Gambling in South Dakota is governed by a comprehensive set of laws. In 1989, South Dakota became the third state to authorize casinos in the United States. There are fewer restrictions on commercial gambling in South Dakota than in most other states, and the state boasts among of the most permissive gambling laws in the country.
When gambling was finally permitted in South Dakota, it was just for horse races. People have been able to place bets on horses and greyhounds since the 1940s. Online horse betting is the only type of gambling that is legally authorized in the state. Brown County Fairgrounds in Aberdeen and Stanley County Fairgrounds in Ft. Pierre are the state’s two active horse racetrack; however, dog racing is illegal there. South Dakota also permits other types of gambling, such as lotteries, charitable games, casinos on Native American reservations, and bingo.
South Dakota prohibits not only sports betting but also all types of internet gambling. Despite the state’s relatively lenient stance on gambling, Chapter 22-25A of the state’s statute book makes it illegal for “individuals in the gambling business” to place wagers online. Casino owners who facilitate internet gambling will face serious criminal penalties as a result of this legislation. However, it is not illegal for them to provide demo versions of their slot machines for play.
The annual revenue of Deadwood’s casinos is roughly $100 million, with an additional $10 million going in taxes. Although those under 21 are permitted at Deadwood’s casinos and Indian casinos, the legal gambling age for live horse racing is 18.
Curiosities about the State
The state of South Dakota was formed when the United States expanded westward. The state’s rich gambling heritage, highlighted by the storied Black Hills Gold Rush and the city of Deadwood, has made it a popular vacation spot for gamblers from across the world.
Native American tribes such as the Lakota Sioux, Yankton Sioux, Ponca, and Cheyenne have a long history in the state of South Dakota. South Dakota was the site of the famous Little Big Horn Battle, in which an alliance of Indian tribes from the Black Hills defeated U.S. Cavalry headed by General George Cluster.
Deadwood, South Dakota, the historical mining town and gambling hub of the state, was the inspiration for the hit HBO series “Deadwood.” South Dakota has produced a number of well-known people, including January Jones, Brock Lesnar, Hubert Humphery, and Chad Greenway.
The Black Hills are home to several famous landmarks, including the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore. The faces of four U.S. presidents—Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson—are carved into the side of Mount Rushmore, also known as President’s Mountain. Crazy Horse Memorial, at 641 feet in length and 563 feet in height, is the largest sculpture in the world. South Dakota is home to Jewel Cave, the third-longest cave in the world.
Places to Bet in Maryland
Deadwood is South Dakota’s gambling mecca, so naturally there are many of casinos here. The state of South Dakota is home to 31 classic casinos.
A total of 9 tribal casinos can be found in South Dakota. Slot machines and video poker are the main draws at most tribal casinos. Watertown, Mission, Mobridge, Flandreau, Pickstown, Pine Ridge, Lower Brule, Sisseton, and Martin are just few of the places in South Dakota where you may find a tribal casino. Rapid City and North Sioux City both have off-track betting establishments.
Dakota Sioux Casino is the largest casino in South Dakota, and it features 400 slot machines, a poker area, and a wide variety of table games. With 386 slot machines, the Royal River Casino is the largest of the smaller casinos in the area.