The gold rush of the mid-19th century is where the gambling history of South Dakota began, but since then, many aspects have changed, causing some confusion among residents.
While multiple land-based casinos are available to gamblers, they are only permitted to provide slot games, Blackjack, and Poker as the law restricts other games, such as Roulette, Craps, and Keno, among others.
In addition to in-person sports betting and horse racing, some bars across the state can offer small-stakes games with a maximum wager of up to $50.
Therefore, gambling in South Dakota is legal, but there are strict limits that apply to certain areas, including online gambling. Our guide to online casinos in South Dakota will explore the various gambling laws, what’s legal, and how you can still play online without breaking the law.
Are Online Casinos in South Dakota Legal?
The gambling law is strictly against all forms of online gambling in South Dakota at this time. However, the state does show promise in some ways, especially since more forms of gambling have become legal in recent years, including sports betting that went live in Deadwood in September 2021.
Over a dozen commercial land-based casinos indeed count in favor of online avenues, as online casinos legally have to partner with land-based casinos to provide their services. This applies to all legal states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and other states that offer the best online casinos in America.
What Forms of South Dakota Online Casinos are Legal?
The current law prohibits all forms of online gambling – wagering real money on games of chance. Therefore, real-money online casinos in South Dakota are illegal, but since Sweepstakes online casinos do not use real money, they are perfectly within the law.
Sweepstakes online casinos still provide the benefit of receiving real cash prizes, but unlike real money casinos, you’ll receive “sweeps,” which you can exchange for gifts and cash rewards. We’ll discuss these casinos later in our South Dakota online casinos guide.
When will South Dakota Legalize Online Casinos?
Lawmakers in South Dakota don’t show any interest in legalizing online casinos. Since no other surrounding states currently provide legal casinos, there’s no pressure on the state to consider change. However, as more eastern states provide these additional gaming options, we’ll eventually see more states joining to keep the revenue within state borders.
Brief Gambling History in South Dakota
The 1980s marked the most significant changes in South Dakota’s gambling history. In 1986, the state reworked the restrictions to permit a state lottery, which was officially launched just one year later.
In the same year, 1987, the state opened further gambling opportunities by allowing charitable bingo events that had to follow strict rules. In 1989, the first significant step in casino gaming was introduced as the first regulated land-based casino opened its doors.
The 1990s were also important as the state introduced simulcast betting for racing events, allowing bettors to participate in the events without being at the track. In 1993, the first tribal casinos opened for business, adding games and features to the gambling platform. Finally, in 2012, the maximum bets at land-based casinos were increased to $1,000.
Sweepstakes Online Casinos in South Dakota
Since Sweepstakes online casinos are perfectly legal in South Dakota, it’s become the most popular form of playing on mobile and PC devices. As with real money online casinos, you’ll gain access to the latest slots, live dealer games, and much more.
Sweepstakes are social online casinos in South Dakota that do not require deposits or purchases, but you have the option to increase your balance with packages suitable for all budgets. Once you’ve collected enough sweep coins, you can redeem them for cash prizes and gifts.
| Rank | Sweepstakes Online Casino | Welcome Reward |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Funrize | 75,000 Coins |
| 2. | High 5 Casino | 250 Coins + 5 Sweeps + 600 Diamonds |
| 3. | Gambino Slots | 100,000 Coins + 200 Free Spins |
| 4. | Stake.us (Crypto) | $25 Stake Cash + 250,000 Coins |
| 5. | Pulsz | 2.3 Sweeps + 5,000 Game Coins |
In which States are Online Casinos Legal?
Online casinos in America first became legal in New Jersey in 2013. Since then, more states have followed, all located in the east. While other states are expected to legalize online casinos soon, South Dakota is not one of them.
Closest State with Online Casinos from South Dakota
To access legal online casinos from South Dakota, you must travel over a thousand miles to reach Michigan. While driving would be an adventure through Chicago, a flight is most certainly quickly.
Players in South Dakota can register an account with online casinos in other states before arrival. You can open the account, claim the welcome bonus, and play games once you’re in the state, which applies to airport layovers.
Land-based Casinos in South Dakota
South Dakota provides a wide range of land-based casino options, including both tribal and commercial establishments. You’ll find a wide range of games are accessible as the law is not nearly as strict on gambling opportunities for in-person.
Some casinos also offer blackjack, craps, roulette, let it ride, three-card poker, ultimate Texas hold ‘em. Mississippi stud and poker. Most of the Native American casinos also offer bingo.
If you are interested in folding casinos in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, you will want to check out Royal River Casino & Hotel. This is the closest South Dakota casino to Sioux Falls, 40 miles north.
A State that’s Unlikely to Legalize Online Gambling Soon
South Dakota is firm on their current laws around online casinos and is unlikely to make any drastic changes anytime soon. With a wide range of land-based casinos and other forms of gambling being legal, players in the state have various ways to wager on their favorite games.
The best online casinos in America would undoubtedly be a great advantage, but it also means tribal and commercial casinos must agree and allow partnerships with online brands. Therefore, it could be quite a few years before we see any major movements towards online casinos in South Dakota.