South Dakota Online Casinos | Best SD Casino Sites & Apps in 2023

Welcome to your ultimate guide for South Dakota online casinos! Are you looking for a way to play all your favorite slots and table games from the comfort of your home? We’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll provide everything you need to know about virtual casino gaming in the Mount Rushmore State, including the laws and regulations, top mobile casino platforms, latest news updates, and more. By the time we’re finished, you’ll be ready to dive in and experience the best that South Dakota online casinos have to offer! Now, let’s get started.

Are Online Casinos Legal in South Dakota?

As of September 2023, online casino gambling is not yet legal in South Dakota. Online or mobile casino platforms that offer real-money wagering are not allowed to operate in South Dakota or accept players from within the state’s borders. In general, South Dakota’s gambling laws are relatively strict, and most forms of internet-based gambling are not currently available in the state.

Fortunately, South Dakota casino enthusiasts are not completely out of luck and still have several different ways to get in on the action. First, South Dakota is home to nearly a dozen tribal casinos that are owned by federally-recognized Native American tribes and authorized to offer Class III gaming (slot machines, table games, etc.) through compacts negotiated with the state government.

In addition, commercial casinos are allowed to operate in the city of Deadwood (which is located about 60 miles from Mount Rushmore) and offer slot machines, blackjack, roulette, poker, and several other games. Commercial gaming is regulated by the South Dakota Commission on Gaming, and there is a $1,000 maximum bet limit on any single wager at a South Dakota land-based casino.

Those in South Dakota who prefer virtual casino gaming can use social casinos and sweepstakes casinos, which are innovative platforms that offer a wide range of casino-style games, do not require an initial deposit or payment of any kind, and often give players a chance to win real cash prizes through their gameplay.

Different Types of South Dakota Online Casinos

To help simplify things, we have divided online casinos into three distinct categories: real-money online casinos, social and sweepstakes casinos, and offshore casinos. The major advantages and disadvantages of these types of casinos, as well as their current availability in the Mount Rushmore State, are highlighted below.

Real-Money Online Casinos

• Pros: Offer Real-Money Wagering
• Cons: Only Available in a Limited Number of States

Real-money online casinos are digital platforms that allow users to play various casino games and make wagers using real money. These casinos are licensed and regulated by governmental authorities in specific jurisdictions, ensuring fairness and player protection. Players create accounts, deposit funds using various payment methods, and can withdraw their winnings at any time.

They offer a wide range of games, including slots, table games (e.g., blackjack, roulette, poker), and live dealer games, which are run by real human dealers through video streaming. Real-money online casinos provide a genuine gambling experience akin to land-based casinos, and players can win and lose real money in the process.

Unfortunately, real-money online casinos are not yet legal in South Dakota. In fact, there are currently only seven U.S. states that have legalized and currently regulate these types of platforms: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. As a result, South Dakota residents will need to plan a trip east to one of these states in order to gain access to Golden Nugget Casino, WynnBET Casino, and other popular real-money online casinos.

Social Casinos & Sweepstakes Casinos

• Pros: Free To Use, Widely Available in the United States, Offer Real Cash Prizes
• Cons: Don’t Offer Real-Money Wagering

Social casinos, also commonly known as sweepstakes casinos, are online platforms that offer casino games primarily for entertainment purposes and do not involve real-money gambling. Players can enjoy slots, poker, blackjack, and other games, but they use virtual currencies like “Gold Coins” or “Sweeps Coins” instead of real funds.

Users can often invite friends, share achievements, and compete in tournaments against other casino enthusiasts from all over the world. While no actual money is involved, players may have the option to purchase virtual currency or other in-game items in order to enhance their overall gaming experience. That said, no purchase or payment of any kind is required by social casinos in order to participate.

In addition, many social casinos give players a chance to win cash, digital gift cards, and other real prizes by using sweepstakes-style promotions. Social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are completely legal in South Dakota and are a fantastic alternative to real-money online casinos.

Offshore Casinos

• Pros: Attractive Welcome Offers & Promotional Deals
• Cons: Lack of Regulation and Oversight, Limited Player Protection, Security and Privacy Concerns

Offshore casinos are virtual gambling platforms that operate outside the jurisdiction of South Dakota and the United States. These casinos may be licensed in different jurisdictions with potentially lower regulatory standards. Players access offshore casinos through the Internet, and they can often provide a broader range of games and more lenient rules on registration and play.

However, playing at offshore casinos can be very risky, as they might not offer the same level of player protection or adhere to responsible gambling practices as required by reputable licensing authorities. Offshore casinos also might not guarantee the security of personal and financial information, making players vulnerable to potential data breaches and fraud.

Additionally, the lack of proper regulation can raise concerns about the fairness and integrity of the games offered, leading to doubts about the legitimacy of outcomes. As a result, we strongly discourage the use of offshore casinos and advise South Dakota casino players to instead use the social casinos and sweepstakes casinos currently available in their state.

What Are the Best South Dakota Social Casinos?

All of the top U.S. social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are currently available in the state of South Dakota. Here are a few of the best platforms to consider joining today:

Chumba Casino

• Available States: 48 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID & WA)
• Full Review: Chumba Casino Review

Chumba Casino is one of America’s fastest-growing social gaming sites and is owned by Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), which is also responsible for LuckyLand Slots and Global Poker. Players who sign up with Chumba Casino today will have access to over 150 thrilling casino-style games, including virtual slots, classic table games, progressive jackpots, bingo and Slingo options, and more. In addition, Chumba Casino provides a very generous welcome offer to all new users of the platform.

Fortune Coins

• Available States: 48 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID & WA)
• Full Review: Fortune Coins Review

Another popular option is Fortune Coins Casino, which is widely available in the United States and Canada. Fortune Coins offers more than 150 games, including a wide range of slots with many different themes, bonus features, volatilities, and gameplay mechanics. The social gaming site also allows players to redeem their virtual winnings for real cash prizes and digital gift cards to all their favorite brands and retailers.

High 5 Casino

• Available States: 48 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID & WA)
• Full Review: High 5 Casino Review

High 5 Casino (H5C) first launched in September 2012 and has established itself as one of the world’s top sweepstakes casino platforms. Users will enjoy over 800 Vegas-style casino games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games. High 5 Casino also provides one of the best mobile apps in the industry, has excellent customer service, and offers plenty of bonuses to everyday players in order to enhance the overall gaming experience.

Stake.us

• Available States: 44 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID, KY, MI, NV, NY, & WA)
• Full Review: Stake.us Review

Last but not least, Stake.us is widely considered to be “America’s social casino” and has secured partnerships with hip-hop sensation Drake and the UFC. The social gaming platform offers over 400 slots, table games, and live dealer options from some of the industry’s best and most popular software providers. In addition, all players will enjoy daily reload bonuses, social media giveaways, Rakeback, and other exciting bonus opportunities on the site.

How To Sign Up for a South Dakota Online Casino

South Dakota Land-Based Casinos

South Dakota’s land-based casinos consist of both tribal casinos and commercial casinos. Tribal casinos are operated by Native American tribes under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, providing various gambling options such as slot machines, table games, and poker. These casinos contribute significantly to the local economy and offer a unique gaming experience with cultural elements from the tribes that operate them.

Deadwood, a historic town in South Dakota, is home to many commercial casinos. After the state legalized limited-stakes gambling in 1989, Deadwood’s casinos have become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The casinos offer a range of games, including slot machines, blackjack, roulette, and poker. In addition to gaming, Deadwood’s casinos often feature restaurants, bars, and live entertainment, creating a vibrant atmosphere for visitors.

Here is a full list of South Dakota’s tribal casinos and commercial casinos:

Tribal Casinos

Commercial Casinos

Other Legal Forms of Gambling in South Dakota

In addition to in-person casino gaming at South Dakota’s tribal casinos and Deadwood commercial casinos, there are several other legal forms of gambling offered in the Mount Rushmore State. Here are a few of the other options currently available in the state:

Sports Betting

South Dakota officially launched sports betting in September 2021 after voters approved the Deadwood Sports Betting Legalization Amendment in the November 2020 general election. Today, retail sportsbooks are available at commercial casinos in Deadwood and various tribal casinos located across the state. Wagers can be placed on both professional and college sporting events, with the only exception being matchups involving in-state schools (e.g., University of South Dakota State).

However, online sports betting is not yet available in South Dakota, though it is technically authorized to take place on the premises at any licensed casino or retail location in Deadwood. As a result, South Dakota residents will need to visit Wyoming, Iowa, or other nearby states in order to gain access to BetMGM Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, and all the other popular U.S. mobile sports betting platforms.

Horse Racing

Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is also legal in South Dakota. Bets can be placed on live races taking place at the Stanley County Fairgrounds or Brown County Fairgrounds, and simulcast wagering is offered at the state’s only off-track betting facility (Triple Crown Casino in Sioux City). In addition, bets can be placed online using advance-deposit wagering (ADW) sites like TwinSpires and AmWager.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Like many other U.S. states, South Dakota has not explicitly legalized daily fantasy sports (DFS). However, the state has also not prohibited DFS and currently allows all of the most popular daily fantasy sites and apps to offer paid contests to anyone 18 years or older. DraftKings, FanDuel, Yahoo Fantasy, OwnersBox, Underdog Fantasy, and ParlayPlay are just a few of the many DFS platforms currently available in the Mount Rushmore State.

South Dakota Lottery

The South Dakota Lottery was established in 1986 and offers various lottery games to the public, including scratch-off tickets and draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions. Proceeds from the lottery are used to support education and other state programs. Players can purchase lottery tickets from authorized retailers throughout the state, and the drawings for draw games are held regularly, offering the chance to win significant prizes.

Charitable Gaming

Charitable gaming is another legal form of gambling in South Dakota, regulated by the South Dakota Department of Revenue. This form of gambling involves nonprofit organizations hosting events such as bingo, raffles, and other games of chance to raise funds for charitable purposes. However, organizations must obtain a license to conduct charitable gaming events, and there are specific rules and limitations on the type and frequency of games that can be offered.

Strategies & Tips for South Dakota Casino Players

While success during online or in-person casino play is largely determined by pure luck and random chance, there are plenty of guidelines to follow and strategies to implement in order to increase your chances of coming out on top. Here are the best tips and tricks for South Dakota casino players:

• Know the Games: Familiarize yourself with the rules and strategies of the casino games you wish to play. Whether it’s blackjack, poker, slots, or roulette, understanding the games can help you make informed decisions and potentially improve your odds.
• Claim Bonuses Wisely: Take advantage of bonuses and promotions. However, read and understand the terms and conditions attached to these offers to make the most of them. This includes being aware of any wagering requirements that will need to be met before being able to withdraw your winnings.
• Avoid Chasing Losses: If luck isn’t on your side, resist the temptation to chase losses by betting more significant amounts. This can lead to even more significant losses and potential financial difficulties.
• Watch for Promotions: Keep an eye out for special promotions, tournaments, or special events at both online and land-based casinos. Participating in these can add excitement to your gambling experience and offer extra rewards.
• Play at Reputable Casinos: Stick to licensed and regulated casinos with a positive reputation. Research different South Dakota casinos and read reviews from other players to ensure fairness and reliability.
• Join Players’ Clubs: If you frequent land-based casinos, consider joining their players’ clubs. These clubs offer rewards and loyalty programs that can earn you perks like free play, meals, or accommodation.
• Be Mindful of Tax Implications: If you hit a significant jackpot, be aware of potential tax obligations. Depending on the amount won, you may need to report it as income on your tax return.
• Learn From Experience: Whether you win or lose, take the time to analyze your casino gaming sessions. Learn from your mistakes and successes to improve your strategies and decision-making in future games.

South Dakota Online Casino FAQ