Is Online Gambling Legal in North Dakota?
North Dakota online gambling laws are pretty strict, and authorities allow only a limited range of activities. For example, charitable bingo, state lotteries, daily fantasy sports, as well as sweepstakes and social casinos, are permitted. At the same time, real money online casinos, online poker, and online sports betting are prohibited. To wager on sports, North Dakotans need to choose one of the land-based casinos operating under tribal-state compacts. The legal gambling age is 18 and 21, depending on the type of activity. In the table below, you can find a detailed breakdown of online gambling in North Dakota.
| Gambling type | Legal | Minimum age | Who regulates |
|---|
| Online casinos | No | - | - |
| Social casinos | Yes | 18+ | No direct regulation |
| Sweepstakes casinos | Yes | 18+ | General promotion law |
| Charitable Bingo | Yes | 18+ | ND Attorney General (Gaming Division) |
| Online Lottery | Yes | 18+ | North Dakota Lottery |
| Online poker | No | - | - |
| Sports betting | No | - | - |
| Daily fantasy sports | Yes | 18+ | - |
Best Sweepstakes Casinos in North Dakota
While real money casinos remain prohibited in the Peace Garden State, residents can join one of multiple sweepstakes and social brands. We have tested all of them and are happy to share the best sweepstakes casinos in North Dakota.
Founded in 2023, this sweepstakes casino is known for a colourful theme, a great selection of bonuses, and one of the biggest lobbies on the market. At Zula, North Dakotans can play casino games from 40 software developers and use one of the lobby’s filters by provider, bonus features, and release date. The welcome package awards new players with coins for registration, phone verification, email consent, and other simple tasks. There are also Daily Login and Referral bonuses, as well as a multi-level VIP program with excellent rewards. If you like playing on the go, Zula Casino has one of the smoothest North Dakota casino apps for iOS and Android.
Pros
- A generous welcome bonus with gold and sweeps coins
- Native apps for iOS and Android
- Over 1,700 games in numerous categories
- Multiple ongoing promotions for regular players
Cons
- Doesn’t have live chat support
Wow Vegas is one of the most recognized sweepstakes casinos in North Dakota, mainly because of Paris Hilton—the official brand’s ambassador. Launched in 2024, it already has millions of players who can exchange bonus codes and talk in the community chat. The lobby features over 1,900 games, including WoW Vegas exclusive titles like Fortune Llama and Beast Fishooter.
This site also has a generous welcome package, a referral bonus, a loyalty program, and multiple ongoing promotions. To purchase additional coins and redeem winnings, North Dakotans can use Visa, AMEX, Google Pay, Trustly, JBC, and other payment methods.
Pros
- Millions of active monthly players
- Generous and affordable Quick Buy packages
- More than 1,900 casino games with weekly releases
- Multiple accepted payment methods, including Apple Pay and Skrill
Cons
- Doesn’t have a native app
Spree is one of our favorite North Dakota online casino sites, famous for a great variety of casino games, promotions, and payment methods. All new players receive Gold and Spree coins for creating an account, and can then claim daily free coins, collect loyalty points, and participate in regular tournaments. There is also a referral program and multiple purchase packages. Spree has over 2,000 games with new titles added every week.
Although it doesn’t yet have native apps, the browser version delivers a smooth, convenient casino experience thanks to HTML5 technology. Customer support is professional and available 24/7.
Pros
- Spree original games you won’t find elsewhere
- Licensed by the Isle of Man
- Lots of generous ongoing promotions
- A decent selection of live dealer games
RealPrize is one of the best online casinos for safety, affordable coin bundles, and mobile optimization. While the lobby is relatively small compared to Wow Vegas or Spree, there are hundreds of popular slots, including Gates of Olympus, Panda Fortune, and Big Bass Bonanza Megaways. Most of them can also be enjoyed through the native iOS app.
Founded in 2023, RealPrize boasts strong KYC measures, the latest SSL protocols, and secure payment methods. Redemption usually takes up to 48 hours if all requirements are met. When it comes to bonuses, RealPrize offers a decent New Register Bonus, a generous welcome package, Daily Login bonuses, and more.
Pros
- Lots of ongoing promotions
- Coin bundles start at $3
- Active communities on Facebook and X
- Supports Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Bank Transfer, and eCheck
Cons
- Not many table games on offer
If you are looking for the best online casino North Dakota has to offer, consider Chanced. You can start playing in a matter of seconds thanks to one-tap registration via Google, Facebook, Apple, or Twitch. New players are met with a no deposit welcome bonus, and regular users can benefit from a loyalty scheme, referral program, and other ongoing promotions.
At Chanced, North Dakotans can play games from renowned studios such as Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw, Relax Gaming, Evoplay, Atmosfera, and others. New games are added regularly, often as part of special promotions. Thanks to excellent website navigation, it is easy to switch between pages and find a particular game.
Pros
- Hundreds of popular games, including Crazy Time and Snoop Dog Dollars
- Good selection of ongoing promotions
- Partnership with Vegas Matt
- Fast redemption
Are Online Casinos Allowed in North Dakota?
No, online real money gaming is prohibited. But sweepstakes and social casinos are allowed, so North Dakotans can play games and claim bonuses without violating the rules.
Bonuses Available to North Dakotans
North Dakota casino players have access to multiple promotions that make gameplay not only fun but also rewarding. Our favorite bonuses include welcome packages, no deposit bonuses, daily login rewards, and referral programs.
Sign up & First Purchase Bonus
All North Dakota online gambling sites on our list offer welcome bonuses. These packages include coins, loyalty points, and other perks to reward new players for registering. Once the welcome bonus is claimed, there is usually a First Purchase offer that lets you buy additional coins at a discounted price.
No Deposit Bonus
This North Dakota online casino bonus rewards players with extra coins without the need to spend any money. No deposit bonuses are offered to both new and existing players to maintain their interest and trust. At Spree, for example, North Dakotans can receive free coins through social media giveaways, on public holidays, and during random prize drops.
Daily Login
ND players can also benefit from daily login rewards, which are earned by logging in to the website every day. Usually, bonus size increases along with the number of consecutive days you log in and resumes if you miss a day. The most rewarding online gambling sites in North Dakota with this bonus are Zula Casino and RealPrize.
Refer-a-friend
Top sites on our list offer referral bonuses that reward players for inviting others to the casino. Some brands also require invited friends to make a qualifying deposit. The referral program is simple to use: share a unique referral link or code with a friend, have them sign up, and collect your bonus coins.
Game Variety at the Best Online Casinos in ND
Even though real money casinos are not available in the Peace Garden State, residents can still play thousands of casino style games from renowned software developers. The most popular game categories are discussed below.
Online Slots
Casinos like Spree, WoW Vegas, and Zula have over a thousand slots: simple, bright, and fast machines where your only task is to set the bet size and hit the spin button. They come in tens of categories, themes, and styles, have no learning curve, and suit all types of players, regardless of age and preferences. Table Games
This category requires more time, skill, and knowledge but rewards players with longer gambling sessions and higher chances of winning. Table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat are less common than slots, but still have a solid fanbase among players from the Peace Garden State.Live Dealer Games
Online casinos in North Dakota often have live dealer sections. These are traditional table games, but hosted by live dealers and streamed from professional studios or land-based casinos. At Spree, for example, residents can play such live dealer games as Grand Bonus Blackjack, Auto Roulette, and Dragon Tiger.Specialty Games
At North Dakota casino sites, residents can also come across specialty games. These are games that don’t fit into slots, poker, table games, or other standard categories. Games such as crash, keno, bingo, and scratch cards are designed for quick play and typically have simple rules.
Payment Methods to Safely Gamble Online
When purchasing additional coins or redeeming cash prizes, casino players should choose the right payment option. Here are the most common and reliable methods available at ND online casino sites on our list:
- Debit and credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, are accepted by all major casinos. They support direct account payments, offer strong security, and provide solid customer support.
- Digital wallets, such as PayPal and Skrill, serve as intermediaries between a bank and an online casino. They allow instant transactions without exposing payment details and often come with smaller fees.
- Mobile payment systems are ideal for those who prefer to play on the go. Apple Pay and Google Pay enable one-tap transactions and typically include additional security measures to protect your data.
- Direct transfers are bank-to-casino transactions that players often choose when they don’t want to share their information with intermediaries. This payment method is ideal for larger amounts and secure, stable transactions.
When choosing a payment method for online casino gambling, consider such key factors as fees, transaction speed, and ease of use.
Jeremy Olson, Technical Content Lead
Gambling Laws in the Peace Garden State
Gambling laws in the state are conservative but clear, with most activities handled and regulated by the North Dakota Attorney General’s Gaming Division. This authority licenses charitable gambling, manages tribal-state compacts, and oversees compliance. The state lottery is supervised by the North Dakota Lottery, and pari-mutuel wagering, including horse racing, is regulated by the North Dakota Racing Commission.
Overall, legal gambling options in North Dakota include charitable games such as raffles, bingo, and pull-tabs, horse racing betting, and tribal casinos operating under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Several land-based casinos offer in-person sports betting, but North Dakota doesn’t allow online or mobile sports betting.
NDCC §12.1-28
According to the NDCC §12.1-28, unlicensed gambling is a criminal offense, ranging from infractions to Class C felonies. There are also separate paragraphs covering charitable gaming, pari-mutuel wagering, and state lottery. Compared to Michigan or New Jersey, where online casinos and sports betting are fully legal, the Peace Garden State offers fewer options. However, it is still more permissive than Hawaii or Utah, where almost all forms of gambling are prohibited.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Fantasy sports are one of the only fully legal forms of online gambling in the state. Since 2016, they have operated in a sort of gray area, since the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act classified DFS as a game of skill rather than chance.
Lottery
While there are lottery games available in the state, these are only part of the multi-state lottery. Players can buy tickets at retail stores and look at the ND Lottery website for information on winning numbers.
Online Horse Betting
Online horse racing is surprisingly legal, and it is overseen by the ND Racing Commission. The Commission lists several sites residents can bet with. A full list of allowable online horse racing sites can be found on the Racing Commission’s website.
Gambling Taxes in North Dakota
North Dakota treats all gambling winnings as taxable income. If you win real money, you must report it on your state income tax return, regardless of the game type. The state’s individual income tax rate ranges from 1.1% to 2.9%. In addition, residents are subject to federal taxes of around 24%. Lottery prizes over $5,000 are subject to a 2.9% state withholding, and all residents must complete a W-2G form if they win more than $5,000.
In North Dakota, bettors can deduct gambling losses, but they can’t exceed the total amount of gambling winnings over the past year. For example, if you win $4,000 but lose $5,000, your deduction is limited to $4,000. Under the recent Federal Tax Law change, the deduction for gambling losses is limited to 90% of the winnings. Residents must keep detailed and accurate records of both winnings and losses to back their deduction claims.
When Will Online Gambling Be Allowed in North Dakota?
While North Dakota legalized charitable games early in history, there have been few changes in recent years due to public resistance and tribal gaming interests. Timeline:
- March 2004. The official launch of the North Dakota Lottery.
- 2018. The US Supreme Court overturned PASPA, fueling new discussions on sports betting legalization in North Dakota.
- November 2022. The Governor and tribes signed updated compacts allowing sports betting within tribal territories.
- January 2025. The North Dakota House of Representatives rejected HCR 3002, which offered to put legalization of online sports betting on the November 2026 ballot.
The Peace Garden State remains quite restrictive regarding online gaming, and the situation hasn’t evolved as quickly as hoped. The Legislature meets only in odd-numbered years, so after the 2025 rejection, the next chance for a statewide ballot will not happen until 2028. Our team closely monitors the industry and will update the article as soon as any changes occur.
Land-based Casinos in North Dakota
Currently, the Peace Garden State hosts six tribal casinos and numerous smaller gambling venues, such as bars and lounges. If you are interested in full-service gambling with all the amenities, consider one of the following casinos, favoured by North Dakotans.
4 Bears Casino & Lodge
202 Frontage Rd, New Town, ND 58763Located on the shores of Lake Sakakawea, this tribal casino began as a motor lodge in the 1970s and added gambling machines in 1993. The casino floor is among the largest in North Dakota, with over 700 slots and tens of table games on 120,000 square feet. The property also boasts 220 hotel rooms, an indoor spa, a water park, an RV park, and a convention space.
Dakota Magic Casino & Hotel
16849 102nd St SE, Hankinson, ND 58041Dakota Magic is a full-service casino with over 1,000 slot and video poker machines, a sportsbook, and table games like blackjack, roulette, and craps. The resort has around 160 hotel rooms, a live event center, and a golf course. There are also three dining options: Twin Buffalo Grill, Dakota Winds Tavern, and Seven Fires.
Prairie Knights Casino & Resort
7932 ND-24, Fort Yates, ND 58538Operated by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, this casino combines a diverse gambling floor and modern resort-style amenities. It features approximately 700 slot machines and 10 table games, all accessible 24/7. The hotel has about 200 guest rooms, multiple restaurants, an indoor pool, and an entertainment area which regularly hosts concerts and live events.
Responsible Gambling
Playing at sweepstakes and social casinos can be as harmful as playing at real money venues. That is why bettors should always play responsibly and follow basic rules, such as sticking to their budget, never spending more than they can afford to lose, and taking breaks. If you can’t cope with compulsive behaviors on your own, reach out to one of the multiple organizations that help people with gambling addiction. For example, Gamblers Anonymous, Problem Gambling Helpine (1-888-781-HELP), and National Council on Problem Gambling.
Players in North Dakota can also contact local organizations that offer anonymous professional help, available online and offline, including Gambler ND, Gambler’s Choice Counseling, and others.
Conclusion
While real money online casino gaming remains prohibited, North Dakota players can access modern, secure, and rewarding sweepstakes and social casinos. After careful market research, our team recommends Zula for its diverse welcome package, Spree for its 2,000 games, and RealPrize for its fast redemption. Lucky Gambler continues to follow the market updates and test new brands to share the best ND online casino sites with North Dakotans.
Sources
- North Dakota Lottery
- North Dakota Racing Commission
- North Dakota Problem Gambling Resources
- GamblerND
