Is Online Sports Betting Legal in South Dakota?
Online Sports Betting South Dakota: What’s Allowed
South Dakota’s sports betting system is built around physical casinos. Voters approved it through a constitutional amendment, and the state legislature followed by limiting all betting to on-site venues.
This means you must walk into a Deadwood casino or a participating tribal casino to place bets on NFL games, NBA spreads, or other sports. Unlike other online sports betting USA markets, you can’t register remotely or use multiple sportsbook apps.
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 South Dakota?
No. Sports betting legal online is not available in South Dakota. State law requires bets to be placed inside a casino. Even if you download DraftKings or FanDuel, the apps won’t function for real wagers in the state.
This puts South Dakota behind other sports gambling legal states like Iowa, where players can use sportsbook apps statewide.
Online Sports Betting Apps in South Dakota
Currently, there are no online sports betting apps in South Dakota. All legal betting runs through retail locations. Some casinos have their own in-house kiosks and betting systems, but they do not extend beyond the property.
Example: A bettor in Rapid City wants to wager $25 on NFL betting for the Vikings to cover -3. To make that bet, they must drive to Deadwood, walk into a casino like Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort, and place the bet at a kiosk or sportsbook counter. Unlike Colorado or Iowa, there’s no option to do this on a phone.
Online Sports Betting How To in South Dakota (Retail Version)
Since online sports betting South Dakota is not legal, here’s how you place bets in person:
- Travel to a licensed casino in Deadwood or a participating tribal casino.
- Show ID to verify you’re 21 or older.
- Visit a betting kiosk or sportsbook counter.
- Choose your market—NFL betting, NBA, MLB, or NHL.
- Place your wager and get a printed ticket.
- Hold onto your ticket to cash in if you win.
While it’s a throwback system, it remains the only sports betting legal method in the state.
What You Can Bet On in South Dakota
South Dakota offers plenty of options for bettors, including:
- NFL betting, NBA lines, MLB totals, NHL props.
- Soccer, tennis, golf, MMA, and international leagues.
- Parlays, futures, and in-game wagers (in person only).
There are restrictions:
- No betting on in-state college teams like South Dakota State.
- No player props for college athletes.
- No high school or minor league events.
This keeps the focus on pro sports and out-of-state college games.
South Dakota Compared to Other Sports Gambling Legal States
South Dakota’s system is far more restrictive than other online sports betting legal states.
- Iowa: Remote registration and multiple sportsbook apps.
- Colorado: Dozens of apps with statewide betting.
- South Dakota: In-person only, no online sports betting apps.
This means South Dakota fans must physically travel to place bets, while nearby states allow betting from anywhere.
Online Sports Betting Example: Game Day in Deadwood
Imagine it’s NFL Sunday, and a bettor in Sioux Falls wants to put $50 on the Packers to cover +7 and parlay it with the total going over 42 points. In Iowa, they could place that bet instantly on their phone. In South Dakota, they’d need to drive to Deadwood, place the bet in person, and hold onto the ticket.
It’s legal, but it’s not as flexible as other online sports betting USA markets.
Market Performance and Revenue
South Dakota’s sports betting handle is smaller compared to other states. Since betting is limited to Deadwood and tribal casinos, revenue remains modest. Most wagers are tied to major events like the Super Bowl, March Madness, and NFL betting weekends.
The retail-only system keeps growth limited. Without online access, South Dakota cannot compete with states where 90%+ of bets are made through mobile apps.
Responsible Gambling in South Dakota
The South Dakota Commission on Gaming regulates all sports betting. Casinos must provide responsible gambling resources, and self-exclusion programs are available for players who need them.
Because the market is small, the state doesn’t generate as much tax revenue as larger sports gambling legal states. Still, it contributes to regulation, problem gambling services, and community programs.
The Future of Online Sports Betting South Dakota
There has been discussion about expanding betting to include mobile apps, but no legislation has passed. Lawmakers remain cautious, and no immediate changes are expected before 2026.
If approved, South Dakota could eventually join other online sports betting legal states by allowing remote access. For now, bettors will need to stick with retail-only options in Deadwood and tribal casinos.
Final Thoughts on Online Sports Betting South Dakota
Online sports betting South Dakota is not legal. All wagers must be placed in person at casinos in Deadwood or at tribal casinos. There are no online sports betting apps available, and no remote registration.
Compared to other sports gambling legal states, South Dakota is far behind. NFL betting, NBA action, and March Madness games are all available—but only if you travel to a casino.
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