Sports betting is legal in Deadwood, South Dakota. It is also permitted on tribal land. There is no mobile betting in South Dakota unless it is on the premises of a Deadwood or tribal casino. Multiple efforts to legalize online sports betting in the state have failed. Bettors must be at least 21 years old. The bet limit is $1000.
History Behind SD Sports Betting Law
South Dakota has been very careful in its implementation of sports betting within the state. Sports betting is only available at retail casinos in Deadwood and on tribal land.
South Dakota didn’t rush to legalize sports betting when the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018. South Dakota didn’t end up legalizing sports betting until November 2020. State voters were the impetus to bring sports betting to the state in some capacity.
On election day in November, there was a ballot for South Dakota state residents to determine if sports betting would be approved in the state. Voters in the state approved sports betting by an overwhelming margin. 58% of voters favored sports betting compared to 42% who opposed the form of gambling entering state borders.
The South Dakota legislature was pleased with this decision. Retail sports betting passed easily, as voted by state residents. However, Governor Kristi Noem opposed statewide mobile betting. This left it dead in the state legislature. A 2023 attempt to bring it to voters failed to gain traction.
What Sports Betting Bill in South Dakota Says
The details of the South Dakota sports betting bill are interesting. The South Dakota state legislature proposed a referendum bill in 2020 to determine if sports betting would enter the state. Voters approved the bill in November of 2020. This bill amended the state constitution and allows sports betting in Deadwood, SD in the future. Deadwood is a popular gambling location within the state. There are 26 casinos, but the city isn’t in an overly populated area.
The first Deadwood sportsbooks opened in September 2021. Most are small operations with only kiosks. The BetMGM Sportsbooks at Cadillac Jack’s and Tin Lizzie are the largest in the city. Other ones include Deadwood Mountain Grand and Silverado.
South Dakota Sportsbook Locations
There are eight sportsbooks in Deadwood. Most are small kiosk operations. A few have ticket counters. There are also a few tribal sportsbooks in the state. The sportsbook operator is in parenthesis.
- 777 Casino (ISI)
- Bodega (ISI)
- Cadillac Jack’s (BetMGM)
- Deadwood Mountain Grand (IGT)
- Gold Dust (ISI)
- Lodge at Deadwood (BetLodge)
- Midnight Star (BetDakota)
- Tin Lizzie (BetMGM)
There are three tribal sportsbooks in South Dakota. Dakota Connection Casino in Sisseton and Dakota Sioux Casino in Watertown are on the east side of the state. Prairie Wind Casino near Pine Ridge is the other. All use ISI kiosks.
Mustang Sally’s Lost Gaming Licenses Over Sports Betting Violations
Mustang Sally’s is a popular burger joint on Main Street in Deadwood. It was once home to about 30 slot machines, as well as a few video poker ones and some electronic blackjack. In 2022, Mustang Sally’s lost its casino and sports betting licenses after several violations that included proxy betting for the owner and underage employees. The restaurant remains open, but the casino is now closed.
Sports Teams to Bet on in South Dakota
South Dakota isn’t home to any major professional sports franchises. However, professional teams in border states have the hearts of fans throughout South Dakota. Favorite teams typically vary depending on where residents are located within the state.
People in the southwestern portion of South Dakota tend to favor professional sports franchises in Colorado. These teams include the Colorado Rockies, Colorado Avalanche, and the Denver Broncos.
The Rockies are members of the National League West Division in the MLB. The Avalanche compete in the NHL and are members of the Central Division in the Western Conference. The team has won two Stanley Cups. The Broncos are an NFL franchise that competes in the AFC West. The Broncos have won three Super Bowls with their latest championship coming in 2015.
The eastern portion of the state borders Minnesota. The most popular teams in this sector of the state are the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Vikings, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Twins are an MLB franchise that plays in the AL Central division. The team has won three World Series Championships. The Wild compete in the NHL’s Western Conference Central Division. The team was founded in 2000. The Vikings are in the NFC North Division of the NFL. The Vikings have done well in the division but haven’t been able to win much in the playoffs. The Timberwolves are an NBA franchise that hasn’t had much success over the years. They compete in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference. The team has never made an appearance in the NBA Finals.
FAQ for Betting in South Dakota
Is sports betting in South Dakota legal?
Voters chose to legalize sports betting in the state in November of 2020. This opened the door for legal sportsbooks in Deadwood and on tribal land. However, there is no mobile sports betting in the state.
Where is sports betting available in South Dakota?
There are eight Deadwood sportsbooks and three in tribal casinos.
When did Deadwood sportsbooks open?
Deadwood sportsbooks opened in September 2021.
What’s the legal betting age in South Dakota?
The legal age to place a bet in South Dakota is 21 years of age. You must be 18 years of age to bet on horse racing, but the gambling age in Deadwood is 21, including all sports betting.
Will there be a mobile betting app in South Dakota?
Currently, South Dakota law doesn’t permit mobile betting. Brick-and-mortar sportsbooks are the only option in the state.