North Dakota Sports Betting Apps & Sportsbooks – How To Bet In ND

Sports betting has gained significant traction across the United States, and North Dakota is no exception. As the demand for legal sports wagering continues to grow, sports enthusiasts and bettors in the Peace Garden State are eagerly exploring the options available to them. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to North Dakota sports betting, highlighting the best sportsbooks available and providing all the information you’ll need to get started!

Is Sports Betting Legal in North Dakota?

In December 2021, not long after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional & Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), sports betting launched in North Dakota. Any of the state’s federally recognized Native American tribes are authorized to accept in-person wagers on their reservations. There are currently three retail sports betting locations in North Dakota:

Two other North Dakota tribal casinos (Prairie Knights Casino in Fort Yates and Spirit Lake Casino in St. Michael) are also eligible to offer sports betting at their facilities and may look to launch sportsbooks in the near future.

It is worth noting that North Dakota state law has not officially legalized retail sports betting within its borders. Instead, North Dakota tribes are able to accept in-person wagers through clauses in their compacts with the state.

When Will Online Sports Betting Launch in North Dakota?

Although retail sportsbooks have been live in the Peace Garden State for several years now, online and mobile sports betting is not yet available in North Dakota. This means, for the time being, all wagers will need to be placed in person at the authorized tribal casinos in Belcourt, Hankinson, and New Town.

In December 2021, North Dakota state legislators rejected a proposal that would have allowed a ballot measure for online sports betting in the November 2022 general election. Another similar proposal (HCR 3002) was passed by the state’s House of Representatives in January 2023 but ultimately rejected by a 16-30 Senate vote a few months later in April.

Unless the North Dakota Senate reconsiders its vote on HCR 3002, 2025 is the earliest opportunity state legislators would have to take up the issue again, as the North Dakota Legislative Assembly meets in regular sessions in odd-numbered years. As a result, North Dakota residents are unlikely to get a chance to vote on online sports betting until at least November 2026.

North Dakota Sports Betting Rules & Regulations

Unlike most other U.S. states that offer online or retail sportsbooks, North Dakota does not have legislation in place that specifically defines the rules and regulations of sports betting in the state. Instead, the responsibility is granted to each of North Dakota’s tribes and their gambling commission or regulatory body, with the state being able to step in and conduct inspections at any time.

As a result, the rules may vary slightly at each of the three North Dakota retail sportsbooks. For example, Dakota Nation Sportsbook is regulated by the SWO Gaming Commission and allows wagers on college athletic events but prohibits wagers on high school sports.

However, all three tribal casinos allow anyone who is 21 years or older and not found on any exclusion or self-exclusion lists to place a wide range of bet types on professional sports leagues in the United States and beyond, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, Premier League, and more.

What Are the Best North Dakota Sportsbooks & Betting Sites?

While mobile sportsbooks are not yet authorized to operate in North Dakota, plenty of the top U.S. sports betting sites may look to launch in the Peace Garden State should an opportunity ever arise. A few of the most likely candidates are discussed below.

DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings currently offers online sports betting in several other Midwestern states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Kansas) and would likely jump at a chance to enter the North Dakota betting market. With a wide range of betting markets, including an unmatched selection of alternative lines and prop bets, DraftKings Sportsbook is the go-to option for sports bettors all over the country.

FanDuel Sportsbook

Another common platform available in nearby states (such as Iowa, Michigan, and Wyoming) is FanDuel Sportsbook. FanDuel provides arguably the best mobile app in the industry, as it is very well-designed and incredibly easy to navigate between different betting options. In addition, the platform is well known for its excellent customer service and frequent promotional deals offered to everyday customers.

BetRivers Sportsbook

BetRivers Sportsbook has established itself as one of the top sports betting sites in the United States and is constantly looking to expand its platform into new markets across the country. Daily odds boosts, competitive odds, a fantastic customer rewards program, and incredible market depth are just a few reasons why BetRivers Sportsbook continues to grow in popularity year in and year out.

Tipico Sportsbook

Last but not least, Tipico Sportsbook is a fantastic option for American sports bettors and has a variety of special features and benefits to offer its customers. New customers are typically offered a 100% match bonus on their first deposit, and existing users can take advantage of Tipico’s exciting customer loyalty program as well as their frequent odds boosts on a wide range of sports and leagues.

How Can I Bet on Sports in North Dakota?

While North Dakota sports bettors don’t have quite the variety of options available in states like Nevada or New Jersey, they will still have plenty of different ways to get in on the action. Listed and explained below are a few of the options currently available in the Peace Garden State.

Retail Sportsbooks

As previously mentioned, there are three retail sports betting locations available in North Dakota: Dakota Magic Casino, 4 Bears Casino & Lodge, and Sky Dancer Casino & Resort. These tribal casinos are spread out across the state, ensuring all residents are just a quick drive away from an authentic and exciting sports betting experience.

Visit Neighboring States

North Dakota bettors also have the option to visit neighboring states that have legalized online or retail sports betting within their borders. For example, those who live in the western part of the state can cross over into Montana and bet online using the Sports Bet Montana website or mobile app at any of the 250+ retail locations across the state. Wyoming, South Dakota, and Iowa are all also reasonably close to North Dakota and offer sports betting to visitors as well.

Horse Racing

Parimutuel horse race betting is legal in the state of North Dakota, and wagers can be placed at race tracks in the state (Chippewa Downs or North Dakota Horse Park), simulcasting facilities, or online. AmWager, TwinSpires, and FanDuel Racing are all available and allow customers to live-stream races to make sure they never miss a minute of the action.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) is also available across the state. Like many other U.S. states, North Dakota permits DFS to exist in a legal gray area, meaning it is technically not legal or illegal and the state does not license or regulate DFS operators. As a result, DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog Fantasy, and many other exciting options are currently accessible to North Dakota residents.

Offshore Sportsbooks

Offshore sportsbooks, such as Bovada or MyBookie, are an option for North Dakota bettors as well. They allow you to place bets online from any location on both college and professional sporting events. However, offshore sportsbooks should be approached with extreme caution, as they are not regulated the same way as U.S. sportsbooks and come with certain risks (e.g., limited legal protections and recourse, potential issues with fund withdrawals, and uncertainty regarding fair play).

Where Can I Bet on Sports in North Dakota?

North Dakota sports bettors can visit any of the three authorized retail sportsbooks available across the state to place wagers on all their favorite players and teams. Dakota Nation Sportsbook is located at Dakota Magic Casino in Hankinson and is just a short drive away for Fargo residents.

Meanwhile, 4 Bears Sports Book operates in New Town and is a great option for sports betting enthusiasts in the western half of the state. Lastly, Sportsbook at Sky Dancer Casino is found in Belcourt, near the Canadian border.

If you’d prefer to place your bets online or would like to explore additional retail sports betting locations, you may look to nearby states (e.g., Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming) to find an option that works best for you.

Montana

Sports betting was legalized in Montana in May 2019 and became fully operational in March 2020. There are currently over 250 retail locations in the state where you can visit to place in-person wagers on both college and professional sporting events. In addition, mobile betting is available via a single operator (Sports Bet Montana), which allows bets to be made online when you’re physically present at any of the state’s licensed retail sports betting locations.

South Dakota

South Dakota is similar to North Dakota, as both states allow retail sports betting but do not currently offer any online or mobile sportsbooks. Sports betting became legal in the Mount Rushmore State in November 2020, and there are nearly a dozen casinos and other licensed retail locations accepting wagers in the state today.

Wyoming

Sports betting became legal in Wyoming in September 2021, and there are four online sportsbooks (DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars) available to anyone located within state lines. Wyoming is a remote registration state, meaning sports bettors can register for an account and get everything set up from anywhere and then visit the state when they’d like to place their bets.

What Teams Can I Bet on in North Dakota?

Although there are no major league sports teams based in the state, North Dakota is still home to plenty of passionate and dedicated fans spanning a wide range of both college and professional sports. Discussed below are a few of the most popular teams and whether they can be bet on within state lines.

North Dakota Fighting Hawks

The University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks represent the state’s flagship university in Grand Forks. Known for their successful athletic programs, the Fighting Hawks have a passionate following. Their ice hockey team, in particular, has achieved notable success, winning multiple national championships over the years. You’ll need to check with your preferred North Dakota retail sportsbook to find out if they allow wagers on games involving in-state college teams.

North Dakota State Bison

The North Dakota State Bison represent North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo. The Bison have gained national recognition for their highly successful football program. They have achieved remarkable success, winning numerous national championships in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and developing a strong following among North Dakota sports fans. Betting opportunities on NDSU games vary across different tribal casinos in the state.

Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings, based in Minneapolis, are an NFL team that has a significant fan following in North Dakota. As the closest NFL team geographically, many North Dakota sports fans support the Vikings. The team has a rich history and has garnered a loyal fan base over the years. You can bet on the Vikings and all other NFL teams at any of the retail sportsbooks operating in the state.

Minnesota Wild

The NHL’s Minnesota Wild are based in St. Paul, Minnesota and are widely supported by North Dakota sports fans. With North Dakota’s strong ice hockey culture, many residents follow the Wild’s games closely, and the team has a dedicated fan base throughout the entire Midwest region. You can place in-person wagers on the Wild in North Dakota all season long.

Tips & Tricks for North Dakota Sports Bettors

If you’re looking for a way to take your sports betting experience to the next level, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some general guidelines to follow and useful strategies to implement to increase your chances of success:

• Use Statistical Analysis: Dive into statistical data and analytics to support your betting decisions. Utilize resources that provide team and player statistics, historical data, trends, and advanced metrics to inform your wagers.
• Utilize Live Betting Options: Take advantage of live betting features offered by sportsbooks. This allows you to place bets during the course of a game, capitalizing on momentum shifts and gaining a deeper understanding of the teams’ performance.
• Practice Proper Bankroll Management: Practice responsible bankroll management by setting a budget for your sports betting activities. Establish limits on how much you’re willing to wager and avoid chasing losses, ensuring a more sustainable and enjoyable experience.
• Track Your Bets: Maintain a record of your betting activity to track your performance over time. Analyze your wins and losses, identify patterns, and learn from past bets to refine your strategies.
• Join Betting Communities: Engage with fellow sports bettors through online forums, social media groups, or local communities. Sharing insights, discussing strategies, and learning from others can expand your knowledge and enhance your betting approach.

North Dakota Sports Betting FAQ