South Dakota Sports Betting Updates

South Dakota Legal Sports Betting Overview

South Dakota Sports Betting Summary

Retail sports betting is legal in South Dakota, although the state’s gambling activity is almost exclusively based in the town of Deadwood. When Senator Bob Ewing brought SJR 2 to the Senate, he suggested legalizing retail sports betting only at casinos in this town, and the state’s House and Senate agreed.

The prohibition of sports betting in SD’s constitution meant the issue had to go to a public ballot first. In November 2020, voters backed the proposal and SB 44 was drafted to enact the propositions from SJR 2. Despite saying she was “not in favor of the expansion of gambling” in 2019, Governor Kristi Noem signed SB 44 on March 2021 to legalize sports betting.

The first retail sportsbooks opened in Deadwood in September 2021. There are now six retail sportsbooks in the town, with some offering apps you can use to wager on casino premises. However, statewide online sports betting remains illegal. An effort to add online sports betting to the 2022 ballot passed the Senate but subsequently failed in the House, and another attempt to change the state gambling laws is likely in 2023.

Read our complete guide to South Dakota’s betting, where you can learn the latest online SD sports betting legislation updates, understand how to wager legally, and discover some of the state’s top sportsbooks.

South Dakota Online Sportsbooks Summary

Online sports betting is legal in South Dakota, but only on the premises of tribal casinos with retail sportsbooks. However, lawmakers are pushing to expand the online sports betting laws to allow wagering anywhere in the state. Sen.Kyle Schoenfish introduced SJR 502, a proposal to put online sports betting on the November 2022 ballot. While the proposition passed the Senate, the House voted to defer the bill to the 41st legislative day, effectively killing any efforts to get it through. Another attempt is likely in 2023.

BetMGM is the favorite to launch in South Dakota if online sports betting is legalized in the state. The operator already runs two retail sportsbooks at tribal casinos and has passed the licensing requirements in dozens of states. Other major US sportsbooks such as FanDuel and DraftKings, which already operate Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) in SD, would also be expected to go live.

Until statewide online sports betting is legalized, you can wager on horse racing online using sites like TwinSpires and TVG. DFS games with operators like Yahoo!, ESPN Fantasy, and FantasyDraft are also available.

You can visit SD’s neighboring states, Montana, Wyoming, or Iowa, if you want to place online sports wagers. The only sportsbook in Montana is operated by the Montana Lottery and partner Intralot, and lets you wager up to $1000 using its website. Wyoming offers statewide online betting with BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel. There are 18 online sportsbooks in Iowa, including brands like Barstool, Caesars, PointsBet, and the Score Bet.

How to Place a Bet in South Dakota

As only retail sports betting is available, you need to head to a tribal casino with a sportsbook in Deadwood to bet. Follow our step-by-step guide below to place your first wager:

1. Research the bets you want to place before going to a sportsbook. Some sportsbooks, like BetMGM at Tin Lizzie, will let you see live odds before you visit.

2. Visit one of the retail sportsbooks in Deadwood. Each sportsbook is located in a tribal casino.

3. Head to a betting window or automated betting kiosk. Select a wager and choose how much to stake.

4. Double-check your selections, as there are no refunds once you have placed your bet.

5. You’ll receive a ticket after placing your bet. Keep this ticket safe, as you need it to claim any winnings you make.

6. If you’ve won your wagers, visit a ticket window to collect your winnings.

Who is Eligible to Bet in SD?

You must be 21 or older to bet in South Dakota. When you head to one of the retail sportsbooks in Deadwood to place your bet, ensure that you bring a valid photo ID with you to verify your age.

Some people are prohibited from wagering in the state, including the following:

• Athletes, coaches, or members of any professional sports team.

• Referees for professional and college sports leagues.

• Individuals with the professional authority to influence players.

• Individuals employed by the leagues that create rules for sports (e.g., NHL, NCAA).

• Individuals employed by organizations with licensing from the South Dakota Commission on Gaming,

• including key staff, owners, directors, and officers. Individuals with non-public information about a sports team (e.g., player medical records).

• Individuals that have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling activities.

• Individuals prohibited from betting on a state or federal level (e.g., due to criminal history).

• Individuals with a stake in a sports team.

Latest South Dakota Sports Betting Updates

Timeline for Sports Betting in South Dakota

• February 25, 2022: The House votes to push SJR 502 to the 41st legislative day, effectively killing the bill as there are only 40 legislative days in South Dakota.

• February 7, 2022: SJR 502 passes the Senate vote by 18-17. The bill moves on to the House.

• January 19, 2022: Sen. Schoenfish introduces SJR 502 to the Senate to legalize statewide online sports betting. Lawmakers will add the issue to the November 2022 ballot if this bill passes.

• September 9, 2021: Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort and Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort open the first sportsbooks in the state with BetMGM. Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort accepts the first legal sports wager.

• March 29, 2021: Gov. Noem signs SB 44 to legalize sports betting in Deadwood.

• March 4, 2021: SB 44 passes the House with a 58-8 vote. The bill is sent to the Governor for approval.

• February 9, 2021: SB 44 passes the Senate by a 32-2 vote. The bill passes to the House.

• January 12, 2021: SB 44, the bill to legalize the proposition of SJR 501, is introduced to the Senate.

• November 3, 2020: The Deadwood Sports Betting Legalization Amendment (SJR 501) passes with almost 60% of the vote.

• March 3, 2020: The House votes to pass SJR 501 with a 36-27 vote. The bill is added to the November 2020 ballot for the public to consider.

• February 11, 2020: The Senate votes to pass SJR 501 with a 24-10 vote. The bill moves to the House.

• January 30, 2020: Sen.Ewing introduces SJR 501 to the Senate to legalize sports betting on the premises of tribal casinos in Deadwood. There are 39 other sponsors for this bill.

• March 6, 2019: SJR 2 does not pass the House vote after the State Affairs Committee chooses not to recommend the proposal.

• February 14, 2019: The House refers SJR 2 to the State Affairs Committee.

• February 13, 2019: SJR 2 passes the Senate with a vote of 18-14 and moves to the House.

• January 24, 2019: Sen. Ewing introduces SJR 2 to put sports betting on the ballot. The bill has bipartisan support from 26 other sponsors.

• May 14, 2018: The US Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA). This allows each state to decide whether to legalize sports betting.

South Dakota Sports Betting Background

Deadwood, South Dakota, has a rich history of gambling, which has been dramatized by the HBO show Deadwood. The town will always be synonymous with Wild Bill Hickock’s fatal shooting while playing poker. Casino gambling in SD was made illegal in 1947 but returned in 1989 through compacts signed with the tribes.

A year after the US Supreme Court struck down PASPA, South Dakota lawmakers first attempted to legalize sports betting. This bill managed to pass the Senate but failed to get support in the House. Deadwood’s gambling history was crucial in legalizing retail sports betting, as the successful SJR 501 suggested only allowing sportsbooks to open in the town. SJR 501 received almost 60% of the vote.

Future of South Dakota Sports Betting

Further attempts to legalize statewide online sports betting are expected in 2023. State officials have been cautious about offering online sports betting on a broader basis. Deadwood Gaming Commission Executive Director, Mike Rodman, stated, “Maybe sometime in the future we’ll see statewide mobile. We have to prove ourselves in Deadwood and do a good job.”

However, even if any legislation passes in 2023, sports betting can’t be formally legalized until there is a public vote on the matter. The next ballot vote is in 2024. The earliest statewide online sportsbooks can go live is 2025, considering that once it’s legalized, the industry will need time to organize before launching.

There are 11 tribal casinos in South Dakota. You can visit six of these casinos in Deadwood and place legal sports bets. Below are three of our favorites:

Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort

• Address: 360 Main Street, Deadwood, SD 57732

• Website: https://www.cadillacjacksgaming.com/

• Phone Number: (605) 578-1500

• Operator: BetMGM

BetMGM Sportsbook at Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort offers you the chance to place wagers at a betting counter or via a betting kiosk. You can bet on football, baseball, hockey, basketball, soccer, tennis, and many other sports. In-play betting is available, and there are widescreen TVs and comfortable seating to ensure you get a good view of the game from any angle. Cadillac Jack has a hotel available with over 100 rooms so sports bettors can make the most of their trip.

Dale’s Sportsbook at Deadwood Mountain Grand

• Address: 1906 Deadwood Mountain Drive, Deadwood, SD 57732

• Website: https://deadwoodmountaingrand.com/dales-sportsbook/

• Phone Number: (605) 559-0386

• Operator: Dale’s Sportsbook

Dale’s Sportsbook provides luxury reclining seats with views of the video wall that can broadcast up to 12 different sports. You can also use a sportsbook app while on the premises of the Deadwood Mountain Grand Casino. You can wager on all the major US sports, but there is also an extensive collection of niche sports, including rodeo and bull riding. While you bet, you can enjoy the extensive bar menu, including buffalo wings, fries, and beer.

Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort

• Address: 555 Lower Main Street, Deadwood, SD 57732

• Website: https://www.tinlizzie.com/sports-wagering/

• Phone Number: (605) 578-1715

• Operator: BetMGM

Tin Lizzie was the first casino in South Dakota to accept legal sports bets on September 9, 2021. The casino is partnered with BetMGM and provides state-of-the-art viewing facilities and large seating options. You can visit the Tin Lizzie site and view live BetMGM odds for the MLB, NBA, college football, and tennis before you visit. Tin Lizzie offers a full casino and four different restaurant options outside of the sportsbook.

South Dakota Land-Based Casinos

South Dakota Lottery Locations

The South Dakota Lottery was set up in 1987, and you can buy tickets from over 1,500 retail lottery locations. There are also video lottery games available at these locations. However, you can’t buy lottery tickets online.

The current sports betting agreements in South Dakota do not allow wagering at lottery retailers, and past bills to legalize online sports betting have made no mention of the lottery. It is unlikely that the lottery will be able to offer betting in the future.

Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations

Retail sports betting is only available at tribal casinos, and this doesn’t look to be expanding to include sports venues anytime soon.

There are two horse racetracks in South Dakota, but both are only open part-time and racing is infrequent. There are occasional races during springtime at the Stanley County Fairgrounds and Brown Country Fair. Pari-mutuel wagering has been legal in South Dakota since 1933 and is overseen by the South Dakota Commission on Gaming. There is only one off-track betting (OTB) facility in South Dakota where simulcast wagering is available.

South Dakota Responsible Gambling Resources

• National Council on Problem Gambling South Dakota – Provides a 24/7 live chat function and a helpline, along with links to local problem gambling support organizations. (800) 522-4700

• Gamblers Anonymous – Organizes meetings where problem gamblers can share their struggles anonymously. It also operates a treatment program and a screening process.

Currently, retail sports betting is available at tribal casinos, and South Dakota has not implemented a statewide self-exclusion program. However, you can exclude yourself from many of these casinos individually. Online sportsbooks will be expected to bring several responsible gambling measures such as account tools and directions to support resources.

Teams to Bet on in South Dakota

• Pro Sports

There are no professional major league sports teams in South Dakota, which is not surprising given that it’s the 46th most populated state in the US, with just under one million people. There are still plenty of sports fans in the Mount Rushmore State, and anyone interested in the major leagues tend to follow teams in Minnesota. MN is SD’s only neighboring state with teams in any of the major four leagues. Here are some of the most popular sports teams outside of SD that South Dakotans wager on and support:

• Minor League Sports

While there are no major league sports franchises in South Dakota, there are plenty of minor league sports teams for fans to get behind. Anyone interested in ice hockey can watch the Rapid City Rush play in the ECHL Western Conference Mountain Division. The Rush joined the ECHL in 2008 as an expansion franchise and plays home games at The Monument for 7,500 fans. The team won its only President’s Cup in 2010.

The Sioux Falls Canaries, founded in 1993, play in the American Association of Professional Baseball West Division. The team won their only league championship in 2008, and famous former players include Pat Mahomes, father of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes II.

Sioux Falls is also home to the longest-running minor league basketball team in the US, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, which was founded in 1989. The team competes in the NBA G-League and has been affiliated with the Miami Heat since 2009. Skyforce has won three championships, the most recent in 2016.

Football fans can support the Sioux Falls Storm, who have played in the Indoor Football League since 2009. They have won the United Bowl seven times and play at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in front of up to 10,600 fans.

• College Sports

South Dakota Coyotes: The University of South Dakota is represented by the Coyotes in the Summit League. Since moving to the NCAA Division I in 2011, the Coyotes have competed across 18 varsity teams. The Coyotes women’s basketball team has made the NCAA Tournament four times, including reaching the Sweet Sixteen in 2022 after beating 7th seed Ole Miss and upsetting 2nd seed Baylor.

South Dakota State Jackrabbits: Playing in the Summit League, the Jackrabbits compete on behalf of South Dakota State University. The football team competes in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the second highest level of college football, and has made the playoffs every year from 2012 to 2022. Jim Langer is the only Jackrabbit enshrined in the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame. This will surely change from 2025 when legendary kicker and former Jackrabbit Adam Vinatieri becomes eligible for the Hall of Fame.

• Women’s Sports

Fans get behind the NCAA Division I college programs with no professional women’s sports teams in SD. The Coyotes and Jackrabbits women’s basketball teams have both made the NCAA Tournament in recent years.

How Does South Dakota Compare to Other States?

• Market Coverage

Two of the sportsbooks in SD are operated by BetMGM, one of the biggest betting brands in the US. BetMGM provides markets on the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, and offer particularly good odds on partnered teams like the New York Knicks. South Dakotans will probably get access to more sports if statewide online sports betting is legalized. In addition, betting on in-state college teams is not allowed like in other states such as New York. You also can’t place prop wagers on college sports events. However, there is excellent coverage of niche sports that are important to South Dakotans, with Dale’s Sportsbook providing markets on bull riding and rodeo.

• Competitive Odds & Prices

While every brand in South Dakota offers decent odds, BetMGM provides the same betting lines as it does in other states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania. You’ll find generous betting lines on NFL markets, as the sportsbook is an official betting partner for the league. If online sports betting is legalized, more top US brands would launch in SD and provide players with a greater variety of odds.

• Gambling Revenue

The South Dakota tribal casinos that operate retail sportsbooks pay a 9% tax on all sports betting revenues. However, this data is not made public so we can’t see how SD is performing compared to other states.

Online sports betting brings in more revenue and betting tax than retail sports betting, as shown by other states like New York. New York legalized retail sports betting in July 2019, and its biggest monthly betting handle on just retail betting was $25,567,296 (October 2021). In comparison, when online sports betting was legalized in January 2022, New York’s least successful month (July 2022), saw the state handle $804,966,381 – a hugely significant increase. While South Dakota can’t expect to bring in numbers similar to New York, the impact of online sports betting is clear.

In addition, South Dakota would benefit more than most states as all its retail sportsbooks are in Deadwood. The town is more than a five-hour drive from Sioux Falls, the state’s most populous area. Online sports betting would help bring wagering to the masses, increasing revenue for sportsbooks and state taxes.

• Betting Taxes

Like all bettors in the US, South Dakotans must pay tax on betting winnings to the IRS. You must declare all your betting winnings and fill out a W-2G form if you win more than $600. Sportsbooks can hold up to 25% of your winnings to comply with tax rules. You usually need to include your betting winnings in your state income tax, but there isn’t any state income tax in South Dakota.

The Internal Revenue Code requires every betting operator to pay $50 for every employee involved in taking bets. Sportsbooks must also pay an excise tax of 0.25% of every monthly betting handle to comply with the Code.

Who Oversees Sports Betting in South Dakota?

The South Dakota Commission on Gaming regulates sports betting, pari-mutuel wagering, and casino gambling in the Mount Rushmore State. The Commission is headed by five members chosen by the Governor with the help of the Senate. The Commission is responsible for ensuring every sportsbook operates safely and protects customers.