South Dakota, in the Midwest of the United States, is right on the brink of opening up for sports betting.
Later this year the town of Deadwood will become the hub of the state’s plan to drive new revenues through legalized gambling on sports.
With a population of 899,000 (2020 data), SD is not exactly the biggest prize of all for sportsbooks hoping to profit from the Gold Rush. But it all adds to the growing mix.
There are no professional major-league sports franchises in the state, or college sports powerhouses. But the thirst for sports betting locally is clearly strong.
And that thirst should be quenched from later in 2021.
Is sports betting legal in South Dakota?
“Almost” is the answer to this burning question. Voters in November 2020 approved the legalization of sports betting in South Dakota, but the rules will not come into effect until July 1, 2021.
Even when sports betting does open up, there will be some limitations for people hoping to get a piece of the action while in the state.
Sports betting will only be legal in the town of Deadwood, and if you want to bet (even online) you’ll need to be on the premises at a licensed site.
Once Deadwood is open for business, you’ll need to be aged 21 or older to get involved.
Legal sports betting near South Dakota
Just because South Dakota is not quite live with sports betting, that doesn’t mean you can’t bet legally yet. The laws are different in each state, and they’re all about location.
So assuming you have a local state that is legal, you just need to travel there to bet:
Iowa: Offers both in-person and online/mobile betting. The great news is that from January 1, 2021 you no longer need to register in person at a licensed site for mobile betting. You can now do it from anywhere in state, as long as you’re aged 21 or over.
Montana: All mobile betting must be done through the Sports Bet Montana app or website, run by the state lottery. You must be on-site at a retail sports betting outlet or kiosk to register and bet. Maximum bet is $250 at a kiosk or $1000 online. The legal age to bet is 18 or older.
Are offshore sportsbooks legal in South Dakota?
Offshore sportsbooks are not legal in South Dakota. They operate without being licensed by local lawmakers.
Our advice is strongly to avoid signing up with offshore firms, even if the sign-up offers seem pretty tempting. Because of their unlicensed state, you have no consumer protection.
Instead, stay closer to home with legal options inside the union, including South Dakota in the near future.