South Dakota is one of the many states that is making moves towards the legalization of sports betting. It’s not particularly uncharacteristic for the state too – considering its small population, voters have in the last fifty years been quite open when it comes to amending gambling laws. A bill that would see sports betting expanded from horse racing to professional and college sports was recently passed in the House but was passed on when it went to Senate for approval. Even if sports betting was legalized, many believe that it will be a long time before online South Dakota sports betting is as some see it as a threat to popular state charity gaming. This article will discuss South Dakota’s history with gambling, it’s favorite sports and how they are both related.

Gambling Laws in South Dakota

With a relatively low population of around 800,000 residents and a stagnant tourism industry, you’d be forgiven for overlooking South Dakota as a viable gambling destination. Despite that, South Dakota has created quite a reputation as being open to gambling. With 30 legal gaming sites including tribal casinos, racetracks, and charity gaming houses, residents and visitors are treated to plenty of options in wagering. In saying that, there is still a long way to go in terms of online gaming, as only horse and greyhound betting is legal off-site for the time being. There are no commercial casinos in the state.

Most Popular Sports in South Dakota

Although South Dakota doesn’t yet have any sports teams in any major professional leagues, there is a strong culture of college and high school sports in the state that garners a loyal, passionate following. Whether it’s football, baseball, basketball, track or outdoor leisure sports like hunting and fishing, South Dakotans have a wide selection of sports to choose from all year round. Below we will discuss three of South Dakota’s favorite sports teams and why they’re important to the Peace Garden State.

Basketball – South Dakota Coyotes

The South Dakota Coyotes is the name given to the teams of University of South Dakota. Their men and women’s basketball teams, in particular, have a notable history. The women’s team were strong players in the ’90s and managed to win five NCAA National Championships. In recent years, the men’s team’s accomplishments include multiple wins in the Summit League.

Ice Hockey – South Dakota State University

The South Dakota State University is home to the states best Ice Hockey players. They have competed for several seasons in the NCAA and remain a strong contender for division titles each seasons. Operating at a much lower budget than many of their rivals, the subsequent success can only be defined as impressive.

Football – South Dakota Coyotes

As South Dakota’s first football team, the University of South Dakota’s Coyotes were established in 1894. Over their long history, the Hawks have earned a reputation beyond their humble college football team origins. They won their last National Championship in 2001 and only as recently in 2018 did they join the Summit League. The Hawks enjoy a long and impassioned rivalry with their counterparts at South Dakota University, and these games are surely the tensest and most anticipated of the season.

Local History of Sports Betting

Though South Dakota were latecomers to gambling laws, they have spent the last forty years catching up relatively quickly compared to many other states in the US. Pair-muteul betting on horse racing was legalized on racing tracks in 1987 and as the decades have rolled on, other forms of gambling have been allowed. With only two live horse racing tracks, there have been efforts by lawmakers to build more tracks and racinactuaos in the state, yet these efforts have been overwhelmingly defeated. Although recent laws about sports betting in South Dakota passed in the lower House, the bill was shot down in the Senate. Online and mobile wagering would not have been permitted under the law. See the North Dakota gambling page for more news and information.

Legal Online Sports Betting Age in South Dakota

Online sports betting is strictly limited to greyhound and horse racing in South Dakota. There is no minimum age to bet on charitable gaming in the state, whereas on-site and online betting on horse racing in the state is 18 years old. The minimum age to gamble at casinos is 21 years old.

• Sports Betting Age
  The minimum age for sports betting in South Dakota for horse racing is 18 years old.
• Alcohol Age
  The minimum drinking age in South Dakota is 21 years old.
• Weed Age
  The consumption and possession of cannabis for recreational use in South Dakota is still illegal.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal Outside of the State?

Since the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) after being challenged in New Jersey, states across the US are quickly moving to bring in expanded sports betting legislation. There are currently 8 states that have implemented legalized sports betting in the USA, with a number more waiting to commence already passed legislation allowing sports betting. This includes Montana, a neighboring state of South Dakota, who is not only looking to allow sports betting but mobile wagering too. Other neighbors Minnesota Minnesota and South Dakota are also moving towards legislation.

Taxes on Your Winnings: Do You Have to Pay Anything?

In South Dakota, gambling winnings are taxable at a rate of 25% above $600. South Dakota applies an additional 5.54% state tax on gambling winnings. For more info, visit the website of the IRS or the South Dakota Department of Revenue.

Upcoming Regulation Changes in South Dakota Betting Law

After House Bill 1254 that looked to allow for land-based sports betting in the state was shot down in the Senate, it looks like there will be no new sports betting laws for at least another year. If it were to pass, it would have classified sports betting as a game of chance, and licenses would be limited to tribal casinos and charity gaming establishments. It seems that opposition primarily comes from concerns that, as South Dakota’s sporting representation mainly lies with its collegiate teams, betting may lead to tampering or overwhelming stress placed on students to perform. Before any progress can be made, these concerns will need to be addressed and safeguards put in place.

Sports Betting Guides for Nearby States

• North Dakota
• Minnesota
• Montana
• Wyoming