Poker has a rich history in South Dakota<\/b> that dates back to gold miners and traders of the second half of the 19th century. Before it became a state, gambling houses and saloons were extremely popular and could be found mostly in Deadwood<\/b>. But once South Dakota was admitted to the Union in 1889, the lawmakers passed the constitution prohibiting all gambling forms.<\/b><\/p>\n
The situation remained unchanged until 1933 when horse racing pari-mutuel wagering was introduced. Things progressed slowly on this front, and SD legalized the state lottery in 1986<\/b>, and the first casinos opened their doors in 1989<\/b>. Then, in 1993, more gambling halls were added to the mix when the state signed tribal compacts<\/b>. Currently, South Dakota is home to over 30 brick-and-mortar casinos.<\/p>\n
Not much has happened since then, and the latest type of legal wagering that arrived to the Mount Rushmore State was on-site sports betting in 2021<\/b>. Unfortunately, online casinos and poker remain unregulated for the time being.<\/p>\nPoker Laws<\/h3>\n
![\"Law\"](\"\/images\/icons\/icon-law.png\" "\\"Laws"){kind=icon}
Before you start playing real-money poker in South Dakota, read the following laws to better understand its legal framework.<\/p>\n
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- South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 42 \u2013 7B \u2014 Limited card games, slot machines, craps, roulette, and keno<\/a><\/li>\n
- South Dakota Codified Laws, Section 22 \u2013 25 \u2013 1 \u2014 Keeping gambling establishment<\/a><\/li>\n
- South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 22 \u2013 25A \u2014 Internet gambling<\/a><\/li>\n
- Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/i> Best Legal Online Poker Rooms in South Dakota<\/span><\/h2>\nIn the following section, we will discuss where you can play online and land-based poker<\/b> in South Dakota.\n
Legal Online Poker in South Dakota<\/h3>
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<\/b> for those involved in accepting wagers online.<\/p>\n
Several years ago, South Dakota included an entire chapter (22 \u2013 25A)<\/a> in its statutes, defining online gambling and the penalties involved<\/b>. Breaching this law is considered a felony<\/b>, 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<\/b>, not the players.<\/p>\n
Considering this, it is obvious why South Dakota has not considered the legalization of online poker <\/b>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<\/b> 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.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, SD residents still have some options<\/b> for playing online poker. The state allows sweepstakes platforms and social casino sites<\/b> because they use a different type of currency with no monetary value.<\/p>\n
Another alternative is international gambling sites<\/b> which are constantly on the rise. Aside from offering convenience and flexibility, they attract players with hefty bonuses<\/b>, and a large number of live and RNG poker games and tournaments.<\/b><\/p>\n
Offshore sites are not licensed by South Dakota<\/b> 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.<\/p><\/div>\nMy list of the best poker sites which I consider to be the best rooms to play in 2024:<\/strong>
- BetOnline Poker<\/a><\/li>
- Ignition Poker<\/a><\/li>
- Everygame Poker<\/a><\/li>
- Juicy Stakes Poker<\/a><\/li>
- ACR Poker<\/a><\/li>
- Bovada Poker<\/a><\/li>
- Black Chip Poker<\/a><\/li>
- SportsBetting Poker<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div>
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- 100% Legal & Licensed<\/span><\/li>\r\n
- Verified Bonus<\/span><\/li>\r\n
- Mobile Friendly<\/span><\/li>\r\n
- Advertiser Disclosure
\r\n\r\n - Verified Bonus<\/span><\/li>\r\n
- Ignition Poker<\/a><\/li>
- South Dakota Codified Laws, Section 22 \u2013 25 \u2013 1 \u2014 Keeping gambling establishment<\/a><\/li>\n