South Dakota Sports Betting 2026: Legal Status & SD Sportsbooks
LEGAL (LIMITED)
South Dakota sports betting is legal in Deadwood casinos, but attempts to legalize mobile wagering statewide have stalled. Find all the info right here.
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Last Updated: 17 December, 2025
Yes, sports betting is legal, but only in person at licensed casinos in Deadwood or at approved tribal casinos.
Online or mobile betting is not available unless you’re physically on-site at one of these properties.
The state does not allow wagers on high school games, minor league sports, or individual college athletes.
Key facts of South Dakota betting
How do I gamble in South Dakota?
Sports betting in South Dakota faces tight legal limits.
You must place bets in person at casinos in Deadwood or at tribal casinos.
Mobile and online betting aren’t allowed unless you're physically on-site.
Still, daily fantasy sports, horse racing, and social sportsbooks are available across the state.
Daily fantasy sports in South Dakota
Daily fantasy sports are not banned or regulated by the state.
Major operators like PrizePicks, Underdog, Sleeper, and Boom Fantasy accept entries from South Dakota players.
Other legal SD gambling options
You can visit commercial or tribal casinos for slots, poker, and table games.
Horse race betting is legal both in person and online.
Social sportsbooks like Fliff, Rebet, and Thrillzz offer pick’em-style contests and virtual currencies.
Video lottery and charitable gaming are also allowed under state law.
You must be at least 21 years old to place sports bets in South Dakota.
This age applies to all casino-based gambling, including sports betting in Deadwood.
For daily fantasy sports and online horse race betting, the minimum age is typically 18.
Can I bet on sports in another state?
Yes, you can legally bet on sports in another state, but you must be physically located in that state when placing a bet.
Sportsbook apps use geolocation to enforce this rule.
For South Dakota residents, the closest fully legal mobile betting states are Colorado and Iowa.
Both allow online sports betting from anywhere within state lines, including from your phone or computer.
Just cross the border, create an account with a licensed sports betting app, and start betting legally.
Keep in mind: It’s illegal to place a bet while inside South Dakota using an out-of-state app.
Only on-site casino betting is allowed here.
Betting sites to avoid
Some websites may claim to offer legal sports betting sites in South Dakota, but they’re actually offshore sportsbooks.
These sites operate without US licenses and don’t follow local or federal regulations.
That means they can deny payouts, close without notice, or mishandle your personal and financial data.
⚠️ Always avoid the following offshore sportsbooks; they are not legal or safe for South Dakota players. ⚠️
Pros and cons of sports betting in South Dakota
Pros
- ✅ Legal retail sportsbooks are active in Deadwood casinos
- ✅ Tribal casinos can also offer in-person sports betting
Cons
- ❌ No statewide mobile or online sports betting allowed
- ❌ Can’t bet on in-state college teams or athletes
Latest sports betting updates in South Dakota
The future of sports betting in South Dakota
South Dakota's sports betting market is limited, but there’s growing interest in expansion.
Voters approved retail betting in 2020, and lawmakers have since floated several proposals for online and mobile betting.
While past attempts to legalize mobile wagering failed in the House, the Senate has shown some support.
The most recent bill, SJR 502, passed the Senate but didn’t gain traction in the House.
That resistance suggests lawmakers remain cautious, especially with conservative voter blocs and limited public pressure.
Still, the rise in sports betting revenue and demand for mobile options could shift views in future sessions.
If online betting returns to the ballot or lawmakers find common ground, we may see broader legalization, but likely not before 2026.
Other types of legal betting in South Dakota
While online sports betting isn’t legal in South Dakota, there are still ways to gamble within state law.
From horse racing to charitable bingo, residents have a few legal options to choose from.
Daily fantasy and social sportsbooks also give fans a way to engage with sports picks without breaking any rules.
Horse racing
Live racing takes place at events like the Stanley County Fair and the Brown County Fair.
You can also bet on races via simulcast at Triple Crown Casino in North Sioux City.
Online horse betting is legal through sites that serve South Dakota residents over age 18.
These platforms let you place bets on races across the US.
Daily fantasy sports
Daily fantasy sports are not regulated in South Dakota, but are not banned either.
Sites like PrizePicks, Underdog, and Sleeper currently operate in the state.
Players can enter pick’em contests and snake drafts.
The state hasn’t issued any formal guidance since 2015, but no players have faced penalties.
Pari-mutuel wagering
Pari-mutuel betting is allowed for horse racing, including live and simulcast events.
It’s also used by many online horse racing platforms.
Winnings are pooled and divided based on bet types and total entries.
It remains one of the oldest legal betting formats in the state.
Charitable bingo and raffles
Charitable gaming is legal with a state-issued license.
Bingo nights, raffles, and small games of chance can be run by qualifying nonprofits.
These events often support local churches, schools, and community groups.
Payouts and prize limits are capped by law.
Yes, social sportsbooks are legal in South Dakota.
They operate using virtual currencies and sweepstakes models, avoiding traditional gambling classifications.
Players can use coins for free-to-play picks or switch to sweepstakes currency for cash prizes.
Fliff, Rebet, and Thrillzz are three top options available in the state.
These platforms let users compete on leaderboards, make daily picks, and enjoy bonus contests, all legally.
How to start betting in South Dakota
Some guides may suggest you can bet online from anywhere in South Dakota but that’s not true.
We’ll only show you real, legal ways to gamble, which may not involve sports at all.
Daily fantasy sports
Daily fantasy sports are available through sites like PrizePicks, Underdog, Sleeper, and Boom Fantasy.
These platforms let you make picks on player stats or draft teams to compete for cash prizes.
DFS site contests are legal due to the lack of a state ban, and no one has faced criminal penalties.
Just sign up, choose your contest, and play responsibly.
Online horse race betting
Online horse betting is fully legal in South Dakota. Residents over 18 can use licensed sites to place bets on races around the country.
You don’t need to visit a track or OTB location — it can all be done from your phone or computer.
Popular platforms include TVG, TwinSpires, and FanDuel Racing.
Charitable gambling
Charitable bingo and raffles are allowed if the nonprofit holds a state license.
These events often raise funds for churches, schools, and civic groups.
You’ll find them at local halls or during community events.
Prizes are capped under state rules, but winnings are real and legal.
Social sportsbooks
Social sportsbooks like Fliff, Rebet, and Thrillzz are legal in South Dakota.
These platforms use virtual currencies — some for fun, others redeemable for cash.
They mimic the look and feel of real sportsbooks without violating gambling laws.
Players can join contests, compete on leaderboards, and earn rewards safely.
Crossing state lines to bet legally
If you want full access to legal mobile sportsbooks, your best bet is to cross into Iowa or Colorado.
Both states allow legal online betting from your phone or laptop.
You’ll need to enable location services and sign up with a licensed operator.
Just remember, you must be physically in that state when placing bets.
Daily fantasy sports in South Dakota
Daily fantasy sports are not regulated in South Dakota, but major platforms continue to operate legally.
Players can join contests for real cash prizes and enjoy a range of pick’em and draft-style formats.
1. PrizePicks Overview
PrizePicks is a pick’em DFS platform where users choose “more” or “less” on player stat lines.
Players can mix and match different sports and build cards with two to six picks.
PrizePicks offers two play formats: Flex Play and Power Play, with different payout structures.
The app is user-friendly and regularly updates its contests.
South Dakota residents can join legally and play daily.
Top features
Fast daily pick’em contests
Simple interface with cross-sport options
Flex or Power Play payout formats
Available in most U.S. states
Low $5 minimum deposit
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✅ Easy for beginners to use
- ✅ Regular deposit bonuses
Cons
- ❌ No draft-style contests
- ❌ Limited stat categories compared to some rivals
2. Underdog Fantasy Overview
Underdog Fantasy offers two contest styles: best ball drafts and player stat pick’em.
The platform is known for its clean design, deep contests, and seasonal promotions.
Draft contests follow a traditional snake format, while pick’em cards are built with two to five selections.
Once your picks are in, the platform handles everything else. It’s legal and accessible for South Dakota players.
Top features
Best Ball drafts for football, NBA, and MLB
Up to 100x payouts on pick’em
Clean and fast mobile experience
Cross-player head-to-head picks
Low entry fees and big prizes
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✅ Strong variety of contest types
- ✅ Frequent new player promos
Cons
- ❌ Smaller sport selection than FanDuel
- ❌ Limited in-app stats and analysis
3. Sleeper Overview
Sleeper offers a social twist on fantasy gaming, with group chats and in-game contests.
Its DFS feature, Sleeper Picks, focuses on player props and real-time matchups.
Players can make picks during live games and compete for quick payouts.
The app is popular for its chat-based experience and social betting feel.
It’s fully legal for players in South Dakota.
Top features
In-game pick contests
Group chat and squad features
Quick-entry, real-money payouts
Strong community and interface
Available in most U.S. states
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✅ Social features add a fun layer
- ✅ Real-time game picks
Cons
- ❌ Fewer traditional DFS formats
- ❌ Still growing contest variety
Types of bets in South Dakota
South Dakota retail sportsbooks offer a range of betting options for in-person wagers.
Here are the main types you’ll find:
Moneyline: A straight bet on which team or player will win. Odds are based on favorites and underdogs.
Point spread: Betting on the margin of victory. The favorite must win by a set number of points; underdogs can lose by a certain margin and still cover.
Over/under: Also called totals, this bet is on the combined score of both teams. You choose whether the final score will go over or under the set line.
Futures: Long-term bets on season outcomes, like who will win the Super Bowl or the MVP. Odds often offer high payouts but carry more risk.
Parlays: Multiple bets tied together. All must win for the parlay to pay out, but payouts increase with each added leg.
Prop bets: Bets on individual performances or in-game events, like total rushing yards or which team scores first. College player props are banned in South Dakota.
Live betting: Also known as in-game betting, these are bets placed during a game. Odds update in real time based on what’s happening on the field.
How to bet responsibly in South Dakota
Even with limited sports betting options, it’s important to gamble responsibly.
South Dakota provides several resources for those who need help.
Whether you're struggling with sports betting, casino games, or fantasy contests, support is available.
If you feel out of control, take action early.
Warning signs include chasing losses, gambling with money you can’t afford to lose, or hiding your activity from others.
South Dakota-specific resources:
South Dakota Department of Social Services: dss.sd.gov
South Dakota Council on Problem Gambling: 605-224-1871
South Dakota Helpline Center: Dial 211 or visit helplinecenter.org
National help organizations:
National Council on Problem Gambling: ncpgambling.org | 1-800-GAMBLER
Gamblers Anonymous: gamblersanonymous.org
GamTalk: gamtalk.org
South Dakota casinos also offer self-exclusion programs if you need to take a break from gambling environments.
Read our expert guide to responsible betting here.
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