Is Online Sports Betting Legal in South Dakota?

South Dakota has legalized retail sports betting in Deadwood and at tribal locations, but online sports betting has yet to arrive in the state. Several attempts have been made to push through legislation, but all have been unsuccessful so far, and it’s unsure whether online sportsbooks will arrive any time soon. Despite this, we’ve covered everything that you might expect if online sports betting does come to South Dakota.

South Dakota Sports Betting Overview

What Is The Current Sports Betting Landscape In South Dakota?

In the November 2020 election, South Dakota voters passed Constitutional Amendment B, allowing for sports betting in Deadwood casinos. The state approved the necessary legislation (SB 44) in early 2020, which Governor Kristi Noem signed into law. By the end of that year, the first retail sportsbooks were opened in Deadwood. Tribal casinos located anywhere in South Dakota can also offer sports betting because of preexisting gaming compacts signed in 1993. You can find around a dozen retail locations in the state.

An attempt to legalize online sports betting was made in February 2022 with SJR 2. The House State Affairs Committee rejected a proposal with a vote of 10-3, that had aimed to put online legalization to a public vote in the November 2022 election. It also required that any online sportsbooks operate in partnership with a Deadwood casino.

The matter of online sports betting was reintroduced in early 2023 with HJR 5006, which allowed for online sportsbooks at Deadwood locations. The bill narrowly passed through the committee vote, but it was defeated in the House with a vote of 41-28. The issue was that HJR 5006 supporters were unable to clarify the potential effects on the tribal gaming compacts in the state. Therefore, online sports betting is still not allowed by state law. 

When Is Sports Betting Expected To Launch in South Dakota?

It’s hard to say for sure. South Dakota has repeatedly tried to pass legislation for online sports betting each year without success. It can be assumed that it would take at least a year for legislation and bills to be approved and betting to launch. 

The state must reach an agreement that satisfies all parties involved, including the tribes and Deadwood casinos. In the past, bills have also aimed to put the matter to a public vote, so it would likely involve a statewide ballot. Considering this, it is safe to say that South Dakota won’t see statewide online sports betting in the next couple of years. There is a chance that it may remain solely offered at retail locations, similar to other states. 

South Dakota Sports Betting Updates

Check out our timeline of the key events in South Dakota sports betting:

• Nov. 14, 2023 - The Rosebud Sioux Tribe and the state agree on a new gaming compact to expand the number of slot machines at Rosebud Casino.

• Nov. 6, 2023 - IGT secures a five-year extension to its contract with the South Dakota Lottery.

• Oct. 31, 2023 - Reports indicate a decline in gambling revenue for South Dakota casinos in 2022.

• Aug. 11, 2023 - Deadwood celebrates the opening of the Rocksino by Hard Rock.

• May 23, 2022 - Dakota Sioux Casino in Watertown is the newest casino to offer sports betting.

• Feb. 25, 2022 - The House votes to defer SJR 502 to the 41st legislative day, effectively terminating the bill as the South Dakota legislative session lasts only 40 days.

• Feb. 7, 2022 - SJR 502 narrowly passes the Senate with an 18-17 vote and is sent to the House.

• Jan. 19, 2022 - Senator Schoenfish introduces SJR 502, aiming to extend legalized sports betting across the state. The bill would go to the November 2022 ballot if passed.

• Sept. 9, 2021 - Retail sports betting officially launches in South Dakota, with four casinos starting to take bets. BetMGM was the first major retail sportsbook to be available in the state.

• July 2021 - Sports betting operators begin submitting their applications to local casinos in Deadwood, awaiting approval from the South Dakota Commission on Gaming.

What Sportsbooks Are Expected To Launch in South Dakota?

1. FanDuel Sportsbook

Best for: Mobile App

FanDuel boasts the highest total revenue of any sportsbook in the US. If you’re searching for an excellent, user-friendly betting experience, check out America’s favorite sportsbook.

There are many features that make FanDuel the top sportsbook in the US, but mainly because it focuses on simplicity and prioritizing the user. Whether signing up, placing bets, or making withdrawals, the whole experience is smooth and straightforward. It’s a no-nonsense approach to betting, making it a hit for beginners and seasoned bettors alike. 

FanDuel is my top choice for betting on my phone whenever I'm out and about. Their app is optimized for ease of use, ensuring that you can seamlessly place bets, track live scores, and manage your account on the go. Aside from this, bettors can benefit from quick processing times and receive their cashouts within 24 hours using PayPal, Venmo, or PrePaid+. If you encounter any problems, the customer service team is helpful and can be easily reached through 24/7 live chat, email, or social media.

Take a look at our in-depth FanDuel review to learn more about our top sportsbook.

• WSN rating: 4.8/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

• App rating: 4.9/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

2. DraftKings Sportsbook

Best for: Innovative & Versatile Platform

DraftKings is a close contender to FanDuel, however it is quite different in its approach to betting. If you’re looking for an innovative platform that goes beyond a sportsbook, DraftKings is the perfect option.

DraftKings is packed with interesting features to explore, such as live betting, DFS, a social hub, and an online casino and poker room in certain states. You’re sure to never run out of things to do on this platform. In terms of betting, you’ll find a huge variety of markets and detailed guides to help you make informed wagers. It’s a testament to the design that this does not feel cluttered or confusing, and instead remains cutting-edge and sleek.

Besides this, bettors can make the most of various payment methods, such as a low minimum deposit of just $5 and speedy withdrawals. You’ll also be rewarded for your engagement through the ‘DraftKings Dynasty' program and ongoing promotions like daily odds boosts. This can be enjoyed from DraftKing’s highly-rated app, that offers a modern and convenient mobile betting experience. While DraftKings app is highly rated, it's not the best in the business. Check out the best sportsbook apps.

Head over to our in-depth DraftKings review for more information.

• WSN rating: 4.8/5

• Sign up offer: Get a No Sweat First Bet up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets

• App rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

3. Caesars Sportsbook

Best for: Caesars Rewards

Caesars is a widely recognized brand in the entertainment and hospitality industry, expanding its reach to offer a first-rate online sportsbook. If you want a platform backed by a trusted brand, take a look at Caesars Sportsbook.

When you load the platform, you’ll find a sophisticated, premium interface that reflects the luxury brand. Exploring the extensive selection of sports and betting markets is a breeze. Here, you’ll find attractive odds that often surpass those of competitors.

The real highlight of this sportsbook is the integration of the Caesars Rewards scheme. Every activity at Caesars, including betting, dining, shopping, or staying at a hotel, earns you credits. These credits can be redeemed for fantastic perks like hotel discounts, room upgrades, entertainment tickets, shopping gift cards, or dining vouchers. After registering for the sportsbook, you’ll receive 1,000 free credits for this scheme.

Explore our Caesars Sportsbook review for an in-depth overview. 

• WSN rating: 4.3/5

• Sign up offer: $1,000 First Bet on Caesars

• Promo Code: WSN1000

• App rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.3/5 (Android)

4. BetMGM

Best for: Promotions

BetMGM is the sports betting arm of the MGM brand, another long-standing hospitality giant. If you’re on the hunt for a sportsbook where you’re in for plenty of perks, take a look at BetMGM.

My favorite part of BetMGM is regularly checking the promotions page, as there’s always something new on offer, particularly around big events. You’ll be able to benefit from odds boosts, prizes, competitions, a refer-a-friend bonus, and much more. There are plenty of markets to explore, from mainstream sports such as football to niche options like darts.

Live betting is also a delight, as you can smoothly stream games, take advantage of detailed stats for smarter bets, and even cash out early. When you sign up for BetMGM, you automatically become part of MGM Rewards, much like Caesars Rewards. You can redeem various benefits connected to the MGM brand, like event tickets, hotel stays, or dining experiences.

Read our full BetMGM review for more details. 

• WSN rating: 4.4/5

• Sign up offer: Get Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets!

• Promo Code: WSNMGM

• App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.4/5 (Android)

5. ESPN Bet

Best for: ESPN Content

At the end of 2023, ESPN Bet went live in 18 states through the partnership of ESPN and PENN Entertainment. If you want the freshest and latest sportsbook on the market, ESPN Bet is the best choice.

If you’ve used Barstool before, you might recognize ESPN Bet as its rebranded version. Former Barstool users can continue using their accounts on this new sportsbook, which has now been upgraded through ESPN’s vast sports journalism and analysis resources. For instance, the live betting section is fantastic, with real-time data and exclusive insights from ESPN.

PENN Entertainment previously operated Barstool, which is why ESPN Bet was able to launch so quickly across the US. Every ESPN Bet user is signed up for PENN Play, a loyalty program for PENN Entertainment. You can be rewarded with exciting prizes like hotel stays, complimentary rooms, a personal host, and potentially even winning a cruise package. 

Head over to our in-depth ESPN Bet review for more information.

• WSN rating: 4.6/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $10, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

• App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.4/5 (Android)

6. Fanatics Sportsbook

Best for: Withdrawal Process

Fanatics Sportsbook is another newer option that has become a force in the betting world, launching at the start of 2023. If you’re looking for an innovative and leading sportsbook app, Fanatics Sportsbook is worth a look.

Fanatics is primarily known as a merchandising brand and has now extended its expertise into mobile sports betting. I enjoy how they’ve integrated their brand to offer unique merchandise rewards through the FanCash scheme. Another exclusive feature is the withdrawal tracker, which allows you to track your payouts, eliminating the annoyance of wondering when you’ll receive your withdrawal.

Fanatics Sportsbook is exclusively available through a mobile app, so it’s a letdown for those who prefer desktop betting. Given the growing preference for mobile betting, this is probably a minor issue for most users. Live betting is also great on the app, with early cash-outs and live streaming for the NFL.

Take a look at our detailed Fanatics review to learn more.

• WSN rating: 4.3/5

• Sign up offer: Bet $5 for 10 Days, Get $1,000 in Bonus Bets

• App rating: 4.7/5 (iOS); 4.7/5 (Android)

Nearby Betting States

South Dakota is bordered by North Dakota in the north, Minnesota and Iowa in the east, Nebraska in the south, and Wyoming and Montana in the west. The best option for those wanting to partake in online sports betting is to cross the border into Iowa or Wyoming, since they offer top online sportsbook options.

Minnesota is the only state in the surrounding area without any form of sports betting. However, it has made several attempts to pass legislation. North Dakota and Nebraska allow sports betting at tribal locations but do not permit other retail or online sportsbooks. Montana has a unique situation as it has officially legalized retail sports betting with hundreds of kiosks throughout the state. Online sports betting is restricted, with the sole exception being Montana Lottery’s online sportsbook, which is available at retail locations.

Iowa fully legalized sports betting in August 2019, and bettors are spoilt for choice with 17 online sportsbooks. The state has generated a total handle of $8.1 billion over the past years and has become a huge state for sports betting. Online sports betting has been legal in Wyoming since September 2021, but the state does not have retail sportsbooks besides tribal locations. Wyoming only has four online sportsbooks, but they’re among the best in the industry: BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbooks, DraftKings, and FanDuel. It has a total handle of $392 million, making it a smaller state compared to others.

What Sports Will You Be Able To Bet On in South Dakota?

If sports betting is introduced in South Dakota, you’ll be able to place wagers on your favorite sports and enjoy specific promotions. We’ve detailed a few of the most popular markets below:

NFL Betting

The NFL is America’s most popular league, so it’s no surprise that it is a top pick among sports bettors. The NFL season runs from September to February, when sportsbooks see a leap in betting activity, finishing with the Super Bowl - the most bet-on event nationwide. There are a lot of different betting markets, ranging from traditional bets to special prop bets like the color of Gatorade poured over the winning coach or the result of the coin toss. You’ll also see a lot of specialized promotions during this time; for more details, check out our NFL betting promo page.

NBA Betting

The NBA is the top basketball league in the world, followed by fans globally. As such, it is a huge betting market that sportsbooks make the most of. Lots of different bets can be placed on the NBA, including standard moneyline and spread markets, as well as more intricate betting options based on individual or team performance. During the NBA season and playoffs, there are many promotions and bonuses on offer to heighten the excitement. We cover this further on our NBA promotions page.

MLB Betting

The MLB is a celebrated and long-standing league in American sports tradition. The MLB season features over 2,000 games from April to October, giving bettors tons of opportunities to place wagers and claim the latest promos. Sportsbooks frequently roll out special offers and promotions, particularly around the World Series. To read more about these offers, take a look at our MLB bonuses page.

NHL Betting

During the NHL season, from September to April, hockey fans have a variety of betting options and promotions at their fingertips at sportsbooks. You can wager on various outcomes, like who will win the season’s MVP or the Stanley Cup. You can also explore NHL-specific promotions, which we’ve explored in depth on our NHL betting promotions page.

UFC Betting

The UFC is a relatively new addition to the sporting world but has quickly become one of the most followed leagues globally. As such, UFC betting has witnessed an impressive rise in popularity. There are many chances to place bets with global competitions over 11 weight divisions and tons of markets ranging from straight up winner plays to props on what happens in each round, or the method of victory. For an in-depth look into this new betting market, read our UFC betting guide.

What Wager Types Will Be Available in South Dakota?

If sports betting is legalized in South Dakota, you’ll be able to place a wide selection of different bets at sportsbooks. Below is an overview of the typical betting markets that you’ll come across:

Moneyline Bets

A moneyline bet is a popular wager where you simply choose which side or team will win a game. The odds represent the perceived chances of each team, showing the favorite and the underdog. Positive odds indicate the team is less likely to win, while negative odds suggest a greater likelihood of victory. It can look like this:

• MIN Twins (+114)

• BAL Orioles (-135)

Thinking about moneyline odds is easier when thinking in terms of $100. In this example, a $100 bet on the Twins would win $114, for a total payout of $214 if they win. For the Orioles, as the favorite, you’d have to bet $135 for a $100 profit if they are the winning side.

Point Spreads

Point spread betting is also a popular market, where the wager takes into account how many points a team will win or lose. This kind of betting levels the playing field for teams with skill differences by focusing on the margin of victory. The sportsbook sets a spread of points to make up for the difference in quality between the two sides, which a side will need to cover in order to win a bet. Take a look at this example:

• MIN Twins +1.5 (-170)

• BAL Orioles (-1.5) (+145)

Here, the Orioles would have to win by 2 points or more for a bet on them to win. On the other hand, the Twins need to either win the game or avoid losing by 2 points. Point spread bets normally have odds of around -110 for each side.

Totals

A total bet concentrates on the combined score of a game, regardless of which team wins or loses. The sportsbook establishes a set number, and you must bet on whether the total will be over or under. Here’s an example:

MIN Twins vs. BAL Orioles:

• Over 9 (-108)

• Under 9 (-112)

Prop Bets

Prop bets offer a range of different betting scenarios that aren’t necessarily tied to the game’s outcome. These wagers can be anything from the statistical achievements by players or teams to more unusual occurrences. For example, in football, it can be the number of touchdowns thrown by a quarterback, how many total yards a team will rush for, or the number of sacks. In the NBA, think betting on things like layups, triple doubles, or rebounds. Major championships like the Super Bowl often have unique prop bets like the first advert shown, the weather conditions of the game, or special guests during the halftime show.

Futures

A future bet is a wager that can be placed on an event far in advance. This type of bet is commonly placed on major sporting events, like predicting the winner of the Super Bowl or NBA Championships. Due to their unpredictable nature, they tend to come with attractive odds. Bettors have the flexibility to place these wagers at any point during the year, which helps maintain a high level of excitement throughout the whole year, regardless of the stage of the season.

Parlays

A parlay is a type of bet that combines several separate wagers on a single bet slip. To win the parlay, all of the individual bets have to be correct. If there is a single loss, the entire parlay will be lost, which makes it a risky bet. The odds for each wager are compounded together, so there is a high potential payout. Teaser bets allow you to adjust the point spreads or totals in a parlay to your advantage. There is a lower payout, but it does increase your chances of winning.

Live Betting

Live betting involves placing wagers on games as they unfold, often while you watch them on TV or even in a stadium. This form of betting allows you to react to in-game events and make betting decisions depending on the current situation, with the odds changing as the game progresses. Most sportsbooks have a specific live betting section; certain ones even have live streaming and real-time stats.

Betting Restrictions in South Dakota

Since South Dakota has already legalized retail sports betting in Deadwood and at tribal casinos, restrictions are already in place. If online sportsbooks do arrive, we can expect them to follow suit. These are the current restrictions:

• Betting on politics.

• Betting on entertainment events or award ceremonies.

• Betting on high school sports.

• Betting on South Dakota college teams 

• Betting on individual college athletes

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in South Dakota?

Like many other states, DFS exists in a gray zone as it has not been explicitly declared as legal or illegal. Despite this legal uncertainty, it is entirely possible to access DFS sites like the ones below:

1. DraftKings DFS

Best For: Mobile app

Since its DFS platform launched in 2012, DraftKings has become a titan in the betting industry, all thanks to its success. The platform has an extensive range of contests across multiple sports, featuring hefty prize pools. DraftKings also has a unique feature that allows users to set up private contests with friends. Beyond this, you can benefit from quick transactions, special bonuses, and top customer service. The DraftKings DFS app is also the best in the industry, rated a near-perfect 4.9/5 on the App Store.

Join the DraftKings Fantasy Action Now! 

2. FanDuel DFS

Best For: Beginners and Free Play Games

FanDuel is the second most popular option for DFS in the US, offering an accessible platform for all. Like DraftKings, FanDuel is available in nearly all states. FanDuel provides an easy-to-use gaming environment with exclusive competitions for beginners and entry restrictions to prevent experienced players from dominating every event. You’ll also find several free-to-play games with real cash prizes, making it a great choice for those just starting and wanting to try out DFS. 

Join the FanDuel DFS Community and Play to Win! 

3. OwnersBox DFS

Best For: Simplified Option

OwnersBox concentrates on WFS (Weekly Fantasy Sports) rather than trying to compete with the daily contest formats found at major competitors such as DraftKings and FanDuel. WFS contests can span a whole week or a series of games, with two game formats: SuperFlex and Lightning Lineups for the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. In Lightning Lineups, players select the three highest-scoring athletes from a select group for points. SuperFlex is closer to traditional fantasy formats and requires players to make their team for the week with a fixed budget.

Show off your fantasy skills. 

4. Sleeper DFS

Best for: League of Legends

Sleeper is a top-rated Daily Fantasy Sports site focusing on gaming in Football, Basketball, and League of Legends. The brand is perfect for sports fans and gamers to have access to unique pick options on mobile and desktop platforms. The impressive platform offers multiple forms of entertainment with a detailed interface and premium promotions. Players can explore Sleeper Picks, which offers a similar experience to a real money sportsbook Over/Under prop bet. The site also includes Daily Drafts with a classic weekly DFS game. Pick your team and compete against other members. Try to be one of the top three finishers to earn a prize! 

Take Your Fantasy Sports Game to the Next Level with Sleeprs! 

Best Social Sportsbooks in South Dakota

Find the best social sportsbooks in South Dakota, where traditional sports betting is not yet legalized. Despite the absence of conventional sports wagering, these innovative platforms offer an entertaining way to engage with sports content, connect with friends, and enjoy interactive gaming experiences tailored to sports enthusiasts in the state without spending a penny.

1. Fliff Social Sportsbook

In states where online sportsbooks have yet to be legalized, social sportsbooks like Fliff are a fantastic alternative. South Dakota residents will be pleased to know that Fliff is legal in their state.

Social sportsbook are a blend of social media and sports betting. On these platforms, players can make sports predictions with virtual currencies. The virtual currencies on Fliff are called Fliff Coins or Fliff Cash, and they can be gained for free through various bonuses. You can also purchase Fliff Coins if you wish to, but you don't have to at all.

New users can receive a welcome bonus based on their first purchase worth up to 600,000 Fliff Coins and $100 Fliff Cash after registering. Fliff Coins can be purchased and used exclusively on the platform. Fliff Cash, on the other hand, is only given out as a bonus and can be exchanged for cash prizes or gift cards.

For a detailed look at Fliff and how social casinos operate, take a look at our Fliff review.

Join Fliff's social sportsbook community today! 

2. Sportzino Social Sportsbook

Live sports picks and premium league action await at Sportzsino Social Sportsbook. Players located in South Dakota can access sports picks with 30 markets on offer, featuring Money Lines, Point Spreads, Totals, and more. Select from the top leagues, such as the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, UEFA, and Premier League. United States-based sports and international leagues are covered for your sports action needs. The site is free to play, with a sweepstakes setup—access sports picks with Gold and Sweeps Coins, with no purchase necessary. 

Once you explore the sports platform, head over to the casino, where you can play slots, jackpots, and sports games. Easily switch from sports to sweepstakes casino games anytime you like. The casino accepts the same GC and SC, with options for Megaways and themed titles. Each game loads quickly and can be played with SCs for a chance to win real prizes. Access both mobile and desktop platforms from anywhere in the state! 

Socialize and play with Sportzino. 

Sports Teams in South Dakota

South Dakota has no major league teams, but residents often support teams from nearby states like Minnesota. 

Why You Should Trust Us

At WSN, our passion for betting goes hand in hand with our commitment to being a dependable source of information. As a team, we’ve observed the industry’s growth firsthand and developed our expertise alongside it. We use this extensive knowledge to conduct research and create our reviews.

We believe that personal experience is the only way to truly review a sportsbook. We sign up, deposit, place bets, and withdraw money so that we can evaluate the whole process from start to finish. This firsthand experience gives us accurate and precise information, which we explain to our readers in plain language, separating us from the crowd.

Ultimately, we aim to be a trustworthy and reliable resource when you need guidance for betting.

Getting Help: Responsible Gambling in South Dakota 

South Dakota has various resources available for those dealing with gambling issues. If sports betting is fully legalized, additional support measures will likely be added. Below are the current support services available in the state:

• The South Dakota Lottery has informative resources and a helpline at (888) 781-HELP.

• The National Council on Problem Gambling offers support across the US; they can be reached at 1-800-GAMBLER, by texting at 800GAM, or through live chat.

• Gamblers Anonymous offers meetings nationwide, providing a space for individuals to discuss their experiences.