NHL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in North Dakota for Hockey

North Dakota is one of the most restrictive sports betting states in America. The state has NO statewide sports betting legislation and NO legal online sports betting. Instead, only tribal casinos operate retail sportsbooks under gaming compacts, creating a de facto tribal-only system.

In January 2025, North Dakota lawmakers rejected HCR 3002, which would have allowed voters to decide on statewide sports betting legalization in 2026. This rejection signals that online sports betting expansion is unlikely in the near term.

Is NHL Betting Legal in North Dakota?

Barely. North Dakota has NO statewide sports betting law. Instead, tribal casinos operate retail sportsbooks under tribal-state gaming compacts (2013). These compacts authorized tribes to offer Class III gaming, which tribes interpret as including sports betting. The first North Dakota sportsbooks opened in 2020-2021 after PASPA's repeal.

Quick facts:

You must be 21 years old or older to place in-person sports bets at tribal casinos. No state sports betting regulator exists, tribal casinos operate under gaming compacts, tribes regulate their own sportsbooks, and the state has no formal oversight of sports betting. Only tribal casino sportsbooks exist (exact number not specified), Northern Plains tribal casinos and other tribal gaming facilities. NO commercial sportsbooks outside tribal casinos. Online and mobile sports betting are illegal for statewide wagering. Gaming compacts allow on-reservation mobile betting for tribal members while physically on tribal lands (NOT available to general residents). Daily Fantasy Sports legality is ambiguous, DFS is "not explicitly legalized," players can access FanDuel DFS and DraftKings DFS, but the state Attorney General has not issued clarity (proceed at own risk).

Failed 2025 legalization effort: January 2025 lawmakers rejected HCR 3002, a resolution that would have allowed voters to decide on statewide sports betting legalization in 2026. This rejection indicates online sports betting expansion is not imminent, tribal casino retail system will likely remain status quo, and next legislative attempt unlikely until 2027 at earliest.

This is the grim reality of North Dakota sports betting in 2025.

North Dakota Tribal Casino Sportsbooks: Your Only Legal Option

What NHL Markets Are Available?

Typical offerings at North Dakota tribal casino sportsbooks include moneylines (pick the winner), puck lines (-1.5 / +1.5 hockey spreads), over/under goals (typically 5.5-6.5), basic player props (limited), and futures (Stanley Cup, Conference winners).

Limitations: Market depth is much less extensive than national online sportsbooks. Prop markets are basic.

Shurzy Tip: North Dakota tribal casinos offer the absolute basics, moneylines, puck lines, totals. Don't expect deep prop menus or live betting innovation. It's bare-bones retail betting only.

Retail Experience

North Dakota tribal casinos operate as retail betting windows where you place bets with staff, physical betting slips and tickets, in-casino experience, and live screens displaying odds. No mobile apps for general residents.

On-reservation mobile: Gaming compacts allow on-reservation mobile betting, but this is only for tribal members while physically on tribal lands. General residents cannot access this.

Shurzy Tip: If you're making the trip to a tribal casino for NHL betting, bring cash and valid ID (21+). Time your visits around major NHL games or playoffs to maximize the trip. This is your only legal traditional betting option.

Read more: Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in North Dakota

North Dakota Sports Betting Reality: Severely Limited Options

The Problem for North Dakota Hockey Bettors

North Dakota's system means NO statewide online betting (illegal), NO licensed mobile apps for residents (except on-reservation for tribal members), tribal casinos only (no commercial sportsbooks), retail-only system (must visit in person), travel required (must visit tribal casino), limited market depth (basic prop markets), NO competitive promotions (retail-only monopoly), and legislators rejected expansion (HCR 3002 failed January 2025).

This is objectively one of the worst sports betting markets in America.

Alternative #1: Daily Fantasy Sports (Legal Status Ambiguous)

Platforms: FanDuel DFS, DraftKings DFS

Age: 18+

Remote registration: Available

Limitation: Legality unclear, state Attorney General has not issued guidance. Proceed at own risk.

Shurzy Tip: DFS platforms are accessible in North Dakota, but the legal status is murky. FanDuel DFS and DraftKings DFS work, but you're operating in a gray area. If you're comfortable with that risk, DFS is your best remote option for NHL wagering.

Alternative #2: Horse Racing ADW (Legal Online Option)

Various ADW sites licensed in North Dakota allow pari-mutuel wagering on horses. North Dakota Racing Commission regulates.

Limitation: Not applicable to NHL betting.

Alternative #3: Neighboring States

North Dakota bettors near state borders can visit South Dakota (check current status), Montana (retail-only, limited), or Wyoming (online available with 18+ age and 4 licensed sportsbooks).

Shurzy Tip: If you're near the Wyoming border, cross state lines and use legal online sportsbooks there. Download apps like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, or Caesars, register in-state (18+), and bet remotely. This is the best option for North Dakota bettors who want full online access.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

Expert Tips for North Dakota Hockey Bettors

1. Plan Trips to Tribal Casinos: If you want to place traditional NHL bets, identify the nearest tribal casino with a sportsbook. Schedule visits around major NHL games or playoffs. Bring valid ID (21+). Note: Options are limited geographically.
2. Use DFS as Online Alternative (At Own Risk): Daily Fantasy Sports allow remote NHL wagering (legal status ambiguous) with 18+ age requirement. Try FanDuel DFS or DraftKings DFS for NHL contests. Different from traditional betting. Use at your own risk regarding legality.
3. Monitor Legislative Changes: Watch for future sports betting legislation. HCR 3002 was rejected in January 2025. The next attempt is likely in 2027 or later. The situation could change if the legislature shifts priorities.
4. Visit Neighboring States: North Dakota bettors near state borders could potentially visit Wyoming (online available with 18+ age), South Dakota, or Montana for betting options.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

How to Bet on NHL in North Dakota

Option 1: Tribal Casino Retail (Only Legal Traditional Betting)

Travel to tribal casinos (identify nearest location). Bring valid ID (must be 21+). Visit the sportsbook area. Place bets on NHL games at the betting window. Receive a ticket. Collect winnings if bet wins.

Option 2: Daily Fantasy Sports (18+, Legal Status Unclear)

Choose the DFS platform (FanDuel DFS, DraftKings DFS). Create an account (remote registration). Verify age (18+). Fund account. Enter NHL DFS contests. Compete for cash prizes.

Note: Proceed at your own risk regarding legal status.

Shurzy Tip: DFS platforms have learning curves. Start small, learn the scoring systems, then scale up. It's not the same as traditional betting, but it's accessible remote NHL wagering (even if legally ambiguous).

Option 3: Travel to Neighboring States

Cross into Wyoming (18+ online betting), South Dakota, or Montana. Download legal sportsbook apps where available. Register in-state. Bet remotely from anywhere in that state.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

Safe, Responsible Hockey Betting in North Dakota

When Using Tribal Casino Sportsbooks

Regulated by tribal gaming compacts. No state sports betting regulator (limitation). Cash-only transactions at retail locations.

When Using DFS

Age-gated (18+). Contest-based (not traditional betting). Legal status ambiguous (use caution).

Responsible Gambling Resources:

• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• North Dakota Attorney General: (for legal clarification on DFS)
• Gamblers Anonymous: Meetings available

If betting ever feels like a burden, reach out. Resources are confidential and free.

Never bet money you can't afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses. Track your bets. Stick to a plan.

Final Thoughts: North Dakota's Most Restrictive Market

North Dakota operates the most restrictive sports betting market among states that have any legal wagering at all.

For traditional hockey betting, only tribal casino retail sportsbooks are legal (must visit in person), very limited geographic options, no mobile apps for general residents, and limited market depth.

• Alternatives: Daily Fantasy Sports (FanDuel DFS, DraftKings DFS) with legality ambiguous, 18+ age requirement, remote registration available, but proceed at own risk.
• Future outlook: HCR 3002 (2025 legalization vote) was rejected in January 2025. Online sports betting legalization is unlikely before 2027 at earliest. The tribal casino retail system will likely remain the status quo. The state appears unlikely to modernize betting laws soon.
• Recommendation: North Dakota hockey fans face a difficult situation. You're limited to tribal casino retail betting or ambiguous DFS. Consider trips to neighboring states (Wyoming has online betting with 18+ age). Monitor legislative developments (next attempt likely 2027+).

North Dakota remains one of America's most restricted sports betting markets, with legislators showing little appetite for expansion despite the January 2025 vote rejection. Until the legislature acts, you're stuck with extremely limited options.

The brutal truth: This is one of the worst sports betting markets in America. Your options suck.