Sports Betting

NFL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in South Dakota for Football

South Dakota went halfway on sports betting and called it a day. Voters approved it in November 2020, casinos launched in September 2021, but here's the catch: you can only bet in person at casinos in Deadwood. That's it. No online betting, no mobile apps, just the historic gambling town tucked in the Black Hills. A handful of tribal casinos offer similar in-person access, but the rest of the state gets nothing. This breaks down South Dakota's retail-only setup, why DFS is your best option, and how to bet when the state forces you to choose between a road trip and your phone.

NFL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in South Dakota for Football

Is NFL Betting Legal in South Dakota?

Yes, but only in person, and only at licensed Deadwood (and some tribal) casinos. South Dakota approved commercial sports betting via the Deadwood Sports Betting Legalization Amendment (November 3, 2020), which limited betting to on-site actions inside Deadwood.

Here are the key legal facts you need to know:

Regulator: South Dakota Commission on Gaming
First bet placed: September 2021
Retail locations: Only approved casinos in Deadwood, plus limited tribal venues elsewhere
Online/mobile betting: Strictly prohibited (no legal statewide apps)
Tribal casinos: Some also offer in-person betting under similar restrictions
Betting age: 21+ (retail sportsbooks only)
Online registration: Not allowed (must be present in person)
College sports: Legal; no in-state college restriction
Pro sports: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, etc. all permitted
Retail sportsbook hours: Vary by casino; generally open during most sporting events

South Dakota's sports betting law limits play, via the state constitution, to "the city of Deadwood." The result is a practical monopoly for Deadwood's 25+ casinos, and no mobile/online contest statewide unless future amendments or new laws are passed.

Best NFL Betting Options in South Dakota

South Dakota has NO statewide online sportsbooks, forcing bettors to use Deadwood casinos or DFS platforms. Here's what you're working with:

Deadwood Retail Casinos (State-Licensed Options)

Notable participating sportsbooks include Cadillac Jack's, Gold Dust Casino, Tin Lizzie, Mustang Sally's, Deadwood Landmark Casino, Silverado Franklin, and others.

Minimum age: 21+
Markets available: Standard moneyline, point spread, totals, futures, parlays, and occasional same-game parlays on select operators.
Promotion/bonuses: Minimal to none (retail market not incentivized).
Deposit/withdrawal: All bets in cash or through casino cage; winnings paid out over-the-counter.
Tribal casinos: Some tribal casinos elsewhere in SD also offer retail sports betting under limited compacts.
Strengths: Trusted brick-and-mortar casino oversight, range of NFL markets and college sports, all action handled on-site with no risk of delayed withdrawals.
Limitations: No remote betting of any kind (must physically visit Deadwood or select tribal casinos), limited odds/bonuses (no operator competition), no live-betting from home or on the road.

Best for: Anyone who lives near Deadwood or plans to visit the Black Hills.

DFS Platforms: South Dakota's Best Legal Online Alternative

Despite no mobile sports betting, Daily Fantasy Sports is fully legal. DFS contests are an excellent alternative for all residents, available at age 18+ via app or web browser:

PrizePicks: Statewide access: 18+ allowed anywhere in SD. Promo: Play $5, get $50 instantly in lineups (code: SDPicks). Format: Player prop over/under, build 2-6 player cards, win up to 2000x. NFL coverage: Every primetime and Sunday game, all player props.
Underdog Fantasy: Promo: Play $5, get $50 bonus. Pick'em: Build player prop parlays to win up to 20x (flex and power play formats). Best Ball: Season-long "snake drafts" for NFL and other sports.
Boom Fantasy: Promo: Up to $100 first entry refund. Formats: NFL pick'em and props, plus instant-win options.

Available statewide, including Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, and on the go (no travel to Deadwood necessary), 18+ age limit (vs. 21+ for retail), no casino dress code or hours, instant payouts and higher promotional value.

Best for: Anyone who wants to bet from home without driving to Deadwood.

Shurzy tip: Deadwood is a cool town if you're into Old West vibes and slot machines, but making it your only legal betting option is ridiculous. PrizePicks works at 18+ from anywhere in South Dakota. Unless you're already planning a Black Hills trip, skip Deadwood and use DFS from your couch.

Best NFL Betting Bonuses in South Dakota

South Dakota offers virtually zero bonuses at retail casinos. Here's what's available:

Deadwood Retail Casinos: Minimal to none (retail market not incentivized).
DFS Platforms (RECOMMENDED): PrizePicks: $50 instantly (code SDPicks). Underdog Fantasy: $50 bonus. Boom Fantasy: Up to $100 first entry refund. Combined DFS bonuses: $200+ available.

Shurzy tip: Deadwood casinos don't compete with anyone, so they don't offer bonuses. PrizePicks, Underdog, and Boom Fantasy give you $200+ combined. That's $200 more than you'll ever see in Deadwood.

Popular NFL Bets You Can Make in South Dakota

Here's what you can wager on depending on which option you choose:

What You Can Bet (In-Person, Retail): Moneyline (who wins outright), Point spread (margin of victory), Totals/over-under (total points scored), Parlays (multiple picks on one ticket), Futures (SB winner, MVP, etc.), Player props (sometimes available, check casino rules).
What You Can Do in DFS: Player props (over/unders for passing, rushing, TDs, receptions, etc.), Full NFL slates and single games, Parlay payout (hit all picks for max payout; flex plays pay partial if you miss some), Special "instant win" and group payouts on platforms like PrizePicks.

How to Bet on the NFL in South Dakota: Step-by-Step

Retail Steps:

Step 1: Visit Deadwood or approved tribal casino (age 21+).
Step 2: Find a sportsbook window or kiosk, present ID.
Step 3: Place wager in cash, collect paper tickets.
Step 4: Return to claim winnings with ID and ticket.

DFS Steps:

Step 1: Download PrizePicks, Underdog, or Boom. Register 18+ and verify identity.
Step 2: Deposit via debit/ACH/PayPal (credit often not accepted).
Step 3: Build your card; select player/prop combos.
Step 4: Submit and watch results in-app; instant cash out if you win.

Shurzy tip: South Dakota locked sports betting to one tiny town in the Black Hills and said "good luck." Unless you live in Deadwood or you're visiting for a weekend, this setup makes zero sense. Load up PrizePicks at 18+, bet from anywhere in the state, and save yourself the four-hour drive from Sioux Falls.

Responsible Gambling in South Dakota

South Dakota provides responsible gaming resources. All SD casinos post toll-free 24/7 hotline numbers and provide self-exclusion options at the cage. DFS platforms offer account limits and self-exclusion tools online.

Get Help: If you or someone you know struggles with problem gambling, contact the South Dakota Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-888-781-HELP (4357), available 24/7, free, and confidential. You can also reach the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-GAMBLER.

Final Take: South Dakota's Unique NFL Betting Scene

For South Dakota residents, DFS platforms (PrizePicks, Underdog, Boom) are superior to Deadwood casinos because they offer statewide online access, 18+ eligibility, extensive NFL props, and welcome bonuses. Deadwood casinos should be visited only for occasional social or entertainment purposes, not serious betting.

If you want a true betting experience, a trip to the Black Hills is mandatory. For everyone else, PrizePicks and DFS platforms are the legal, fast, and fun answer statewide.

Shurzy tip: South Dakota put all its sports betting eggs in one basket and that basket is a tourist town with 1,200 residents. It's a weird choice that benefits nobody except Deadwood casino owners. Use PrizePicks from anywhere at 18+ and pretend this retail monopoly doesn't exist.

Share this post

Sports Betting