South Dakota Sports Betting 2024: Legality, Top Retail Sportsbooks, & More!
Are you interested in South Dakota sports betting?
If so, you’re in luck! We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you learn all about how to wager in the state. Understanding things such as tax guidelines on winnings is important for safe gambling, so make sure to read the whole article!
We’ve packed it full of interesting information about South Dakota legal sports betting.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Discover if online sports betting is legal in South Dakota.
- Learn about the South Dakota sports betting scene.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in South Dakota?
Online sports betting is not legal in South Dakota, but retail wagering is legal. Retail (in-person) gambling was legalized in 2021 with Senate Bill 44, and the market officially launched later that year. South Dakota sports betting legislation limits gambling in the state, restricting it to the city of Deadwood only, and attempts to expand its reach, including via mobile betting, have failed.
The South Dakota Commission on Gaming regulates gambling in the SD region. You can bet in person at some of the state’s casinos in the city of Deadwood as well as tribal casinos throughout the state.
We’ve put together more information about legal sports betting states if you’re interested in expanding your gambling knowledge!
10 Quick Facts About South Dakota’s Sports Betting Laws
The South Dakota sports betting scene is growing quickly, with more fans entering the market every year. We’ve put together 10 quick facts you need to know so that you can hit the ground running as a new bettor:
- South Dakota’s law: South Dakota sports betting laws are mainly confined to Senate Bill 44. The bill sets forth guidelines and regulations regarding when and where sports bettors can wager, as well as on which markets and teams.
- Legal age: Bettors in South Dakota must be at least 21 years old to wager on sports.
- State borders: South Dakota shares borders with six states. North Dakota runs along the north of the state, and Nebraska borders it in the south. Montana and Wyoming claim the state’s western border, while Minnesota and Iowa lie to the east.
Sports betting laws vary between the neighboring states: in North Dakota and Nebraska, sports betting is only legal in person; in Montana, Iowa, and Wyoming, in-person and online sports betting are legal (with some specific conditions surrounding sports betting in Montana); whereas Minnesota sports betting is illegal whether it takes place in person or online. - Retail bookmakers: Sports betting in South Dakota is confined primarily to retail casinos in the city of Deadwood. Certain tribal casinos also allow sports wagering.
- Taxes: Bettors in South Dakota are required to pay taxes on their sports winnings. We’ll discuss this in more detail later, but you should expect to pay at least 9% in taxes.
- Online betting: Online sports betting is not permitted in the South Dakota sports betting scene. The best South Dakota sports betting sites can instead be found at retail bookmakers.
- Daily fantasy sports: Fantasy sports betting has grown popular in America, and is available as a betting opportunity for South Dakotans.
- Regulatory body: Gambling in South Dakota is managed by the South Dakota Commission on Gaming, a five-member commission selected by the governor. The commission has two divisions: Operations and Enforcement.
- Betting markets: Bettors in South Dakota interested in wagering on sports have access to an impressive variety of sports betting markets. Many of the most popular games in the country, including football, baseball and basketball, are available.
- Responsible gambling: If you’re looking for help with problems gambling, the South Dakota Council on Problem Gambling is an invaluable resource. Bettors can find information about the warning signs of irresponsible gaming as well as access to peer support forums.
How to Bet on Sports in South Dakota?
Is sports betting legal in South Dakota? It sure is (in-person at least)! You can bet in person at the state’s casinos in Deadwood, as well as the few tribal casinos in the state. The wagering process is simple.
Here are some of the steps you’ll need to take to wager:
- Pick a bookmaker: The first step in your betting journey is to pick a bookmaker. Look through the state’s available casinos and choose one that offers the sports betting markets you want to bet on.
- Visit the sportsbook in person: You might need to ask for directions to the sportsbook section of the casino when you walk in, but the chances are good that it will be clearly positioned for easy access.
- Make a wager: Once you’ve found the sportsbook, you can place a wager in person and even hang around to watch the game!
That’s it! You’ve officially made your very first wager on the South Dakota sports betting market.
South Dakota Sports Betting Sites and Apps
Unfortunately, mobile betting in South Dakota is not legal. Remember that while some states treat online gambling as a ‘gray’ area where third-party providers are allowed, South Dakota has officially made the activity illegal.
Be cautious of any online provider claiming to allow South Dakota players to bet legally as the state law is quite clear here. This also means staying clear of offshore betting sites!
You won’t find any of the best South Dakota online sports betting sites here but remember that retail sports betting is legal. You can wager on your favorite team at any of the legal retail bookmakers in the state.
Popular Sports and Teams in the South Dakota Betting Scene
South Dakota is home to a vibrant sports scene. Fans all around the state turn out for live events as well as televised matches, and they all have a story about their favorite team or player. Hockey, football, basketball, and baseball are four of the most popular sports for South Dakota residents. Both the collegiate and professional sports landscapes are filled with incredible talent and attract fans of all ages.
South Dakota has fewer professional sports teams than some other states, but this doesn’t mean that they’re out of options!
Some of the most popular sports teams in the state include:
- Sioux Falls Skyforce (NBA G)
- Sioux Falls Storm (IFL)
- Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)
In basketball, the Sioux Falls Skyforce is an NBA G League Affiliate of an extremely well-known NBA team, the Miami Heat. It serves as the proving ground for young Miami Heat talent to hone their skills as they craft a career in professional sports.
Football fans in South Dakota are fans of the Sioux Falls Storm, an Indoor Football League (IFL) team. IFL teams are similar to NFL teams, but the league is smaller and tends to have different rules from the NFL.
Hockey fans in South Dakota flock to the Sioux Falls Stampede, a United States Hockey League (USHL) team. Similar to the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Sioux Falls Stampede is composed of younger hockey players developing their skills. This team, in particular, has devoted fans who avidly follow the team and leave words of support around the internet.
One user echoes the unfailing support that’s typical of Stampede fans:
Let’s Go Stampede! So happy the team that got me into hockey is getting some wider scale attention.
As far as collegiate sports in South Dakota are concerned, the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits and the University of South Dakota Coyotes are the most popular football teams. Similarly, the University of South Dakota Coyotes athletics program is closely followed by baseball fans.
Whether you’re interested in professional, semi-professional, or college sports, South Dakota is the perfect place for sports bettors!
The Impact of Local Teams on Sports Betting
The popularity of local teams in South Dakota influences the types of bets that fans make. Popularity, in turn, depends on team performance. Teams that do well and have talented players with consistently impressive showings are more likely to have plenty of fans willing to bet on their success.
You might think that this counts out teams who have had a few bad games, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. While you should always consider past performance when making a wager, fans are incredibly forgiving when improvements begin to show. Sometimes it only takes one win to change the discourse.
The Sioux Falls Storm faced a rough beginning to the 2024-2025 hockey season, but their first win might have turned the tide. Consider what Matt Zimmer, an analyst with Sioux Falls Live, had to say about the game:
Losers of five straight to start the season, the Storm knocked off a Green Bay Blizzard team that had won four of five to start the season, treating the Premier Center fans to a 46-38 win on Friday night.
Mired in an early season slump, the Storm brought back longtime quarterback Lorenzo Brown, and the 36-year-old realtor-by-day scored three rushing touchdowns to carry Sioux Falls to the win.
Matt Zimmer, analyst with Sioux Falls Live
How does this influence the sports betting market around the Storm? Bettors are far more likely to bet on the team’s success with a win under their belt than they would have with consecutive losses only. As the team’s reputation and support continue to strengthen over the season, the team will only become more competitive in odds and more popular with bettors.
Upcoming Events
With so many sports teams and markets to follow, finding the best events can be confusing. That’s why we stay up to date on the latest and greatest of them! We keep track so that you don’t have to. Visit us often to make sure that you aren’t missing out on your favorite event!
Are There More Gambling Options in South Dakota?
Gambling options in South Dakota are varied. Online gambling is not an option, but bettors can enjoy the following in addition to sports betting:
South Dakota is home to more than two dozen casinos. The vast majority of these are located in Deadwood, but a handful of tribal casinos are available in other parts of the state. Players can wager on slot machines as well as live table games in retail casino locations.
Fantasy sports in South Dakota are currently allowed, according to a statement released by the state’s Attorney General. With that said, the betting market exists in a gray area that might be better defined in the future. Fantasy sports bettors are encouraged to keep a close eye on any further developments.
Horse racing is yet another popular gambling activity in South Dakota. According to the South Dakota Horsemen’s Association, horse racing has thrived in the state for more than 70 years and remains a popular destination for many.
Maximizing Your Bets
We’ve discussed the South Dakota sports betting basics, but your journey isn’t quite complete yet! Now that you know all about sports betting in the state and how to wager, let’s explore how you can maximize your bets.
Tips and Strategies for South Dakota Bettors
The South Dakota sports betting scene is a vibrant and thriving one, but this doesn’t mean that you should just jump right in. Here are a few tips and strategies for your betting endeavors:
- Consider your wagers carefully: Before I place a bet, I make sure to research the teams and players that catch my eye. What are their records, and do they have a history of success at the event in question?
- Shop for odds: Not all bookmakers have the same odds all the time. The best thing you can do before placing a wager is to check multiple sportsbooks and make sure you get the best odds. You never know when you might catch a break!
- Consider your bankroll management: Best bankroll management practices dictate that you should only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never place funds earmarked for other things, such as rent or groceries, at risk. Start your betting journey right and make a budget before you wager. Sticking to this budget encourages you to make smart, conscious bets, further maximizing your wagers.
For more tips about how to get better at sports betting, visit our comprehensive guide!
Understanding Taxes and Payouts
Placing a winning wager is the dream of many a bettor, but the experience isn’t quite as simple as landing a windfall and riding off into the sunset. On the contrary, you must keep track of the money you wager and the money you win so that you can pay the appropriate taxes.
South Dakota sports betting winnings must be reported to the IRS. Bettors will pay 9% in taxes on claimed winnings. Fill out IRS Form W-2G ‘Certain Gambling Winnings’ to officially report your winnings and pay all taxes due.
For more information on sports betting taxes, check out our detailed guide!
What About Physical Sports Betting Locations?
We know that online wagering in the state is illegal, but the South Dakota sports betting bill makes retail sports betting a viable option. The city of Deadwood is home to the majority of the region’s commercial casinos and retail sportsbooks. Three of the most popular locales are:
- Gold Dust Casino
- Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort
- Dale’s Sportsbook Bar & Grill
Of these, Dale’s Sportsbook Bar & Grill is probably the area’s most popular bookmaker for residents and visitors alike.
Dale’s Sports Bar is located inside The Mountain Grand Casino just off the main street of Deadwood. There are lots of television screens and tables and seats as well as a bar. They have a nice drink and food menu and it is easy to find a good place to sit and watch your game. The food and service was good for dinner…
DarylJ552, from TripAdvisor
As you can see, from the food to the TV screens and bar, there are many reasons why visitors return to Dale’s as their sportsbook of choice.
So, Will You Bet From South Dakota Tonight?
Now that you know all about the sports betting scene in South Dakota, are you ready to take the plunge? You can use the information we’ve collected to help make smart and responsible wagers on your favorite teams.
Interested in learning more about sports betting in the US? Take a look at some of the free tools and calculators that could help make the betting process simpler!
