, and one of the most notable characters is “Wild Bill” Hickok.
After the discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874, a rush of people, including gun-toting crooks and gamblers, quickly turned this desolate area into a lawless town called Deadwood.
Wild Bill was among them for a short time until he was shot from behind playing poker. His final hand, a pair of black aces and eights, is now known as the “dead man’s hand.”
Today, you can visit Deadwood and sit in his exact seat in Saloon Number 10.
When South Dakota became a state in 1905, it banned gambling altogether. It wasn’t until 1986 that the lottery was legalized, followed by charitable gaming in 1987.
The following year, the state approved an amendment to allow blackjack, poker, and slot machines in Deadwood with a $5 bet maximum.
A year later, South Dakota’s first tribal casino opened on the Flandreau Indian Reservation.
As a decade passed, more casinos opened, and revenue flowed in. The state raised its $5 bet limit to $100 and then again to $1,000 in 2012.
The most recent addition to legalized gambling was when the state approved sports betting in 2021.
Responsible Gambling Initiatives
South Dakota participates in the National Council on Problem Gambling, which gives local resources for the treatment of gambling addiction, a helpline, and screening tools.
There is no state-wide self-exclusion program, so gamblers must request to be excluded from individual casinos.
For more information, visit our responsible gambling page.
Summary: South Dakota’s Gambling Journey
The state has had a long journey since the days of Wild Bill. Gambling went from being a lawless pastime to completely banned to legal under certain restrictions.
Residents and tourists can now enjoy land-based casinos, horse race betting, retail sports betting, lottery games, and charitable gaming.
With prior attempts to legalize mobile sports betting, a successful effort wouldn’t be surprising and could open the door for the eventual introduction of gambling sites.
Until then, residents of Mount Rushmore state can still access casino games at offshore operators.
FAQ
If you still have questions about gambling in the state, check the most popular questions on the subject below.
How do tribal casinos differ from commercial casinos in South Dakota?
Tribal casinos have all the same games and rules commercial casinos do in South Dakota. The main difference is that they are located on Indian reservations, and commercial casinos are in Deadwood.
Are there real money online casinos in South Dakota with no deposit bonuses?
The only real-money casinos South Dakotans can play at are offshore sites, where you can sometimes find no deposit bonuses.
You just have to look around and check back regularly.
Is there any risk of playing at online casinos regulated outside of the state?
South Dakota clarifies that owning and operating an online casino in the state is illegal, but it doesn’t address playing at offshore sites.
The law is geared towards the business and not the player, so there is little to no risk.
Who regulates online casinos in South Dakota?
Offshore gambling sites accepting players from the state are commonly regulated by foreign countries like Panama and Curaçao.
