Legal South Dakota Online Poker Sites

Considering the number of land-based casinos in the state, it stands to reason that South Dakota would be one of the first states to regulate online casinos and poker. However, the reality is a little different. The Mount Rushmore State has strict penalties for those involved in accepting wagers online.

Several years ago, South Dakota included an entire chapter (22 – 25A) in its statutes, defining online gambling and the penalties involved. Breaching this law is considered a felony, and one can face a fine of up to $10,000 or one year in jail. However, it is clear that the state is after those who provide the games, not the players.

Considering this, it is obvious why South Dakota has not considered the legalization of online poker or internet gambling of any kind. Some speculate that this is due to the powerful live gambling interests wanting to limit competition. In 2011, state Governor Dennis Dauggard stated he would like to educate himself about online gambling before taking action, perhaps the only indication some lawmakers were interested in regulating the activity.

Nevertheless, SD residents still have some options for playing online poker. The state allows sweepstakes platforms and social casino sites because they use a different type of currency with no monetary value.

Another alternative is international gambling sites which are constantly on the rise. Aside from offering convenience and flexibility, they attract players with hefty bonuses, and a large number of live and RNG poker games and tournaments.

Offshore sites are not licensed by South Dakota but by international regulatory bodies, such as Malta Gaming Authority, Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner, and Curacao Gaming Control Board. Make sure to always pick those that are licensed, safe, and with a good reputation.

South Dakotans have always been fond of poker, and the game was popular long before the first land-based casinos saw the light of day. During the 1880s, most of the illegal gambling took place in Deadwood, which later became home to all commercial casinos.

Aside from that, Deadwood was also the place where some of the most legendary poker stories occurred. For instance, a famous poker player of the time, James ‘’Wild Bill’’ Hickok, was shot while playing the game at No.10 Saloon. The poor man was holding a pair of black aces and a pair of eights, a combination that later became known as the ‘’dead man’s hand.’’

Another famous character from that time was ‘’Poker Alice’’ Ivers, a woman who played poker better than most men at that time.

Fast forward to 1988, South Dakota approved the construction of casinos and became the third US state to allow traditional casino gaming after Nevada and New Jersey. Over 20 commercial gambling halls started operating soon after that, all situated in Deadwood. The regulatory body appointed to oversee this activity was the South Dakota Gaming Commission.

The following are some of the largest and most visited poker facilities:

• Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort
• Silverado Franklin Historic Hotel & Gaming Complex
• Saloon No.10
• Gold Dust Casino & Hotel

In 1993, SD signed compacts with several Native American tribes, and soon after, a dozen of them opened their doors to the public. Here are the biggest ones:

• Dakota Sioux Casino and Hotel
• Grand River Casino and Resort
• Prairie Wind Casino & Hotel
• Royal River Casino & Hotel

Land-based casinos must abide by a strict betting limit, and no-limit games are prohibited. Before 2000, the maximum bet that could be placed was $5. Fortunately, the law was amended that year, and the limit was increased to $100. In 2012, Deadwood casinos managed to boost the limit once more to $1,000.

Small businesses, clubs, and bars can also host poker tournaments, provided players’ bets don’t exceed $50. On the flip side, home poker games are technically illegal because the state has never taken any action to regulate them, but it also didn’t prosecute anyone for playing poker in a private setting.