Sports betting in North Dakota has undergone major changes in recent years. While the sports betting situation in North Dakota remains limited to tribal casinos, there have been updates and developments worth noting.
North Dakota Sports Betting News
*The Peace Garden state is still in the process of legalization of online sports betting, so the offshore oddsmakers we’ve listed above are all that’s available for now. US-based providers like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, PointsBet, BetRivers, Fox Bet, and Unibet won’t be accessible until a law changes.
Table of Contents
North Dakota Sports Betting Timeline The State's Tribal Casinos Social Gambling and Fantasy Sport Can I bet on sports in North Dakota? Top Online Sportsbooks for Betting in North Dakota North Dakota CasinosNorth Dakota Sports Betting Timeline
Since December 2021, sports betting has been allowed through federally recognized tribes. While the overall landscape of sports betting legalization in North Dakota remains undefined, the presence of tribal casinos gives hope for a future legal sports betting industry. Here are the key developments in this direction over the past couple of years:
2023 - New Bill Fails to Advance
Despite efforts to expand sports betting in North Dakota, a proposed bill aimed at legalizing and regulating sports betting failed to advance. As a result, North Dakotans can continue to place their sports bets through tribal casinos, which have been authorized to offer sports betting since December 2021. Betting on in-state college teams and individual college athletes remains forbidden.
2022 - Mobile Sports Betting Ballot Measure Clears Senate
The Senate passed the SJR 502 proposal, paving the way for a potential mobile sports betting ballot measure in North Dakota. Following a narrow 18-17 passage, the proposal now faces further deliberation in the House. If approved, North Dakota voters would have the opportunity to decide on the legalization of mobile sports betting in November.
2021 - North Dakota Legislature Rejects Online Sports Betting Bill
The North Dakota Legislature rejected a sports betting ballot measure, halting any hopes of legalization until at least 2024. The bill faced a tight vote in the Senate, with a final count of 24-23 against its consideration. The proposed measure aimed to amend the state constitution's sports wagering prohibitions through a 2022 referendum.
2019 - Failed Bill Attempts
Two bills were pitched in 2019 to legalize sports betting, but didn’t make it far - they were struck down almost immediately. One bill was even directed toward charitable sports betting, which would allow charitable organizations to offer sports betting. The head of the North Dakota University system opposed the bill, as well as college presidents.
The State's Tribal Casinos
North Dakota is home to five tribal casinos, which are fairly standard as far as casinos go. Commercial casinos are legal, but many big businesses don’t see the value as North Dakota isn’t a tourist attraction, not to mention the taxes they would have to pay doesn’t make it worth their while.
North Dakota is 47th in population density, so with a small population, and no real sports teams in the state, it’s likely not a priority due to the financial risk, for likely little return.
Two bills were pitched in 2019 to legalize sports betting, but didn’t make it far - they were struck down almost immediately. One bill was even directed towards charitable sports betting, which would allow charitable organizations to offer sports betting. The head of the North Dakota University system opposed the bill, as well as college presidents.
Social Gambling and Fantasy Sport
Social gambling is permitted within the state, so this could be interpreted as a loophole per se, to place some friendly wagers with buddies. The rules state that you can’t exceed a $25 buy-in, but honestly, social gambling is so hard to monitor and regulate, we can’t see that being an issue. Social gambling involves football pools, poker games, anything that you would bet on with friends.
Speaking of football pools, when it comes to Daily Fantasy Sports betting, the state has the weirdest stance on the subject compared to any other US state. They acknowledged that DFS existed in the 1990s, then didn’t create any rules around it. They have no proposals to legalize it, and on the flip side, North Dakota residents aren’t banned from playing. It is a ‘proceed at your own risk’ kind of situation, but there is really nothing that can be done if there isn’t a state law surrounding it.
Can I bet on sports in North Dakota?
While you can’t use any of the well-known US sportsbooks within state lines, you can access any offshore betting site. You can also make a visit to one of the tribal casinos available throughout North Dakota.
That means you can bet on sports online in the state of North Dakota. Many online offshore sportsbooks are safe and secure and allow you to bet from wherever you like, whether it be the couch, the bus or even the sports bar.
The North Dakota laws are dated, and gambling laws don’t involve online gambling, so online sports betting is technically under the same umbrella as DFS. No mention of it, means it’s not illegal.
Top Online Sportsbooks for Betting in North Dakota
Online sportsbooks can be overwhelming – there are so many of them, with so many promotions and bonuses, but there are always rules that go along with it. Many sportsbooks aren’t too good to be true, but you do have to pay attention before you sign up. You don’t want to sign up with the intention to only bet $20 only to realize that the minimum deposit is $100, or that they don’t accept your desired payment option.
We have compiled a list of the top sportsbooks that we ourselves use, and reviewed them for your benefit. We want to make sure you’re making the best betting decisions possible, and choosing your sportsbook is the most important one.
North Dakota Casinos
While online betting through US betting sites is currently banned in North Dakota, online wagering is still accessible through reputable offshore sportsbooks. The state also has several land-based casinos where you can place your bets. Since December 2021, many tribes have been authorized to operate their casinos within the state. These include:
- Dakota Magic Casino in Richland County operated by Dakota Nation Gaming Enterprise
- Spirit Lake Casino in Benson County operated by The Spirit Lake Tribe
- 4 Bears Casino in McKenzie County operated by the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation
- Sky Dancer Casino in Rolette County operated by Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
- Prairie Knights Casino and Resort in Sioux County operated by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
- Grand Treasure Casino in Trenton County, operated by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
There are also a few charitable casinos in the state of North Dakota. These offer a combination of bowling, bingo, and other games. You'll find electronic pull tabs and games like blackjack and paddlewheels. Some of these venues may also host occasional poker games or tournaments. Here are a couple of the charitable casinos you can find in North Dakota:
- The Stadium Sports Bar and Casino in Burleigh County
- Blue Wolf Casino in Cass County
- King Pin Casino in Cass County
- Nickels Lounge and Casino in Bismarck County
- Borrowed Buck’s Roadhouse in Cass County
It’s highly likely that the North Dakota Lottery will spearhead sports betting if North Dakota lawmakers ever approve a bill to offer it in the state.
Online Sports Betting © 2023