South Dakota Sports Betting Guide 2024
Ready to explore sports betting in South Dakota? While online sports betting isn’t legal in South Dakota, you can still place wagers at approved retail sportsbooks located in Deadwood or at tribal casinos that offer on-site sports betting.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, including the latest updates on legalization, tips for making smarter picks, and how to handle taxable winnings. Let’s dive into South Dakota’s sports betting scene and get you started!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Understand the overall legal situation of South Dakota sports gambling.
- Discover the South Dakota sports betting scene, including the most popular sports and teams.
- Find out the best SD legal alternatives to online sports betting.
Best Sports Betting Sites for South Dakota Bettors
As of now, retail sports betting is the sole option available in South Dakota. Mobile and online betting are banned statewide, and efforts to expand access have failed. Online sportsbooks could operate, but only within Deadwood casinos.
To guide your SD bookmaker’s selection, here are our top five venues for retail sports betting all located in Deadwood:
- Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort
- Buffalo-Bodega Complex
- The Lodge at Deadwood Gaming Resort
- Holiday Inn Resort Deadwood Mountain Grand
- Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort
Note: South Dakota is also home to two tribal casinos offering sports betting: Dakota Connection Casino and Dakota Sioux Casino & Hotel.
Online Gambling in South Dakota: What’s Legal and What’s Not
If you’re wondering about online gambling in South Dakota, the state’s rules are clear but restrictive. While some forms of gambling are allowed, online options remain very limited.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand what’s legal and what’s off-limits:
| Gambling Type | Legal? | Current Situation | Legal Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Sports Betting | No | Online sports betting is illegal statewide. Although theoretical legislation could allow on-site betting at Deadwood casinos, no progress has been made yet. | — |
| Retail Sportsbooks | Yes | Available exclusively in Deadwood and two tribal casinos. Bettors must place bets in person at these physical locations. | 21 |
| Tribal Casinos | Yes | Tribal casinos operate under compacts with the state, offering various gaming options, including on-site sports betting. | 21 |
| Online Casino Games | No | Playing casino games for real money online is banned. However, sweepstakes and social casinos are allowed as they don’t involve real-money stakes. | — |
| Online Poker | No | Real-money online poker is not permitted. Players can enjoy social poker games without monetary risks. | — |
| Lottery | No | The South Dakota Lottery does not support online ticket sales. Tickets must be bought from licensed retailers across the state. | — |
| Horse Racing Betting | Yes | Pari-mutuel wagering on horse races is legal and available through licensed platforms, offering a rare online option for South Dakota residents. | 18 |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Unregulated | No specific laws address daily fantasy sports. Major platforms operate in the state without interference, but the legal status remains undefined. | — |
Popular Sports and Teams in the South Dakota Betting Scene
South Dakota’s sports culture is diverse, with fans cheering for a mix of professional, semi-professional, and college teams. Here’s a closer look at the most popular sports:
Basketball
The Sioux Falls Skyforce is an NBA G League affiliate of the Miami Heat. This team helps to rise basketball stars refine their skills and is a favorite for basketball enthusiasts in the state.
Football
Football fans rally behind the Sioux Falls Storm, a competitive Indoor Football League (IFL) team. The IFL offers exciting gameplay with unique rules, making it a popular alternative to the NFL.
Hockey
The Sioux Falls Stampede competes in the USHL, showcasing young hockey talent on their way to professional careers. Devoted fans proudly support the team, with a strong online community echoing their enthusiasm.
College Sports
College football is huge in South Dakota. Teams like the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits and the University of South Dakota Coyotes draw dedicated followings. Coyotes fans also closely track the school’s baseball team.
South Dakota’s Sports Betting Laws: 10 Facts
South Dakota’s sports betting scene is growing, and here are 10 essentials every bettor should know:
- South Dakota’s Law: Sports betting is regulated under Senate Bill 44, outlining where and how betting is permitted.
- Legal Age: You must be 21 or older to place bets in South Dakota.
- State Borders: South Dakota borders six states, with varying sports betting laws. Online and retail betting are legal in Iowa, Montana, and Wyoming, while Minnesota prohibits all sports betting.
- Retail Bookmakers: Betting is limited to Deadwood casinos and select tribal casinos.
- Taxes: Winnings are taxed at a minimum of 9%.
- Online Betting: Online sports betting is illegal; retail sportsbooks are the only legal option.
- Daily Fantasy Sports: Fantasy sports betting is allowed and growing in popularity.
- Regulatory Body: Gambling is overseen by the South Dakota Commission on Gaming, which handles operations and enforcement.
- Betting Markets: Bettors can wager on popular sports like football, basketball, and baseball.
- Responsible Gambling: The South Dakota Council on Problem Gambling offers resources and support for those in need.
Reporting Betting Winnings in South Dakota
Winning a sports bet is exciting, but it comes with tax responsibilities. All sports betting winnings in South Dakota must be reported to the IRS, regardless of the amount. Use IRS Form W-2G (Certain Gambling Winnings) to declare your income, especially for payouts over $600, which sportsbooks will typically report.
Bettors pay a 9% state tax on winnings, along with federal taxes. If your winnings exceed $5,000, sportsbooks may withhold 24% for federal taxes. Keep detailed records of your bets, including winnings and losses, to ensure accurate reporting.
For more tips, check out our comprehensive guide on sports betting taxes.
So, What’s Next for Online Sportsbooks in South Dakota?
As of now, online sports betting is not legal in South Dakota, and all wagering is limited to in-person options. Retail betting was legalized in 2021 under Senate Bill 44, but efforts to expand into online sports betting have repeatedly stalled.
The future of online sports betting in South Dakota is uncertain. Lawmakers remain cautious, with no current plans for legalization. New proposals would need significant support to move forward. Until then, South Dakotans will have to rely on retail sportsbooks to place their wagers.
Stay tuned for updates as we track any progress toward online sports betting in the state! Meanwhile, we recommend you check out our page on state-by-state gambling legislation.
References
- SD Senate Bill 44 — Retrieved Nov 25, 2024
- SD Senate Joint Resolution 502 — Retrieved Nov 25, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
No, online sportsbooks are currently illegal in South Dakota. Sports betting is limited to retail locations in Deadwood and select tribal casinos.
No, sweepstakes sports betting sites are not authorized in the state. The sole option for South Dakotans is retail sports betting.
Illegal gambling risks include fines, legal penalties, and potential scams. Without regulation, fair play and secure payouts aren’t guaranteed. Avoid offshore sports betting sites and stick to licensed sportsbooks for safety.
