Is Online Sports Betting Legal in North Dakota?

Online Sports Betting North Dakota: The Current Setup

Sports betting first arrived in North Dakota after the federal ban was lifted in 2018. Instead of passing a state law, tribal casinos used existing gaming compacts to launch retail sportsbooks.

Today, three tribal casinos offer in-person betting:

• Dakota Magic Casino & Hotel in Hankinson
  
  
• 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in New Town
  
  
• Sky Dancer Casino & Resort in Belcourt
  
  

Plans are underway for additional tribal casinos to add sportsbooks, but mobile wagering is still off the table.

Read more: Looking for the ultimate guide to NFL betting this season? We've got you covered right here!

Is Sports Betting Legal Online in North Dakota?

No. Sports betting legal online is not available in North Dakota. State law does not permit mobile apps or websites to accept wagers.

While you can download apps like DraftKings or BetMGM, they will not allow bets inside North Dakota borders. Geolocation technology blocks the activity, keeping all wagers limited to in-person casino sportsbooks.

That makes North Dakota different from most online sports betting USA markets, where mobile apps are the driving force.

Online Sports Betting Apps in North Dakota

At this time, there are no licensed online sports betting apps in North Dakota. Bettors must physically visit a sportsbook counter or kiosk inside a tribal casino.

Example: A fan in Fargo wants to place an NFL betting wager on the Vikings. They cannot use an app at home. Instead, they need to drive to Dakota Magic Casino in Hankinson, present an ID, and place the bet in person.

This limitation keeps sports betting legal activity small compared to nearby states with mobile access.

Online Sports Betting How To in North Dakota (Retail Only)

Since there are no mobile apps, here’s how to bet legally in North Dakota:

1. Travel to a tribal casino offering a sportsbook.
   
   
2. Confirm you’re 21 or older with a valid ID.
   
   
3. Go to the sportsbook counter or kiosk.
   
   
4. Place your wager on NFL betting, NBA spreads, or other markets.
   
   
5. Hold onto your ticket and return to collect winnings.
   
   

Without online sports betting legal options, bettors must do everything in person.

What You Can Bet On in North Dakota

Even though online betting is banned, retail sportsbooks offer a wide range of markets:

• NFL betting, NBA moneylines, MLB props, NHL totals.
  
  
• Golf, soccer, tennis, and international sports.
  
  
• Futures, parlays, and live betting on select games.
  
  

College betting is also available, including games involving North Dakota schools. Unlike some sports gambling legal states, there is no restriction against in-state teams.

North Dakota Compared to Other Sports Gambling Legal States

North Dakota stands out for being restrictive. Here’s how it stacks up:

• South Dakota: Similar—retail betting only, no statewide mobile access.
  
  
• Montana: Sports betting allowed only through the state lottery app inside licensed bars.
  
  
• Iowa: Full online sports betting legal statewide, with multiple apps competing.
  
  

This shows why North Dakota is behind the curve. While other states embraced online sports betting apps, ND stuck with limited tribal-only retail.

Online Sports Betting Example: Sunday Football

Imagine it’s a Sunday afternoon, and a fan in Bismarck wants to place a $50 parlay on the Packers to win, Justin Jefferson over 90.5 receiving yards, and the Chiefs covering the spread.

In Iowa, this wager could be placed instantly on an app. In North Dakota, the fan would need to drive several hours to the nearest tribal casino to place the bet in person.

That’s the difference between online sports betting legal states and North Dakota’s restricted model.

Why Online Sports Betting Hasn’t Passed

Efforts to expand online sports betting North Dakota have failed several times. In 2021, a bill to put the issue on the ballot died in committee. In 2023, lawmakers voted down another measure by a wide margin.

Without legislative approval, there’s no path for statewide mobile betting. The next chance to revisit the issue may not come until 2027, with a possible public vote in 2028.

Other Legal Gambling Options in North Dakota

Even though online sports betting apps are not available, bettors still have other legal options:

• Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS): Apps like DraftKings and Underdog operate in a gray area, unregulated but available.
  
  
• Horse Betting: Online horse race wagering is legal and regulated by the North Dakota Racing Commission.
  
  

These alternatives offer limited action compared to online sports betting USA, but they remain accessible to residents.

The Future of Online Sports Betting North Dakota

Expansion will require lawmakers to act—or for voters to approve a constitutional amendment. For now, neither has gained traction.

With neighboring states offering mobile access, pressure may build. NFL betting and March Madness continue to drive demand, and younger bettors expect mobile convenience. If trends continue, North Dakota may eventually join other sports gambling legal states in allowing online betting.

Final Thoughts on Online Sports Betting North Dakota

Online sports betting North Dakota is not legal. The only option is to place wagers in person at tribal casinos. No online sports betting apps are available, and legislative attempts to change that have failed.

Compared to other states, North Dakota’s sports betting market is limited. Bettors who want mobile options must travel to neighboring states like Iowa.

Check out our full betting toolset to start spotting profitable lines.