The best sports betting sites in South Dakota 2023
Online sports betting isn’t legal in South Dakota at this time, as the state has so far been unable to get legislation through the House. Here we’ve rated the state’s best daily fantasy sports betting sites for bonuses and safe, secure gaming. SD sports fans can also visit retail sportsbooks and place legal wagers in the Mount Rushmore State.
Our top recommended South Dakota sportsbooks
Sites for South Dakota bettors to avoid
When South Dakota lawmakers legalize online sports betting, the state will license many reputable and safe sportsbooks. However, there are also sites that we recommend you avoid. This may be due to a history of not paying out, misleading bonuses, or unsafe practices. That includes any sportsbook not licensed by the South Dakota Commission on Gaming. You can see our list of betting sites to avoid below. However, as a general rule: as no online betting operators are currently regulated in South Dakota, any site that offers sports betting is illegal.
Top online sportsbooks in South Dakota
South Dakota sports betting is limited to five retail sportsbooks within casinos in Deadwood. In February 2022, a ballot proposal to allow online sports betting passed the Senate before the House voted 10-3 against the bill. Neighboring states Wyoming and Iowa offer online sports betting if you travel to these jurisdictions.
While online sports betting is illegal in South Dakota, Daily Fantasy Sports games and traditional season-long fantasy sports are available. Many DFS operators will let you compete for cash prizes by scoring high on DFS games or by playing predictor games. Our experts have listed some of the best legal fantasy operators in South Dakota.
Boom Fantasy
Boom Fantasy is available to download as an iOS app and won the ‘Best Fantasy Sports App’ at the eGaming Awards in 2017 and 2018. Along with offering DFS games on every major league sport, Boom Fantasy offers you the chance to answer several questions on a daily sporting event. Get all the questions correct, and you have a chance to win a jackpot.
ESPN Fantasy
ESPN Fantasy sports is a traditional fantasy website and app that lets you build a roster of athletes to score points across a season. ESPN lets you create leagues with your friends or compete in platform-wide competitions to win prizes at the end of the season.
Yahoo Fantasy
Yahoo offers daily and season-long fantasy options for the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. There are also expert pages offering tips for lineups and under-the-radar players you can read for free. You can play Yahoo Fantasy on your desktop or by downloading its dedicated app.
Sportsbook finder
Which sport are you most interested in?
Popular sports to bet on in South Dakota
There are no major league sports teams in South Dakota, but there are still millions of passionate sports fans. South Dakotans choose to support franchises in nearby states, as well as getting behind several minor league teams and the state’s NCAA Division I sports programs.
Football betting
The most popular NFL team in South Dakota hails from neighboring Minnesota, the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikes have the best all-time record of any team in the NFL that has never won a Super Bowl. The South Dakota State Jackrabbits play in the FCS, the second highest level of college football. The Jackrabbits made the playoffs every year from 2012 to 2022 but haven’t won the National Championships. The team did finish as runners-up in 2020 and won the MVFC title in 2016 and 2020. The University of South Dakota Coyotes also play in the FCS, competing in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
Basketball betting
The Minnesota Timberwolves are the most popular NBA team in South Dakota, as the stadium is a few hours' drive from the South Dakota border. Success has been fleeting for the Timberwolves, with a sole division title coming in the 2004 season. South Dakota college basketball is led by the South Dakota Jackrabbits program, which has made six NCAA Division I Tournaments between 2012 and 2022. In the 2021/22 season, the Jackrabbits swept the Summit League undefeated at 21-0. The men’s basketball team for the Coyotes hasn’t had much success, but the women’s team made it to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 2014 and won the WNIT Championship in 2016.
Baseball betting
South Dakota has its very own minor league baseball team, the Sioux Falls Canaries, who play in the American Association of Professional Baseball West Division. Former players include Pat Mahomes, father of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes II. Pat Mahomes’ number 28 jersey is retired by the Canaries. South Dakota’s Major League Baseball loyalties are split depending on where you are in the state. East South Dakota tends to support the Minnesota Twins, while the Western part of the state follows the Colorado Rockies.
Ice hockey betting
Rapid City Rush is a minor league ice hockey team that plays at the 7,500 seater arena, The Monument. The team was formed in 2008 and plays in the ECHL Western Conference in the Mountain Division. The Rush won the Ray Miron President’s Cup and a Conference Championship in the 2009/10 season. It also won a Division Championship the following year. Residents of the Mount Rushmore State need to look across the border to Minnesota for an NHL team, and support the Minnesota Wild. The Wild launched in 2000 and has won one Division Championship.
Indoor football
South Dakota plays host to one of the top indoor football teams in the country, the Sioux Falls Storm. Playing games in the Denny Sanford Premier Center, the Storm competes in the Indoor Football League (IFL). Since moving to the IFL in 2009, the Storm has won the league championship, known as the United Bowl, seven times.
South Dakota sports betting facts
Retail sports betting is legal in South Dakota, and lawmakers hope to introduce online betting soon. Here are some facts to give you more insight into legal sports wagering.
5
The Number of legal retail sportsbooks in South Dakota
21
The minimum legal age to place sports bets
1
City (Deadwood) in which retail sports betting is available
35
Total number of casinos (including tribal casinos) in South Dakota where sportsbooks could launch if sports betting laws are expanded
Bet types and markets
Part of the fun of betting is that you can place loads of different types of wagers. You’ll find a variety of options at South Dakota retail sportsbooks. Our expert guide explains the different wager types and the best sports for betting in SD.
- Moneyline
- Totals
- Point spreads
- Parlay
- Teaser
- Prop bets
- Futures
- NFL Market
- NBA Market
- MLB Market
Moneyline
A moneyline bet is the simplest bet type available. You predict who you think will win a game and place a bet on them. If your team wins, you’ll get your bet returned with profit. If your bet loses, you’ll lose your stake.
Bonuses and promotions
Many online sportsbooks offer promotions to encourage new players to sign up and keep existing customers happy. You’ll also find some South Dakota retail sportsbooks that provide bonuses if you visit and place bets. Check out some of the most common promotions you can redeem when betting with legal sportsbooks.
| Bonus | Bonus description |
|---|---|
Welcome bonus | A welcome bonus is a reward given to new customers when they register. Every sportsbook will have a different welcome bonus, but every offer will give you a chance to try out sports betting and potentially make some profit. |
No deposit bonus | This is a rare kind of bonus that gives you an extra bet or some bonus funds without needing you to make a deposit. You just sign up with a sportsbook and receive rewards. |
Bonus bets | Also called a "risk-free bet" - these let you place your first wager at a sportsbook knowing if it loses, you will come away with something. If your bet wins, you get to keep your money and profit. However, if it loses, the sportsbook will give you bonus bets equal to your stake. You can’t withdraw these bonus bets. |
Cashback | A cashback bonus is very similar to a bonus bet, except the sportsbook will refund your losing bet with cash you can withdraw. However, you will usually only receive a percentage of your original stake. |
Enhanced odds | Sportsbooks offer enhanced odds on selected markets, boosting the odds and offering you more generous payouts. You can redeem these offers at most sportsbooks without needing to opt in or deposit. |
Loyalty offers | Some sportsbooks offer rewards to customers who come back to bet frequently. This will often be a chance to place wagers for free, like with bonus bets or bonus funds. |
Legal sports betting in South Dakota
Sports betting in South Dakota was legalized on March 18, 2021, when Governor Kristi Noem signed SB 44. The first retail sportsbooks opened on September 9, 2021. Online sports betting is still not legal in SD.
When Gov. Noem signed SB 44, it came with certain restrictions. Most notably, sports betting is only legal in five land-based casinos in Deadwood, South Dakota. Sioux Falls, which has more than 30% of the state’s population, is more than five hours drive to Deadwood. Efforts have been made to legalize online sports betting in South Dakota, but these have been unsuccessful as of 2022.
Where can I bet on sports in South Dakota?
If you want to place sports bets in South Dakota, you can visit one of the five retail sportsbooks. All of these sportsbooks are in land-based casinos in Deadwood. If South Dakota legalizes online sports betting, you will be able to wager anywhere in the state.
When did sports betting launch in South Dakota?
Sports betting launched on September 9, 2021, when Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort opened the first retail sportsbooks operated by BetMGM.
What is the legal sports betting age in South Dakota?
The legal betting age in South Dakota is 21. You will need to provide a valid photo ID when visiting a retail sportsbook to prove your age.
Is all sports betting legal in South Dakota?
You can bet on various professional sports in South Dakota, including all the major leagues. Niche sports betting is also available, including markets for MMA and NASCAR. You can also wager on the state’s official sport, rodeo. You can bet on college sports, but you can’t place player props or wagers on teams from the state.
Are sportsbook winnings taxable?
Sports betting winnings are taxable in South Dakota, and you must declare all your winnings to the IRS. You must complete a W-2G form for winnings over $600. Your sportsbook should supply you with this form if you are eligible. Sports betting winnings would normally be included in your state income tax, but there is none in South Dakota.
Sports betting and online casinos in the US
Find the latest online gambling legislation updates for your state below.
Key
Key
How we rate the best sports betting sites
Our team of experts considers many factors when rating the best sports betting sites in South Dakota. We focus on aspects that are important to players, including the variety of sports, bet types and bonuses, and the quality of the mobile platform. Safety is our first concern, and any site we recommend is legal in SD. Using our detailed process, we leave no stone unturned.
Responsible gambling in South Dakota
Sports betting can be very enjoyable, but it’s important to gamble responsibly. When Gov. Noem signed SB 44, it included stipulations that would help to prevent problem gambling. All sportsbooks in South Dakota must offer a self-exclusion option for sports bettors. Sportsbooks must also provide literature and materials to help identify and treat problem gambling. Here are some tips to help you keep in control of your betting.
● Only bet what you can afford to lose. Don’t take out loans or borrow money to place bets.
● Don’t bet when you’re under the influence of alcohol or when your decision-making is impaired.
● Take frequent breaks from betting.
● If you experience any symptoms of problem gambling, reach out to a support organization.
FAQ
Can I bet on sports online in South Dakota?
No, you can’t place online sports bets in South Dakota. You can only place bets in SD by visiting a retail sportsbook and wagering in person.
Which casinos allow sports betting in South Dakota?
There are five casinos in Deadwood that offer sports betting. These include Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort, Deadwood Mountain Grand, Gold Dust Casino and Hotel, Mustang Sally’s Casino, and Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort.
Who oversees South Dakota sports betting?
The South Dakota Commission on Gaming regulates sports betting in South Dakota. The Commission is headed by five Commissioners chosen by the state’s Governor with help from the Senate.
What are the requirements to bet online in SD?
You must be 21 or older to bet on sports in South Dakota. If you visit a retail sportsbook to place bets, you will need to bring a photo ID to confirm your age.
Will South Dakota legalize statewide online sports betting?
South Dakota won’t legalize statewide online sports betting until at least 2023. The most recent attempt to pass legislation in February 2022 received Senate approval but was rejected by the House.
Can I bet on sports in South Dakota outside of Deadwood?
No, you can’t bet outside of Deadwood. The state’s five casinos with retail sportsbooks are all in the city.
