South Dakota Online Gambling Laws
Online casinos in South Dakota are currently outlawed. This means that you can’t play any online slots, get access to online casino bonuses that involve real money deposits and can’t win any real money by betting on games like poker and table games.
South Dakota is one of the only states that explicitly outlaws online games and placing a bet or wager using the Internet! Most other states only specify that an electronic device can’t be used to bet or wager.
South Dakota gambling statute 22-25A-7 states that Internet betting is prohibited. If you’re found to be operating online casinos in multiple states, or if you’re taking part in online gambling originating in another state but live in South Dakota, you can still be punished with a felony!
These strict laws are some of the many reasons tribal casinos remain popular for South Dakota players. Still, for players who want to experience the thrill of a poker room from home or who want a welcome bonus for free, social casino sites are a great option for legal gambling!
How Does South Dakota Regulate Gambling and Casino Games?
The South Dakota Commission on Gaming has the job of ensuring all South Dakota land-based casinos are operating for the good of the public. From making sure casino games are operating fairly to ensuring all licensees are trusted individuals, this Commission protects the integrity of South Dakota’s casino market.
However, while their purview includes regulating land-based casinos, there is currently no regulatory authority over online casinos in South Dakota (since they remain illegal). If online casinos were to be made legal, the job of regulating them could fall under the Commission on Gaming.
Their enforcement division, for instance, has the job of conducting background checks and investigating legal issues that arise in tribal casinos. This can be thought of as the criminal side of the commission.
The operation division, on the other hand, ensures that casino games are operating fairly and conducts inspections. These inspections include those conducted on slot machines, statistical data from land-based casinos in South Dakota, and horse racing, too.
It’s important to make sure you reach the right branch if you have any concerns, such as whether or not you have a problem gambling and need resources, if you think commercial casinos are violating gaming laws, or even to get a license. In addition to enforcing laws for Indian casinos, the Commission on Gaming also regulates licensing and applications.
If you want to open a slot machine located inside your store, have a question about setting up a sports betting site to let people gamble online, or have a question about what application you’ll need, it’s best to contact the commission directly. While they do not have authority over online gambling sites, they can point you in the best direction and offer outside resources.
