South Dakota Sports Betting Laws
South Dakota's sports betting law is built on three pillars: a 2020 constitutional amendment, a 2021 enabling statute, and a possible 2026 amendment that could expand the market to statewide mobile betting. Every commercial sportsbook in the state operates under this framework.
Constitutional Amendment B (2020)
SD voters approved Constitutional Amendment B on November 3, 2020 with 58.5% support (239,620 to 170,191 votes). The amendment authorized sports betting "within the city limits of Deadwood" — building on the 1989 amendment that originally legalized limited-stakes commercial gaming there.
Because SD requires constitutional amendments rather than ordinary statutes to expand gaming, every change to the betting framework requires a statewide ballot vote — not just legislative action.
SB 44 — The Enabling Statute (2021)
Governor Kristi Noem signed Senate Bill 44 on March 29, 2021, establishing the regulatory framework that turned Amendment B into a working market. SB 44 created the licensing process, set the 9% tax rate, and assigned regulatory authority to the SD Commission on Gaming.
The Commission is a 5-member body appointed by the governor, with Enforcement and Operations divisions handling compliance and audits at all licensed properties.
Tax Rate & License Fees
- Operator tax: 9% of gross gaming revenue — one of the lowest US rates
- Initial license: $1,000
- Annual renewal: $200
- Cumulative tax revenue since 2021: over $3.5 million
- FY 2025 sports wagering tax: $925,477
- State income tax on winnings: none (SD has no state income tax — federal still applies)
In-State College Betting Ban
Betting on any in-state college team is strictly prohibited. This includes:
- SDSU Jackrabbits (FCS football powerhouse)
- USD Coyotes
- All other SD-based collegiate athletic programs
Individual college player props are also prohibited statewide for any college — in-state or out-of-state. High school sports betting is banned entirely. You can bet on out-of-state college teams (game lines) freely.
Age & Location Requirements
You must be at least 21 years old and physically located on a licensed casino floor — either a Deadwood commercial casino or one of the 9 tribal casinos with sports betting in its compact. Residency is not required; visitors with valid ID can bet. The 18+ minimum applies only to horse racing simulcast, never sports.
SJR 504 — The 2026 Ballot Measure
Senate Joint Resolution 504, introduced January 23, 2026 by Senator Casey Crabtree, would put a constitutional amendment on the November 2026 general election ballot to authorize statewide mobile sports betting.
- The Senate Taxation Committee advanced it on February 11, 2026
- 90% of mobile sports betting tax revenue would fund property tax relief
- Operators would need to partner with a Deadwood casino and host servers in Deadwood
- Previous attempts in 2022 and 2023 failed in the House — this is SD's strongest position yet
Read more: Online & mobile betting status.
SD Commission on Gaming
The 5-member commission is the regulatory authority for all commercial sports betting in SD. It is appointed by the governor and operates through Enforcement and Operations divisions. Tribal casinos are not regulated by the Commission — each tribe has its own compact with the state.