Retail sports betting is officially available in South Dakota!
The Deadwood Sports Betting Legalization Amendment was approved by voters on November 3rd, 2020. This amendment authorized the South Dakota State Legislature to legalize sports betting specifically within the city of Deadwood.
Fans can wager on sporting events at Deadwood casinos with a major sportsbook like BetMGM, with more expected in the future.
Other gambling activities in the state include legal off-track and online horse betting, and South Dakotans can play daily fantasy games, the state lottery, or gamble at one of 12 tribal casinos spread across the state.
South Dakota Sports Betting at a Glance
As of 2020, retail betting is the only form of legal sports gambling in South Dakota. This means you can’t bet on sports online within the state.
Sports betting is currently available in South Dakota. You could also make the drive and enjoying sports betting Iowa options.
For now, let’s take a look at the timeline leading up to the legalization of sports betting in South Dakota.
The United States Supreme Court decision to repeal the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) gave every state the right to legalize and regulate sports betting. This decision overturned a 1992 federal ban on sports betting.
Bipartisan state senators in South Dakota delivered Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJR 2) in January of 2019. The ballot question would have given voters the right to decide on sports betting legalization, but the bill did not make it through a House committee vote.
State senators presented Senate Joint Resolution 501 (SJR 501) in January of 2020, and this time, the proposition passed through both the Senate and House. This decision set the stage for a November 2020 vote on sports betting legalization.
The Deadwood Sports Betting Legalization Amendment was passed by voters on November 3rd and just like that, sports betting was legalized in South Dakota.
SD Sports Betting Latest News
September 2021: In-person retail betting officially launched in South Dakota on September 9. Four casinos are accepting bets on opening day, and BetMGM was the first major sportsbook to go live in South Dakota.
August 2021: BetMGM secured sports betting market access in South Dakota, partnering with Liv Hospitality to deliver retail betting locations at the Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort and Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort. These locations are expected to be ready for the coming NFL season.
July 2021: Potential South Dakota sports betting providers began submitting their applications to casinos in Deadwood, with approvals from the South Dakota Commission on Gaming expected shortly. State legislature will sign off these approvals on August 2, meaning the target launch date of September 1, 2021 is a real possibility.
May 2021: The South Dakota Commission on Gaming officially added sports betting to the list of approved wagering types in Deadwood. The state will start accepting applications from sports betting platforms to operate in the city, and establishments are expected to get approval starting July 1, 2021.
March 2021: SB 44 successfully passed through the House by a 58-8 vote. Governor Kristi Noem approved the legislation and retail sports betting is expected to get underway in Deadwood on September 1, 2021.
February 2021: The House Committee rejected a mobile statewide option that would have allowed bettors to wager from their mobile devices. Instead, bettors will have to make their wagers within Deadwood city limits.
January 2021: Senate Bill 44 (SB 44) was presented to the Senate State Affairs Committee, which would allow legal sportsbooks to open retail locations in Deadwood.
Where to Bet on Sports in South Dakota
Deadwood has been the casino capital of South Dakota since 1989. The city is home to 26 casinos that offer activities like slots, card games, and roulette to name a few. Fans will have to visit one of these locations to place a sports bet.
We expect these casinos will offer sports betting once the state legislature has drafted a full set of rules and regulations:
| Casino | Address | Hours* |
|---|---|---|
| Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort | 360 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732 | 24/7 |
| Gold Dust Casino & Hotel | 688 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732 | 24/7 |
| Mineral Palace Hotel & Gaming | 601 Historic Main Street, Deadwood, SD 57732 | 24/7 |
| Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort | 555 Lower Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732 | 24/7 |
| First Gold Hotel and Gaming | 270 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732 | 24/7 |
| Deadwood Mountain Grand | 1906 Deadwood Mountain Drive, Deadwood, SD 57732 | 24/7 |
| Silverado-Franklin Hotel & Gaming Complex | 709 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732 | 24/7 |
| Deadwood Gulch Gaming Resort | 304 Cliff St, Deadwood, SD 57732 | 24/7 |
| The Historic Fairmont Hotel Oyster Bay Bar & Casino | 628 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732 | Monday to Friday: 9am – 10:30pm Saturday & Sunday: 9am – 2am |
| Mr. Wu’s Casino | 560 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732 | Monday to Sunday: 9am – 12am |
*Hours are subject to change due to COVID-19
The state legislature did not legalize mobile sports betting within the state of South Dakota or within Deadwood city limits. This means sports fans will not be able to use a mobile app to place their bets.
Local Teams Worth a Bet
Even though you can’t place any bets on sports in South Dakota right now, it’s never too early to start strategizing!
South Dakota isn’t home to any major league sports teams, so you might want to look at nearby states like Colorado and Minnesota. Places like Denver and the Twin Cities host clubs you’ll probably be more familiar with, such as:
- Colorado Rockies
- Colorado Avalanche
- Denver Broncos
- Denver Nuggets
- Minnesota Twins
- Minnesota Wild
- Minnesota Vikings
- Minnesota Timberwolves
We have a multitude of betting tools and editorial coverage on a wide range of events to help you make the most educated bets. Visit SBD Sharp to find detailed return on investment data for any NBA, MLB, NHL, NFL, or college basketball and football teams.
South Dakota Sports Betting FAQs
Is sports betting legal in South Dakota?
Yes, but only retail sports betting. Retail sports betting has been legal in South Dakota since 2020.
Where can I place bets on sports in South Dakota?
You can bet within Deadwood city limits at certain Casinos, like Tin Lizzie, Cadillac Jack’s, Mustang Sally’s, and Gold Dust Casino.
What is the legal age to make bets in South Dakota?
You must be at least 21 years old to bet on sports in South Dakota.
Find the Best Places to Bet on Sports
The US sports betting landscape is always changing, and staying up to date with local regulations is crucial for bettors who want to be successful. Check out our state by state legal tracker to stay on top of the latest legal sports betting updates nationwide.
If you’re looking for the best places to bet on sports outside of South Dakota, you can find detailed reviews and the best bonus offers with our list of the top online betting sites.
And remember, sports betting isn’t available in South Dakota yet, so check back here for the latest news on when you can place your bets.
Our staff writers work tirelessly around the clock to provide you with all the information you need - stats, odds, trends, expert analysis etc. - to make intelligent and informed bets for every major sport, as well as entertainment.
