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

South Dakota has a highly localized sports betting market. Voters approved Constitutional Amendment B in November 2020, authorizing sports betting exclusively in Deadwood city limits. Retail sportsbooks opened on September 9, 2021, but South Dakota maintains a strict Deadwood-only plus tribal casino retail system; no statewide online betting exists.

For hockey fans in South Dakota, this means all legal NHL wagering happens in person at Deadwood casinos or tribal casino locations. You cannot place bets remotely through mobile apps or websites from anywhere in South Dakota. This highly restrictive approach makes South Dakota one of America's most limited sports betting markets.

Is NHL Betting Legal in South Dakota?

Yes, but only in Deadwood. South Dakota legalized sports betting when voters approved Constitutional Amendment B on November 3, 2020 (58.5% approval). The legislature passed SB 44 in 2021, and Governor Kristi Noem signed it. Retail sportsbooks opened September 9, 2021.

Quick facts:

You must be 21 years old or older to place sports bets in South Dakota. The South Dakota Commission on Gaming regulates sports betting in Deadwood with licensing, consumer protections, integrity monitoring, and anti-money laundering standards. South Dakota has retail sportsbooks exclusively in Deadwood city limits: BetMGM Cadillac Jack's, BetMGM Tin Lizzie, Mustang Sally's Sportsbook, Gold Dust Casino Sportsbook, Dale's Sportsbook, and BetLodge Sportsbook. Critical restriction: State law (SD Codified § 42-7B-79) explicitly states "Any sports wagering may only be conducted in the interior of a licensed gaming establishment within the city of Deadwood." Bettors cannot place wagers remotely, all bets must be placed in person.

• Tribal casinos also operate sportsbooks: Dakota Sioux Sportsbook (Watertown), Dakota Nation Sportsbook (Dakota Magic Casino, near SD/ND border), Dakota Connection Sportsbook (Sisseton), and other tribal locations statewide. Tribal sportsbooks also operate retail-only, in-person.
• Online sports betting: Explicitly prohibited in South Dakota. State law (SD Codified § 22-25A-8) prohibits establishing "any location or site in this state from which to conduct a gambling business on or over the internet." Violations constitute a Class 6 felony (first offense) or Class 5 felony (subsequent offenses).

This is the restrictive reality of South Dakota sports betting in 2025.

South Dakota Sportsbooks: What's Available for NHL Betting

What NHL Markets Are Available?

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

Limitations: Market depth is moderate compared to full-service national operators, but better than tribal-casino-only states due to commercial casino presence.

Shurzy Tip: Deadwood sportsbooks offer standard NHL markets, moneylines, puck lines, totals, basic props. BetMGM locations (Cadillac Jack's, Tin Lizzie) have deeper markets than local operators. If you're making the trip, hit BetMGM first.

Betting Experience

Deadwood sportsbooks operate as retail betting windows (BetMGM and local operators), self-serve kiosks (at select locations), in-casino lounges (large sports screens), and physical betting slips and tickets. No mobile apps for general residents.

BetMGM Presence

BetMGM operates at least 2 sportsbooks (Cadillac Jack's and Tin Lizzie), making it the primary national operator in South Dakota. BetMGM locations offer more extensive markets and professional service compared to smaller local operators.

Shurzy Tip: If you're planning a Deadwood trip for NHL betting, BetMGM Cadillac Jack's or Tin Lizzie are your best bets (literally). National operator means better technology, deeper markets, and professional sportsbook staff. The local operators work too, but BetMGM's the move.

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

South Dakota Sports Betting Reality: Geographically Restricted

The Problem for South Dakota Hockey Bettors

South Dakota's system means Deadwood-only for commercial casinos (geographically restricted), NO statewide online betting (explicitly prohibited by law), NO mobile apps (except for tribal-operated on-reservation apps for tribal members only), must visit in person (no remote wagering), travel required (Deadwood only, or tribal casinos), retail-only system (counter or kiosk bets only), and NO line shopping (cannot compare between multiple operators' apps).

This is severely limiting compared to neighboring states.

Proposed Expansion Failed in 2023

SB 209 (February 2023): Sen. Ryan Maher proposed expanding sports betting via self-serve betting kiosks throughout South Dakota at businesses with liquor licenses. The bill failed to advance.

Future potential: A potential 2026 ballot measure could expand sports betting to all 11 tribal casinos statewide and Deadwood. However, this would still be retail-only (no online betting).

Alternative #1: Daily Fantasy Sports (Legal Gray Area)

Platforms: FanDuel DFS, DraftKings DFS, PrizePicks, OwnersBox

Age: 18+

Remote registration: Available

Legality: State law ambiguous; use at own risk

Shurzy Tip: DFS platforms are your best legal remote option for NHL wagering in South Dakota. They're not the same as traditional moneylines and spreads, but if you can't make it to Deadwood and want to bet on hockey online, DFS is the move. Legal status is murky, though.

Alternative #2: Neighboring States

South Dakota bettors near state borders can visit Wyoming (online betting with 18+ age and 4 licensed sportsbooks), Iowa (online betting available with 15+ sportsbooks), or Colorado (online betting available with 30+ sportsbooks).

Shurzy Tip: If you're near the Wyoming or Iowa border, cross state lines and use legal online sportsbooks there. Download apps like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, or Caesars, register in-state, and bet remotely. This beats driving to Deadwood every time you want to bet on the NHL.

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

Expert Tips for South Dakota Hockey Bettors

1. Plan Deadwood Trips: If you want to place traditional NHL bets, schedule trips to Deadwood casinos. Time visits around major NHL games or playoffs. Bring valid ID (21+). Note: All bets must be placed in person at the casino.
2. Use DFS as Online Alternative: 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. Proceed at your own risk.
3. Monitor Tribal Casino Expansion: If tribal casinos gain broader approval, more locations may become available. Watch for 2026 ballot measures or legislative updates.
4. Visit Neighboring States: Consider road trips to Wyoming (18+ online betting), Iowa, or Colorado for full online sports betting access.

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

How to Bet on NHL in South Dakota

Option 1: Deadwood Casinos (Only Legal for Commercial Casinos)

Travel to Deadwood (multiple casinos operate sportsbooks). Bring valid ID (must be 21+). Visit the sportsbook area (BetMGM or local operator). Place a bet at the counter or self-serve kiosk. Receive a ticket. Collect winnings if bet wins.

Option 2: Tribal Casinos

Travel to tribal casinos (various locations statewide including Dakota Sioux Sportsbook in Watertown, Dakota Nation Sportsbook near SD/ND border, Dakota Connection Sportsbook in Sisseton). Bring valid ID (must be 21+). Visit the sportsbook area. Place in-person bet. Collect winnings if applicable.

Option 3: Daily Fantasy Sports (18+, Ambiguous Legality)

Choose the DFS platform (FanDuel DFS, DraftKings DFS, PrizePicks). Create an account (remote). Verify age (18+). Fund account. Enter NHL DFS contests.

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.

Option 4: Travel to Neighboring States

Cross into Wyoming, Iowa, or Colorado. 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 South Dakota

When Using Deadwood/Tribal Casinos

Regulated by South Dakota Commission on Gaming (Deadwood) or tribes. Cash-only transactions in most cases. Professional service at BetMGM locations.

When Using DFS

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

Responsible Gambling Resources:

• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• South Dakota Gaming Commission
• 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: South Dakota's Geographically Restricted Market

South Dakota operates one of America's most geographically restricted sports betting markets. Deadwood-only commercial casinos plus tribal casinos provide in-person betting, but absolutely no online wagering is permitted.

For traditional hockey betting, you must visit Deadwood or tribal casino in person, it's geographically restricted (no statewide access), retail-only system, no mobile apps for general residents, and limited market depth.

• Alternatives: Daily Fantasy Sports (FanDuel DFS, DraftKings DFS) with ambiguous legal status, 18+ age requirement, remote registration, but proceed at own risk.
• Future outlook: Potential tribal casino expansion in 2026 (still would be retail-only, no online). Online sports betting legalization remains unlikely. The state appears committed to a restrictive retail-only model.
• Recommendation: South Dakota hockey bettors have limited options. Plan trips to Deadwood (BetMGM Cadillac Jack's or Tin Lizzie best) or tribal casinos for traditional betting. Use DFS platforms (at own legal risk) for online wagering. Consider neighboring states (Wyoming, Iowa, Colorado) for full online sports betting access.

South Dakota remains one of America's most restricted sports betting markets, with the state explicitly prohibiting online gambling through criminal penalties. The Deadwood model has become established law unlikely to change.

The honest truth: Deadwood-only is better than nothing, but it's still severely limiting.

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