South Dakota

Gaming Laws in South Dakota

South Dakota Codified Laws Title 22 Chapter 25 states it is illegal to “engage in gambling in any form with cards, dice, or other implements or devices of any kind wherein anything valuable is wagered upon the outcome, or who keeps any establishment, place, equipment, or apparatus for such gambling or any agents or employees for such purpose, or any person who knowingly lets any establishment, structure, place, equipment, or apparatus.” Being found guilty of illegal gambling is punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor.

In 1989, the state did legalize limited-stakes casino gambling in the mining city of Deadwood, which is regulated by the South Dakota Gaming Commission.

Tribal Casinos

There are 10 tribal casinos in the state of South Dakota, including Royal River Casino, Bingo and Motel, Golden Buffalo Casino, East Wind Casino, Prairie Winds Casino, Rosebud Casino, Dakota Connection Casino, Dakota Sioux Casino, Grand River Casino and Fort Randall Casino. These casinos offer bingo, gaming machines such as slots as well as a variety of table games like blackjack, craps, roulette and poker.

Sports Betting in South Dakota

Sports betting is not allowed in the state of South Dakota.

Online Sportsbooks

South Dakota does not currently offer legal online sportsbooks. While sports betting was legalized in 2020, it is limited to in-person wagering at licensed facilities within Deadwood, a historic town designated for this activity. The state’s sports betting law does not extend to online platforms, reflecting a cautious approach to gambling expansion. The focus on in-person betting at specific locations is partly due to the state's preference for controlling and regulating gambling activities within a more defined framework and a deliberate legislative approach to gambling policy.

Poker and Casino in South Dakota

The city of Deadwood, best known as the home of legendary gunfighter and gambler Wild Bill Hickok, currently has 24 casinos that offer 24/7 gaming with bets not exceeding $100. These casinos range from small bars or taverns with gaming machines to larger resorts with hotels that offer slots, poker and other table games such as blackjack.

Other Gaming Options in South Dakota

Betting on licensed horse and dog racing is legal in South Dakota in addition to parimutuel wagering at authorized satellite locations more than 50 miles away from the tracks. Charitable gaming is also allowed within the state, including bingo.

South Dakota Lottery

The South Dakota Lottery began in 1987 and two years later pioneered the first state video lottery in the country. Run by the South Dakota State Lottery Commission, the self-funded games range from instant-win scratch tickets to jackpot drawings such as Dakota Cash, Powerball and Mega Millions.