South Dakota offers a whole suite of gambling options in comparison to other US States which are limited. Although there are a few forms of gambling that are prohibited, you will still be able to find most of your favorite games.
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Permitted gaming includes the usual casino games such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat and craps, poker – tournaments and live, and slots.
Sports betting is not yet offered in this state, although it is legal in the neighboring state Iowa. A bill was raised early 2019 but was not passed thus preventing Deadwood and other commercial casinos from opening sports books. Sports betting remains illegal indefinitely.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is illegal. However the Attorney General has stated that no one partaking in DFS in South Dakota will be charged.
Permitted is gambling on racetracks , charitable gaming, and with the state lottery.
Oddly social gaming is not legal, this includes playing games with real money such as poker, blackjack or any other game. However similar to DFS, no laws are enforced.
Online gambling is prohibited for sites that are based in South Dakota. Accordingly there are no sites that are located in South Dakota, but you will find a whole host of offshore online casinos available to residents of South Dakota.
Choosing to play at an offshore casino is really easy, we recommend the following reputable brands:
Top 10 South Dakota Online Casinos
| CASINO | RATING | BONUS | PLAY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Vegas Casino Online | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 400% up to $10,000 Welcome Bonus | PLAY NOW |
| 2 |  Slots Plus Casino | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 200% up to $7,000 Welcome Bonus | PLAY NOW |
| 3 |  Las Vegas USA | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 400% up to $10,000 Welcome Bonus | PLAY NOW |
| 4 |  Cafe Casino | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 250% up to $2,500 Welcome Bonus | PLAY NOW |
| 5 |  Rich Palms Casino | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 250% + 100% Cashback Welcome Bonus | PLAY NOW |
| 6 |  Las Atlantis Casino | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 280% up to $14,000 Welcome Bonus | PLAY NOW |
| 7 |  Red Dog Casino | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 225% up to $12,250 Welcome Bonus | PLAY NOW |
| 8 |  El Royale Casino | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 250% up to $12,500 Welcome Bonus | PLAY NOW |
| 9 |  Slots Empire | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 220% up to $12,000 Welcome Bonus | PLAY NOW |
| 10 |  Bovada | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 100% up to $3,000 Welcome Bonus | PLAY NOW |
Most Popular – Vegas Casino Online
South Dakota is spoilt for choice with quality online casinos. The most popular includes several big name providers such as Bovada, Cafe Casino and Red Dog. However, consistently ranking towards the top is Vegas Casino Online. Launched in 1999 by MainStreet Vegas Group, this online casino has developed a reputation of trust, safe and secure processing and good gaming. Throughout the years it has expanded its banking options to include bitcoin, ethereum, litcoin and tether, alongside the common creditcards – VISA, Mastercard and Amex, and wire transfers. In conjunction with RealTime Gaming, Vegas Casino Online offers a lot that is attractive to US Players, thus becoming the most popular for South Dakota.
- Safe and secure
- RealTime Gaming
- Expanded banking options to include cryptocurrencies
Best Live Casino – Las Vegas USA
Live Casinos are very popular, especially since the pandemic arrived at our door step. More players have moved to online gaming, and discovered that live casino technology has advanced significantly to enable the replication of the land based casino experience (if not better!)
We have found Las Vegas USA to be one of the best with harnessing the latest in Live Casino by partnering Visionary iGaming (VIG).
You will find the playing experience is smooth, stable and clear when compared to other online casinos. If you would like to try first with no deposit, there is the option of free play (post creation of player account). Lastly, there are various banking methods which are safe and secure to choose from.
Choose Las Vegas USA if you are looking for a good Live Casino to play at.
- Free play with no deposit after you create a player’s account
- Reliable, Live Casino streaming relative to other casinos
- Partnered Visionary iGaming
Best Slot Games – Slots Plus Casino
In selecting a quality slot casino, South Dakota is fortunate to have many to choose from. If you are wanting something different from the usual RealTime Gaming, choose Cafe Casino, Bovoda or Rich Palms whom partner Rival, Genesis and Random Logic.
However, there is a reason why players tend to stick with RealTime Gaming, and that’s because of its quality, trustworthiness and game selection.
We therefore recommend Slots Plus Casino who has partnered RTG. They host a vast catalog of slot favorites, classics and exciting themes. There is the option of playing direct from browser or with a downloadable app to your mobile device. Plus deposits and withdrawals can be with bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Our recommendation is Slot Plus Casino if you want to play slots.
- Partnered RealTime Gaming
- Large library of slot games
- Various banking options
Editor’s Favorite – Las Atlantis
One of my favorites is Cafe Casino, because it offers something different from the majority of casinos. It has partnered with Genesis, Rival and Random Logic, hence a something refreshing beyond RTG.
Having said that, I can’t go past the reliability and quality of RTG games. And therefore, I prefer playing at Las Atlantis casino. It has a good selection of games, customer service is prompt, and I can use bitcoin to make a deposit or withdrawal. It also has Online Fish Table gaming, which combines skill with luck, so you have a chance of winning big if you are good with shooting.
Lastly, the competitive Welcome Package is what attracts me the most to this casino.
- Las Atlantis Welcome Package is 280% up to $14,000.
- Online Fish table games
- RealTime Gaming partnership
South Dakota Online Gambling
South Dakota has an exceptionally broad definition of gambling. The Statute Law – Section 22-25-1 defines gambling as “any person using a ….device to wager something of value” . The law further adds “gambling is a game of chance” and excludes games of skill.
In consideration of the above definition, most forms of online gambling could be considered illegal (but not definitively).
Given that the law is complex and ambiguous in application, the law enforcement agencies in South Dakota turn a blind eye to the online gambling activities of residents. Attention is centered on those who attempt to illegally operate a gambling den, but not upon those who participate as a Player. This is typical of many other US States, and you will find that there are many offshore online casinos that are willing to accept US Players.
South Dakota ranks as the 48th highest in the US for playing at offshore online casinos. Wagering an estimated $2 million per year, it ranks just above Vermont and behind Wyoming. The state with the largest wagering for offshore online casino is California at $180 million.
A Lawyer’s Opinion
South Dakota is middle of the line when it comes to both land-based and online gambling. Most forms of land-based gambling are permitted, with offerings include slot machines and traditional casino table games, including poker, while most forms of online gambling and gaming is prohibited except for horse race betting and fantasy sports. See SDCL 23-5-110 et seq.; SDCL 23-4-101 et seq.
Sports Betting: Online fantasy sportsbooks are unregulated in the state of South Dakota. General sportsbook making is, however, strictly prohibited though legislators are attempting to pass a bill amending the state constitution to explicitly allow for a sports wagering act. For the time being, individuals wishing to participate in online sportsbook making must place their best through platforms operating outside of the state.
Race Betting: Like in many states, horse betting is legal in South Dakota at its racing tracks as well as other venues that allow pari-mutuel betting. Online betting is permitted if the wager is made through a licensed domestic platform, including TGV and Twinspire.
Online Gambling: Online gambling, including participation in poker rooms, is not permitted in the state of South Dakota. Thus, individuals wishing to participate in online gambling, including poker and other such games of skill, must place bets online through platforms operating outside of the state.
Online Gaming: Skill games are not permitted if played for cash. Thus, individuals who wish to pay games such as Bedazzled must do so through platforms operating outside of the state.
Disclaimer:
The information in this multi-state research is made available by a licensed, U.S. attorney, and is for informational purposes only. We make no representations that the information is complete or correct in its entirety. It should not be construed as providing specific legal advice, and you acknowledge that no attorney/client relationship exists between us. This brief should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed gambling and entertainment lawyer in your state.
Overview of South Dakota Casinos
South Dakota has approximately 36 land casinos, half of which are native American and half commercial. Many of these casinos are located in the city of Deadwood, creating a hub of gambling action. Having said that, you will find that most of the casinos are small in size, and do not carry the same grandeur of Las Vegas. Nevertheless you will find all the usual casino table games here.
South Dakota Casinos
Dakota Sioux Casino
16415 Sioux Conifer Road, Watertown, South Dakota
Dakota Sioux Casino & Hotel features approximately 345 slots and video poker and keno machines, along with 13 gaming tables including a 6-table blackjack pit featuring 2-Deck and 6-Deck Blackjack. Silverado Stud Poker is also available. Good buffet, helpful staff, clean facility.
Prairie Wind Casino Hotel
26 Casino drive, Pine Ridge, South Dakota
The casino offer 250 gaming slots 5 table games and 3 poker table. Clean rooms, comfortable beds, polite staff.
Royal River Casino & Hotel
607 South Veterans Street, Flandreau, South Dakota
Consisting of 386 gaming machines and 10 table games the casino offers an action packed experience. Wonderful atmosphere, friendly staff, great food and service.
Silverado Franklin Hotel and Casino
709 Main Street, Deadwood, South Dakota
The casino packs 361 gaming machines and 5 table games. Great variety of games and tables, friendly staff, good room deals.
First Gold Hotel and Casino
270 Main Street, Deadwood, South Dakota
The casino offer 300 slot machines for the gamblers. Nice atmosphere to spend some time.
Fort Randall Casino Hotel
7011, 38538 South Dakota 46, Pickstown, South Dakota
The casino has 350 slot machines and 7 table games to offer. Great service.
Gold Dust Casino and Hotel
25 Lee St., Deadwood, South Dakota
The 30,000 square feet of gambling offers 355 slot machines for the visitors. The staff are very friendly.
Bingo
Bingo is legal and is defined as a form of gambling that is excluded due to a statute of law that allows for charitable gaming. Bingo is also offered as a Class II game under the IGRA tribal gaming laws, and therefore you will be able to find bingo halls and bingo being offered in the tribal casinos.
State Lottery
The South Dakota Lottery offers various lotto games that are quite innovative in prizes. Just recently they launched a lotto that allows one year’s worth of pork or the cash equivalent. I guess, if you a pork fan, then this lotto game is the game for you! The SD Lottery also offers scratchies and video lottery. Proceeds from the State Lottery support infrastructure and education goals of the stave government.
The minimum age to play is 18 with video lottery at 21.
Bordering States
North Dakota | Nebraska | Minnesota | Wyoming | Montana
Other Links
Wikipedia: List of casinos in South Dakota.
FAQ
It is illegal to gamble online in South Dakota. However the regulation and enforcement of gambling laws in South Dakota is almost non existent.
To this day, there has been no instance of any law enforcement agency prosecuting a South Dakota Player for gambling online on an offshore online casino provider.
Yes, there are offshore online casino providers that accept many US Players. These providers, however, strictly regulate which US States are permitted to gamble and therefore acceptance is dependent on where you reside. South Dakota players are accepted by the following online casino providers which GambleDex strongly recommends: Bovada, Slots.lv and Vegas Casino Online
The minimum age to gamble online in South Dakota is 21, with the exception of bingo 18.
DFS is illegal. By State law, playing daily fantasy sports is a form of gambling and is therefore prohibited. Having said that, the Attorney General – Marty Jackley – has declared that the law would not be enforced against any South Dakota players who partake in DFS. DFS is therefore allowed in the state of South Dakota.