South Dakota Gambling & Gaming Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for gambling & gaming in the state of South Dakota. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 6 different categories.
Daily Fantasy Sports
LEGALDaily Fantasy Sports are legal in South Dakota. There have been no significant changes to the legal status of DFS in South Dakota in recent years.
DFS Rules
Legal
Licensed Operators
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Minimum Age
18+
Gambling Age
LEGALThe minimum gambling age in South 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
ILLEGALSouth Dakota prohibits online casino gambling and poker under state law. The state allows limited in-person gaming such as at Deadwood casinos, but internet gambling is not authorized by statute. No provisions exist for online poker or casino games.
Online Casino Rules
No specific statute on possession of online gambling software, but use or facilitation is prohibited under SDCL 22-25-1 (illegal gambling).
Licensed Platforms
Sale or operation of online gambling platforms is prohibited under SDCL 22-25-1 and related statutes.
Penalties
Class 1 misdemeanor for illegal gambling activities (SDCL 22-25-1).
Minimum Age
18+ for in-person gambling; online gambling not authorized.
Online Gambling / Sports Betting
ILLEGALSouth Dakota allows limited in-person sports betting at Deadwood casinos under SDCL § 42-7B, but online sports betting and online gambling remain illegal. The state has not authorized any form of online gambling or online sports betting.
Online Gambling Rules
Possession of online gambling software or devices for online betting is prohibited.
Licensed Operators
Sale or facilitation of online gambling or sports betting is illegal except for authorized in-person betting at licensed Deadwood casinos.
Penalties
Violations can result in misdemeanor charges with fines and possible jail time under SDCL § 42-7B-17.
Minimum Age
21 years old for all gambling activities.
Poker Home Games
LEGALSocial poker home games are legal in South Dakota as long as no one takes a rake or house cut from the pot. No significant changes to the laws regarding social gambling.
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
RESTRICTEDSports betting is legal with restrictions in South Dakota. Retail sports betting launched in September 2021.
In-Person Betting
Legal for 21+. South Dakota voters approved sports betting in November 2020 (Constitutional Amendment B). Retail only at licensed casinos in Deadwood. No online/mobile betting. Limited market with local operators.
Online/Mobile Betting
Retail only at Deadwood casinos. No online/mobile betting. Limited bet types and lower maximum wagers than larger markets.
Penalties
Unlicensed gambling operations face criminal charges. Individual bettors using licensed platforms face no penalties.
Minimum Betting Age
21+