North Dakota Gambling & Gaming Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for gambling & gaming in the state of North Dakota. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 6 different categories.
Daily Fantasy Sports
LEGALDaily Fantasy Sports are legal in North Dakota. There have been no significant changes to the legal status of DFS in North Dakota in recent years.
DFS Rules
Legal
Licensed Operators
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Minimum Age
18+
Gambling Age
LEGALThe minimum gambling age in North Dakota is 18 for most forms of gambling including lottery and some casino games. State law permits gambling at age 18 for certain forms (lottery, bingo, pari-mutuel).
Casino Minimum Age
18+ for most gambling; 21+ at some venues
Lottery/Other Gambling Age
Legal
Penalties
Underage gambling is a misdemeanor.
Minimum Gambling Age
18+
Online Casinos & Poker
RESTRICTEDNorth Dakota allows limited online gambling through its state lottery and tribal casinos but does not permit online casino gambling or poker broadly. The state’s gambling laws (NDCC Chapter 53-06) do not authorize commercial online casino or poker platforms. Online lottery sales are permitted.
Online Casino Rules
Possession of online lottery software is legal; other online gambling software is not authorized.
Licensed Platforms
Sale of online lottery tickets is permitted; other online gambling sales are prohibited.
Penalties
Unauthorized online gambling can result in criminal penalties under NDCC § 12.1-27-02.
Minimum Age
18 years old for lottery; 21 for casino gambling.
Online Gambling / Sports Betting
UNVERIFIEDLegal status of Online Gambling / Sports Betting in North Dakota has not yet been verified. In early 2025, the state House rejected a resolution that would have put the legalization of online sports betting on the ballot for voters to decide.
Online Gambling Rules
Unverified
Licensed Operators
Unverified
Penalties
Unverified
Minimum Age
Unverified
Poker Home Games
LEGALSocial poker home games are legal in North Dakota as long as no one takes a rake or house cut from the pot. No recent changes to the social gambling laws.
Home Game Rules
Legal for social games without a rake
Rake/House Cut Rules
N/A
Penalties
Taking a rake converts it to illegal gambling.
Age Requirements
Varies, typically 18+
Sports Betting
ILLEGALSports betting is available in limited form in North Dakota, such as tribal casinos only or limited retail locations. Online betting may not be available.
In-Person Betting
Illegal. North Dakota has not legalized sports betting. A 2024 ballot measure to legalize sports betting failed. The state allows charitable gaming and has a lottery but has not authorized sports wagering.
Online/Mobile Betting
No legal sportsbooks or betting apps operate in North Dakota.
Penalties
North Dakota Century Code § 12.1-28: gambling is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year, $3,000 fine). Promoting gambling is a Class C felony.
Minimum Betting Age
N/A — not legal