North Dakota Casinos – Best Places to Gamble in ND

North Dakota is an interesting state when it comes to gambling. Even though it has a blanket ban on most forms of betting, there is still a lot of gambling going on. This is because over the years, lawmakers have introduced several exceptions to the general regulations, like charitable gambling, tribal gambling, and pari-mutuel betting. Multi-state lottery games were also introduced in 2004. North Dakota was even one of the first states to consider legalizing internet poker, but it didn’t make it past the Senate.

The prohibition on gambling in North Dakota is rooted in Article XI of its constitution. However, there are some exceptions. Section 25 of this Article states that “the legislative assembly shall not authorize any game of chance, lottery, or gift enterprises, under any pretense, or for any purpose whatever”. But, multi-state lottery games and charitable gambling are allowed.

North Dakota Century Code defines gambling as “risking any money, credit, deposit, or other thing of value for gain, contingent, wholly or partially, upon lot, chance, the operation of gambling apparatus, or the happening or outcome of an event, including an election or sporting event, over which the person taking the risk has no control.” DFS sites are okay, but not internet poker.

If the total amount of money wagered exceeds $25, illegal gambling constitutes an infraction. Wagering more than $500 is punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $3,000. All laws about gambling can be found in North Dakota Century Code 12.1-28-01 et seq. and 53.06.1-01 et seq. The minimum gambling age is 21.

List of Top Gambling Venues in North Dakota

Related reading: North Dakota online casinos

Reviews of the Top North Dakota Casinos

1. 4 Bears Casino & Lodge

4 Bears Casino & Lodge is located in New Town, North Dakota, and was launched in 1993. The venue boasts over 700 slot machines and table games, including popular titles such as Buffalo Gold, Lightning Link, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. In addition, the property has a poker room that offers games such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud.

The casino and lodge spans over 120,000 square feet and has a parking lot that can accommodate over 1,000 cars. Entry to the casino is free, but there are certain games such as bingo that require a fee to play.

4 Bears Casino & Lodge has multiple dining options, including the Bison Room Steakhouse, the Little Missouri Grille, and the Four Bears Buffet. The Bison Room Steakhouse is a fine-dining restaurant that offers a range of dishes such as steak, seafood, and pasta. The Little Missouri Grille is a casual dining option that serves burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The Four Bears Buffet offers a variety of cuisines, including Italian, Mexican, and Chinese.

The property also includes a 220-room hotel, which offers amenities such as a fitness center, swimming pool, and hot tub. However, some customers have complained about the cleanliness of the rooms and the slow service at the front desk.

Overall, 4 Bears Casino & Lodge is a popular gambling destination in North Dakota, offering a wide variety of games, dining options, and amenities.

2. Dakota Magic Casino & Resort

The Dakota Magic Casino & Resort, established in 1994 and situated in Hankinson, North Dakota, offers an impressive array of gaming options spanning over 900 slot machines and table games, including favorites such as Dragon Link, Buffalo Diamond, and Double Deck Blackjack. Visitors can also enjoy regular games in the bingo hall.

With a spacious property covering over 200,000 square feet and a parking area that can easily accommodate more than 1,000 cars, the casino welcomes guests with free entry. However, some games, like bingo, require a fee to play.

The Dakota Magic Casino & Resort boasts several dining options, including the Dakotah Buffet, the Exit 1 Lounge, and the Aroma Café. The Dakotah Buffet serves up an all-you-can-eat experience, featuring a diverse range of cuisine options, including Italian, Mexican, and Chinese. The Exit 1 Lounge is a sports bar offering pub fare and drinks, while the Aroma Café provides coffee, pastries, and light snacks.

For guests seeking accommodations, the resort also features a hotel with over 120 rooms and amenities such as a fitness center, swimming pool, and hot tub. However, some customers have raised concerns about slow service at the front desk and issues with room cleanliness.

3. Spirit Lake Casino & Resort

This casino was launched in 1996 and features over 700 slot machines and table games, including popular titles such as Cleopatra, Wheel of Fortune, and Blackjack. They even have a bingo hall.

This 50,000 square feet casino and resort has a parking lot that can accommodate over 1,000 cars, and there is no entry fee. However, some games like bingo require a fee to play.

Hungry? Spirit Lake Casino & Resort has got you covered with multiple dining options, including the upscale Dancing Fire Restaurant, the casual View Bar & Grill, and the Snack Bar. The Dancing Fire Restaurant serves steak, seafood, and pasta, while the View Bar & Grill has burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The Snack Bar serves snacks and light bites.

You can also stay at the hotel with over 120 rooms, which offers amenities such as a fitness center, swimming pool, and hot tub. However, some customers have complained about the slow service at the front desk and the cleanliness of some of the rooms.

4. Sky Dancer Casino & Resort

Sky Dancer Casino & Resort is an exciting casino and resort located in Belcourt, North Dakota. Launched in 2001, the venue offers a wide selection of games, including over 700 slot machines and table games like Cleopatra Keno, Buffalo Gold, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. The property also features a bingo hall that provides regular games for players to enjoy.

The casino and resort are sprawled over a massive 200,000 square feet area, with ample parking for up to 1,000 cars. While entry to the casino is free, there are some games, such as bingo, that require a fee to play.

Sky Dancer Casino & Resort provides an array of dining options that caters to all tastes and preferences. From the upscale Woodland Steakhouse, offering premium steaks, seafood, and pasta, to the casual Sky Dancer Café, providing burgers, sandwiches, and salads, there is something for everyone. The Eagles Landing Buffet serves up various cuisines, including Italian, Mexican, and Chinese, ensuring a diverse range of flavors for guests.

5. Prairie Knights Casino & Resort

Prairie Knights Casino & Resort in Fort Yates, North Dakota opened in 1996. It features 700+ slot machines and table games, such as Buffalo Grand, Dancing Drums, and Three Card Poker. The resort also includes a bingo hall with regular games. Entry to the casino is free, but certain games like bingo require a fee.

With a 200,000 sq. ft. property and parking for over 1,000 cars, dining options include Feast of the Rock Buffet (American, Italian, Asian), Cattail Café (burgers, sandwiches, salads), and East Winds Dining Room (steak, seafood, pasta).

North Dakota Gambling Revenues

Gambling has been legal in North Dakota since 1989, and since then, it has become a significant source of revenue for the state. According to the North Dakota Racing Commission, the total gambling revenue generated in the state in 2021 was over $328 million. This revenue is generated from various forms of gambling, including tribal casinos, charitable gaming, and horse racing.

The revenues generated from gambling in North Dakota are allocated to various programs and initiatives. A portion of the revenue goes towards the state’s general fund, which is used to fund public services such as education, healthcare, and public safety. Additionally, a portion of the revenue is allocated to charitable organizations that conduct gaming activities, as well as to the North Dakota State Fair and the North Dakota Racing Commission.

The majority of gambling revenue in North Dakota is generated from tribal casinos, which are operated by the state’s five federally recognized tribes. The casinos offer a variety of games, including slot machines, table games, and bingo. According to the North Dakota Department of Commerce, the tribal casinos generated over $297 million in revenue in 2021.

Overall, gambling is a significant source of revenue for North Dakota, providing funds for various programs and initiatives throughout the state. Whether you enjoy playing the slots or betting on horse races, your gambling activities are contributing to the state’s economy and helping to fund essential public services.

Indian Gaming Tribes in North Dakota

North Dakota is home to five federally recognized Indian tribes, each of which operates a casino within the state. The tribes, which include the Spirit Lake Tribe, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, have a long history of disputes with the state over their right to operate casinos on tribal land.

The disputes between the tribes and the state have largely centered on issues of sovereignty and jurisdiction. The tribes argue that they have the right to operate casinos on their land under federal law, while the state has sought to regulate and tax the casinos as a way of generating revenue.

Despite these conflicts, the Indian gaming industry in North Dakota has grown significantly over the years. According to the National Indian Gaming Commission, the five tribes in North Dakota generated a total of over $297 million in gaming revenue in 2021.

Here is a bullet list of the five Indian gaming tribes in North Dakota:

• Spirit Lake Tribe
• Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
• Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
• Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation
• Three Affiliated Tribes (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation)

A History of Gambling in North Dakota

Gambling has a long and storied history in North Dakota. The state’s first legal form of gambling was horse racing, which was authorized by the state legislature in 1945. However, it wasn’t until the late 1980s that gambling in North Dakota began to expand significantly.

In 1987, the state legislature authorized charitable gaming, which allowed nonprofit organizations to offer games of chance such as bingo and raffles. By 1992, over 500 nonprofit organizations were offering charitable gaming in the state, generating over $45 million in revenue.

In 1989, North Dakota voters approved a constitutional amendment that allowed for the creation of a state lottery. The first lottery tickets were sold in 2004, and since then, the North Dakota Lottery has generated over $680 million in revenue for the state.

The same year that the state lottery was authorized, the North Dakota legislature also approved the creation of a state gaming commission, which was tasked with regulating and overseeing the state’s expanding gambling industry.

In 1992, the federal government passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which allowed federally recognized tribes to operate casinos on their land. North Dakota’s five tribes have since established casinos throughout the state, which have become a significant source of revenue for both the tribes and the state.

Over the years, North Dakota has continued to expand its gambling industry. In 2019, the state legislature approved sports betting, and the first sports bets were placed in 2020. Additionally, in 2021, the legislature authorized online gambling, allowing North Dakotans to play casino games online from their homes.

Despite its growth, gambling in North Dakota has not been without controversy. The state’s expansion of gambling has been met with resistance from some groups who argue that gambling is a vice and that it can lead to addiction and other social problems.

In response to these concerns, the state has taken steps to address problem gambling. The North Dakota Department of Human Services offers a range of resources for individuals struggling with gambling addiction, including counseling services and a helpline.

Today, gambling remains a significant industry in North Dakota, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue each year. Whether you enjoy playing the slots or betting on sports, there are plenty of opportunities to try your luck in the Peace Garden State.

Gambling Taxes in North Dakota

If you’re a resident of North Dakota who enjoys gambling, you’ll want to be aware of the taxes that you may be required to pay on your winnings. In North Dakota, gambling winnings are subject to both federal and state taxes.

For federal taxes, the IRS requires that all gambling winnings over $600 be reported on your tax return. These winnings are taxed at a rate of 24%. Additionally, if you win a prize such as a car or a vacation, the value of that prize must be reported as income on your tax return.

In North Dakota, gambling winnings are subject to state income tax. The state’s income tax rates range from 1.1% to 2.9%, depending on your income level. So, if you win $10,000 at a North Dakota casino and you are in the top tax bracket, you would owe $290 in state income tax.

If you’re not a resident of North Dakota but you win money gambling in the state, you may still be required to pay taxes. North Dakota law requires that nonresidents pay a tax of 2.9% on all gambling winnings earned in the state. For example, if you win $1,000 at a North Dakota casino and you are a nonresident, you would owe $29 in state taxes.

To pay your gambling taxes in North Dakota, you must file a state tax return by April 15th of each year. If you are a nonresident who won money in North Dakota, you must also file a state tax return. You can file your taxes online using North Dakota’s tax filing system, or you can file a paper return.

It’s important to keep accurate records of your gambling activity, including wins and losses, as well as any taxes paid. These records will be important when it comes time to file your tax return. By understanding the taxes that you may be required to pay on your gambling winnings, you can ensure that you stay in compliance with North Dakota’s tax laws and avoid any penalties or fines.

North Dakota Gambling FAQ

How much can you win at North Dakota casinos before being taxed?

In North Dakota, any gambling winnings over $600 must be reported to the IRS and are subject to federal taxes. The IRS taxes these winnings at a rate of 24%. Additionally, all gambling winnings in North Dakota are subject to state income tax, which ranges from 1.1% to 2.9% depending on your income level.

How to ban yourself from casinos in North Dakota?

If you feel that you have a gambling problem and want to ban yourself from North Dakota casinos, you can fill out a self-exclusion form at any of the state’s casinos. By completing this form, you are agreeing to stay away from all North Dakota casinos for a period of time, usually one year or more. During this time, you will not be able to enter any of the state’s casinos or participate in any form of gambling.

Who regulates gambling in North Dakota?

The North Dakota Attorney General’s office is responsible for regulating all forms of gambling in the state. This includes overseeing the operation of the state’s casinos, as well as enforcing the state’s gambling laws and regulations. The Attorney General’s office also issues licenses and permits to gambling operators and ensures that all gambling activities in the state are conducted in a fair and legal manner.

What is the minimum gambling age in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, the minimum gambling age is 21 for all forms of gambling. This includes casinos, poker rooms, and online gambling sites. Anyone under the age of 21 is not permitted to gamble in the state, and casinos are required to check the identification of all patrons to ensure that they are of legal age.

Can I gamble online in North Dakota?

While North Dakota does not have any state-regulated online gambling sites, residents can still gamble online through offshore gambling sites. However, it’s important to note that these sites are not licensed or regulated by the state, and there is no legal recourse if you encounter any issues or disputes while gambling online.

What types of gambling are legal in North Dakota?

North Dakota allows several forms of legal gambling, including casino gambling, poker, horse racing, and charitable gambling such as bingo and raffles. The state has several casinos that offer slot machines and table games such as blackjack, roulette, and craps.

How many casinos are there in North Dakota?

As of 2021, there are six casinos in North Dakota. These casinos are located throughout the state and offer a range of slot machines and table games. The largest casino in North Dakota is the Dakota Magic Casino & Resort, which has over 1,000 slot machines and 18 table games.

Can I deduct gambling losses on my taxes in North Dakota?

Yes, you can deduct gambling losses on your North Dakota state income tax return, but only to the extent of your gambling winnings. For example, if you won $1,000 in gambling winnings but lost $800, you can only deduct $800 in gambling losses on your tax return. It’s important to keep accurate records of your gambling activity, including wins and losses, to ensure that you can accurately report your gambling income and deductions on your tax return.