South Dakota
Sports Betting
Your complete guide to legal sports betting in the Mount Rushmore State. SD has one of the most geographically restricted markets in the US — retail only at Deadwood casinos and select tribal properties, no statewide mobile betting. A November 2026 ballot initiative could finally change that.
Deadwood Commercial Casinos
All commercial sports betting in South Dakota takes place at licensed casinos within the city limits of Deadwood — the historic Old West gold rush town about 60 miles from Mt. Rushmore. Three different technology providers (BetMGM, ISI, IGT) power the states 5 commercial sportsbooks.
Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort
BetMGM Sportsbook- Took South Dakotas first legal sports bet
- BetMGM-branded retail sportsbook
- BetMGM mobile app (geo-fenced to casino)
- Located on Main Street Deadwood
Tin Lizzie made history on September 9, 2021 when it accepted SDs first post-PASPA sports wager — a BetMGM partnership that remains one of the states flagship sportsbooks.
Cadillac Jacks Gaming Resort
BetMGM Sportsbook- Second BetMGM partner in Deadwood
- Vegas-style sportsbook lounge design
- BetMGM mobile app on-property
- Designers from major Las Vegas sportsbooks
Cadillac Jacks opened alongside Tin Lizzie on launch day with a BetMGM retail sportsbook designed to match Vegas-quality lounges.
Mustang Sallys
ISI Sportsbook- Retail sportsbook kiosks
- ISI (International Sports Integrity) tech
- Full casino with slots and tables
- Deadwood Main Street location
Mustang Sallys partnered with ISI as its sportsbook technology provider — a different approach from the BetMGM-dominated properties.
Gold Dust Casino
ISI Sportsbook- ISI technology platform
- Retail sportsbook kiosks
- Historic Deadwood venue
- Full limited-stakes gaming
Gold Dust Casino uses the same ISI platform as Mustang Sallys, offering an alternative to the BetMGM and IGT retail experiences.
Deadwood Mountain Grand
IGT Sportsbook- IGT (International Game Technology) partner
- Full sportsbook kiosks
- Entertainment venue + casino
- The only IGT retail partner in SD
Deadwood Mountain Grand is the only IGT sportsbook partner in South Dakota — providing a third technology platform alongside BetMGM and ISI.
Tribal Gaming Properties
South Dakota has 9 tribal casinos operating under gaming compacts with the state. Not all tribal properties offer sports betting — availability varies by individual tribal compact. The Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyates Dakota Nation Gaming Enterprise operates the most active tribal sportsbooks.
The 2026 Ballot Initiative
Senate Joint Resolution 504 could bring statewide online sports betting to South Dakota for the first time. The Senate Taxation Committee advanced the measure on February 11, 2026.
📋 What SJR 504 Does
Senator Casey Crabtree introduced SJR 504 on January 23, 2026. The resolution would place a constitutional amendment on the November 2026 general election ballot asking SD voters to authorize statewide mobile sports betting. It does NOT need the governors signature — just majority approval from both chambers.
💰 Property Tax Relief
To make the measure politically palatable, 90% of the tax revenue from mobile sports betting would be directed toward replacing property taxes — a major concern for SD voters. This is a deliberate pitch to rural voters who might otherwise oppose gambling expansion.
🎯 Server Restrictions
Under SJR 504, any online sportsbook operators would need to partner with a land-based casino and keep their servers physically located within Deadwood city limits. This is similar to models in other restricted states and keeps Deadwoods gaming economy at the center.
⚠️ Previous Failures
Previous attempts to legalize online sports betting in SD have failed: SJR 502 (2022) passed the Senate 18-17 but died in a House committee, and another similar measure failed in 2023. The 2026 version benefits from growing frustration as handle drops and bettors cross state lines to Wyoming and Iowa.
What Can You Bet On?
SD sportsbooks cover all major professional sports. No in-state pro teams means Minnesota and regional teams dominate interest.
NFL
Minnesota Vikings dominate SD fan interest — no in-state team. Green Bay Packers also popular. Full NFL markets
NHL
Minnesota Wild is the regional favorite — hockey is deeply rooted in prairie culture
MLB
Minnesota Twins closest team — Kansas City Royals also popular in southern SD. Full MLB coverage
NBA
Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets share SD fanbase. Full NBA markets
College Football
Out-of-state only — SDSU Jackrabbits and USD Coyotes cannot be bet on. FBS games fully available
College Basketball
Out-of-state only — Summit League teams from SD are off-limits. March Madness works only if SD teams arent involved
Rodeo / PBR
Professional Bull Riders and rodeo events — SD has deep Western sports culture
NASCAR
Cup Series, Xfinity, Truck Series — full NASCAR season coverage
South Dakota Sports Betting Laws
📜 Constitutional Amendment B
SD voters approved Constitutional Amendment B on November 3, 2020 with 58.5% support (239,620 to 170,191). The amendment authorized sports betting within the city limits of Deadwood, building on the 1989 amendment that originally legalized limited-stakes gaming in the Old West town.
🏛️ SB 44 Framework
Governor Kristi Noem signed Senate Bill 44 on March 29, 2021, establishing the regulatory framework. The SD Commission on Gaming (a 5-member body appointed by the governor) regulates sports betting, with Enforcement and Operations divisions handling compliance and audits.
💰 9% Tax Rate
SD taxes sports betting operators at just 9% of gross gaming revenue — one of the lowest rates in the US. Low license fees ($1,000 initial, $200 renewal) reflect the small market. SD has no state income tax, so bettors owe nothing to the state on winnings.
🚫 No Online Betting
Statewide mobile sports betting remains illegal. The only "mobile" option is BetMGMs app which is geo-fenced to work only while physically inside Tin Lizzie or Cadillac Jacks casinos in Deadwood. No betting from home, your car, or anywhere outside licensed gaming floors.
🎓 In-State College Ban
Betting on SDSU Jackrabbits, USD Coyotes, or any in-state college team is strictly prohibited. Individual player prop bets on ANY college athletes (in-state or out-of-state) are also prohibited statewide. High school sports betting is banned entirely.
🔒 Age & Location
Must be 21+ and physically located at a licensed casino floor to place bets. Casino floors can be in Deadwood commercial properties or at one of the 9 tribal casinos (availability varies by compact). Residency is not required — you just need valid ID and to be on-site.
Key Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sports betting legal in South Dakota?
Yes, but heavily restricted. SD voters approved Constitutional Amendment B in November 2020 with 58.5% support, authorizing sports wagering at commercial casinos in Deadwood only. Governor Kristi Noem signed SB 44 in March 2021 establishing the regulatory framework. Retail betting launched September 9, 2021 at Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort in Deadwood. Select tribal casinos also offer sports betting under their gaming compacts.
Can I bet online in South Dakota?
Generally NO. Statewide mobile and online sports betting is NOT legal in South Dakota as of 2026. The only "mobile" option is geo-fenced apps (like BetMGM) that only work while physically present inside a licensed Deadwood casino. You cannot bet from home, your car, or anywhere outside a casino floor.
Will online betting be legalized in 2026?
Possibly. Senate Joint Resolution 504, introduced in January 2026 by Sen. Casey Crabtree, would put a constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot. If approved by voters, it would legalize statewide online sports betting — with servers required to remain physically in Deadwood and 90% of tax revenue going to property tax relief. Previous similar efforts in 2022 and 2023 failed in the House. This is SDs best chance yet after the Senate advanced the measure in February 2026.
How old do I have to be to bet in South Dakota?
You must be at least 21 years old to place sports bets at any licensed casino in South Dakota — both Deadwood commercial casinos and tribal casinos. 18+ is the minimum for horse racing simulcast but sports betting is strictly 21+.
Where can I bet in Deadwood?
6 commercial casinos in Deadwood currently offer retail sports betting: Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort (BetMGM), Cadillac Jacks Gaming Resort (BetMGM), Mustang Sallys (ISI), Gold Dust Casino (ISI), Deadwood Mountain Grand (IGT), and Hard Rock Rocksino. Deadwood is about 60 miles from Mt. Rushmore on scenic route 385.
Can I bet on SDSU Jackrabbits or USD Coyotes?
NO. South Dakota prohibits betting on any in-state college teams. This includes SDSU Jackrabbits (a FCS football powerhouse), USD Coyotes, and all other in-state collegiate teams. Individual college player props are also prohibited statewide for any college. You CAN bet on out-of-state college teams freely.
What is the tax rate on SD sports betting?
South Dakota taxes sports betting operators at 9% of gross gaming revenue — one of the lowest rates in the US. Since launching in 2021, the state has collected more than $3.5 million in cumulative tax revenue. In FY 2025 alone, sports wagering produced $925,477 in tax revenue. Additionally, SD has no state income tax, so bettors owe no state tax on winnings (federal tax still applies).
What are the license fees?
South Dakotas license fees are remarkably low — just $1,000 for an operator license with a $200 annual renewal. This reflects the small market size and geographic restriction. By comparison, Pennsylvania charges $10 million for an initial license. The low fees are designed for Deadwoods small commercial casino operators.
Is DFS legal in South Dakota?
Technically unclear — neither the SD Legislature nor courts have formally addressed daily fantasy sports, but state law enforcement has stated that DFS participants would not be prosecuted. Major DFS operators like DraftKings Fantasy and FanDuel Fantasy operate in SD without state regulation or licensing.