South Dakota Casinos – Best Places to Gamble in SD

In 1989, a constitutional amendment was introduced in South Dakota to save the town of Deadwood from becoming a ghost town. The amendment allowed the establishment of casinos, which helped revive the local economy. Additionally, the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act made it legal for Native American tribes to build their own casinos.

Around the same time, the South Dakota Lottery was authorized to supervise the installation of Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) in local businesses. The decision was confirmed by a referendum, but it was made clear that there would be no further expansion of the gambling industry in the area.

List of Top Gambling Venues in South Dakota

Related reading: South Dakota online casinos

Best Casinos in South Dakota

1. Royal River Casino & Hotel

Royal River Casino & Hotel is a gaming and entertainment complex located in Flandreau, South Dakota. The casino offers a variety of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, and live poker. Some of the popular slot machine titles available at Royal River Casino & Hotel include Buffalo Gold, Lightning Link, and Timber Wolf.

The casino floor at Royal River Casino & Hotel is quite spacious, offering over 17,000 square feet of gaming space. The casino was first launched in 1990, and has since undergone several expansions and renovations to keep up with changing trends in the gaming industry.

In addition to gaming, Royal River Casino & Hotel also offers several dining options for guests. The property features a buffet restaurant, a snack bar, and a fine dining steakhouse. The buffet serves a variety of cuisine, including American, Italian, and Asian dishes. The steakhouse, called Ruthie’s, offers an upscale dining experience with a focus on high-quality steaks and seafood.

For guests who want to stay on-site, Royal River Casino & Hotel offers a hotel with 120 rooms. The hotel includes both standard rooms and suites, and all rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and other amenities.

In terms of other amenities, Royal River Casino & Hotel also features a gift shop, a fitness center, and an RV park. The gift shop offers a variety of souvenirs and snacks, while the fitness center is equipped with cardio machines and free weights. The RV park has 25 spaces and offers electric and water hookups for guests traveling in recreational vehicles.

2. Deadwood Mountain Grand

Deadwood Mountain Grand is a super cool resort and casino located in the historic town of Deadwood, South Dakota. They’ve got all the casino games you could ever want, including slots, table games, and poker. And some of their most popular slot machines are Wheel of Fortune, Buffalo Gold, and Lightning Link.

Their casino floor takes up 20,000 square feet, and they’ve got a great mix of both old and new games. They renovated the historic Deadwood Masonic Temple building in 2011 and turned it into this amazing casino.

When you’re ready to chow down, the resort has got you covered with several dining options. Their casual grill serves classic American food, while their sports bar has pub-style eats and tons of beers on tap. And if you’re feeling fancy, they’ve got The Homestake Chop House, a steakhouse with upscale seafood and steaks.

If you need a place to stay, their hotel has 98 rooms, including standard rooms and suites. All the rooms have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and other great amenities. The hotel also has a fitness center, a heated outdoor pool, and a hot tub.

When you’re in the mood to relax, the resort has a full-service spa that offers massages, facials, and body treatments. They also have a concert venue that can hold up to 2,500 people and hosts various music and comedy acts throughout the year. And if you’re looking for souvenirs, their gift shop has a fantastic selection of clothes, accessories, and other cool stuff.

3. Dakota Sioux Casino & Hotel

Dakota Sioux Casino & Hotel is a gaming and entertainment complex in Watertown, South Dakota. The casino offers a variety of gaming options such as slot machines, table games, and live poker. Some popular slot machine titles available are Dancing Drums, Buffalo Gold, and Lock It Link.

Built in 2006, the casino floor covers over 17,000 square feet and has a mix of classic and modern gaming options. It has undergone several expansions and renovations to keep up with changing trends in the gaming industry.

The casino also offers several dining options for guests, such as a buffet restaurant, a casual grill, and a bar. The buffet serves American, Italian, and Asian dishes. The grill offers classic American fare such as burgers and sandwiches.

The hotel has 92 rooms, including standard rooms and suites, equipped with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and other amenities. The hotel also features an indoor water park, including a pool, a hot tub, and water slides.

4. Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort

Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort is a hot spot for gaming and lodging in Deadwood, South Dakota. They’ve got all the casino games you could want, like slots, table games, and poker. Some of their popular slot machine titles include Buffalo Gold, Cleopatra, and Lightning Link.

Their casino floor is impressive, spanning over 8,500 square feet with a great mix of classic and modern games. It launched in 1989 and has since undergone various expansions and renovations. Plus, it doesn’t cost a thing to enter the casino.

The casino has a casual grill restaurant, a sports bar, and a coffee shop. The grill serves a variety of American food, while the sports bar has pub-style eats and an array of beers on tap.

If you need a place to crash, they’ve got you covered with a 59-room hotel on site. The hotel has standard rooms and suites, and all rooms come equipped with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and other amenities. The hotel also features a fitness center and a rooftop area.

5. Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort

Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort is a top destination for casino and hotel stays in Larchwood, Iowa, just a hop across the border from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. With over 800 slot machines, table games, and a poker room, the casino offers a wide variety of gaming options. Popular slot machines titles include Buffalo Gold, Lightning Link, and Lock It Link.

When it comes to dining, Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort has you covered with a buffet restaurant, a casual grill, a fine dining steakhouse, and a coffee shop. The buffet offers a range of cuisine, including American, Italian, and Asian dishes. The grill serves classic American fare, such as burgers and sandwiches. And Ruthie’s steakhouse offers an upscale dining experience with a focus on high-quality steaks and seafood.

South Dakota Gambling Revenues: A Look at the Numbers and Allocation

In South Dakota, gambling is big business, with revenues generated from gambling activities playing a significant role in the state’s economy. In 2020, the total amount of gambling revenue generated in South Dakota was approximately $98.5 million. This includes revenues from video lottery, casino gaming, and wagering on horse racing.

The revenue generated from gambling in South Dakota is allocated in several ways. First and foremost, a portion of the revenue goes to the state’s general fund, which is used to support various government programs and services. Additionally, a portion of the revenue goes to support the state’s historic preservation efforts, as well as to fund the South Dakota Commission on Gaming, which oversees the regulation and licensing of gambling activities in the state.

Another portion of the revenue generated from gambling in South Dakota is distributed to various local governments in the state. These funds are used to support local projects and initiatives, such as community development programs, infrastructure improvements, and public safety initiatives. Additionally, a portion of the revenue is used to support the state’s problem gambling services, which provide assistance to individuals who are struggling with gambling addiction.

Indian Gaming Tribes in South Dakota: A Brief Overview

South Dakota is home to several Indian gaming tribes, each with their own unique history and cultural heritage. In the 1980s, the federal government passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which allowed Native American tribes to operate casinos and other gaming facilities on their lands. Today, several tribes in South Dakota operate successful gaming operations that generate significant revenue for their communities.

Despite the success of Indian gaming in South Dakota, there have been quarrels between the tribes and state government in recent years. One major point of contention has been the sharing of gaming revenues between the tribes and the state. The state has argued that it should receive a larger portion of the revenue generated by Indian gaming, while the tribes maintain that they should be able to keep a larger share of the profits to support their communities.

Currently, there are nine Indian gaming tribes in South Dakota. These include the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Yankton Sioux Tribe.

List of Indian gaming tribes in South Dakota:

• Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
• Crow Creek Sioux Tribe
• Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe
• Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
• Oglala Sioux Tribe
• Rosebud Sioux Tribe
• Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe
• Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
• Yankton Sioux Tribe

A History of Gambling in South Dakota: From the Wild West to Modern-Day Gaming

Gambling has been a part of South Dakota’s history since the state’s early days. In the late 1800s, when the state was still considered part of the Wild West, gambling was a popular pastime. Saloons and other establishments offered games like poker and faro, and residents and visitors alike flocked to these establishments to try their luck. However, with the rise of temperance movements and anti-gambling sentiments, South Dakota became one of the first states to outlaw all forms of gambling in 1889.

Despite the statewide ban on gambling, the activity continued to persist in South Dakota throughout the early 20th century. Under the guise of “social games,” residents would host private poker games and other gambling activities in their homes. Additionally, underground gambling rings operated in some cities and towns, offering a variety of games to those willing to take the risk.

In 1987, the state’s relationship with gambling changed dramatically when the federal government passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. This law allowed Native American tribes to operate casinos and other gaming facilities on their lands, provided they enter into agreements with the state government. Today, several tribes in South Dakota operate successful gaming establishments, generating significant revenue for their communities.

The legalization of Indian gaming in South Dakota also led to the state legalizing limited forms of gambling for non-Native American entities. In 1989, the state passed a constitutional amendment allowing for the creation of a state-run lottery, which continues to this day. Additionally, video lottery terminals were legalized in the state in 1990, allowing for electronic versions of popular games like poker and blackjack to be played in bars and other establishments throughout the state.

In the years since the legalization of Indian gaming and the expansion of other forms of gambling, South Dakota has become a popular destination for visitors looking to try their luck. In 2020, the state’s gaming establishments generated approximately $98.5 million in revenue, with video lottery contributing the largest share of that revenue.

Despite the success of gambling in South Dakota, there have been ongoing debates about the social and economic impacts of the activity. Proponents of gambling argue that it provides a significant source of revenue for the state and supports local communities. Opponents, however, argue that gambling can lead to addiction and other negative outcomes for individuals and families.

Gambling Taxes in South Dakota: How Much Do You Owe and How to Pay Them

If you are a resident of South Dakota who has won money through gambling activities, you may be wondering how much you owe in taxes and how to pay them. In South Dakota, gambling winnings are considered taxable income, and you are required to report any winnings to the state and federal government. The amount you owe in taxes will depend on several factors, including the amount you won and your overall tax situation.

For South Dakota residents, gambling winnings are subject to state income tax at a rate of 0-9%. The exact amount you owe will depend on your overall income level and tax bracket. Additionally, if you won money through gambling activities in other states, you may be required to pay taxes on those winnings in the state where they were earned, as well as in South Dakota.

To report your gambling winnings to the state of South Dakota, you will need to fill out and submit Form D-108, “Net Income/Loss Statement”. This form allows you to report your gambling winnings, as well as any losses you may have incurred while gambling. You will also need to include a copy of your federal income tax return, as well as any other documentation related to your gambling activities, such as W-2G forms.

If you owe taxes on your gambling winnings in South Dakota, you can make payments using a variety of methods. The state accepts electronic payments through its website, as well as payments by check or money order. Additionally, you can set up a payment plan with the state if you are unable to pay your taxes in full at the time they are due.

Overall, gambling taxes in South Dakota can be complex, and the amount you owe will depend on a variety of factors. If you have won money through gambling activities, it is important to consult with a tax professional or the South Dakota Department of Revenue to ensure that you are accurately reporting and paying your taxes. By following the proper procedures and paying your taxes on time, you can avoid penalties and ensure that you are in compliance with state and federal tax laws.

South Dakota Gambling FAQ: Your Most Common Questions Answered

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

In South Dakota, all gambling winnings are considered taxable income, regardless of the amount. You are required to report any gambling winnings to the state and federal government, regardless of whether you have won $1 or $1,000.

How to ban yourself from casinos in South Dakota? 

If you feel that you have a problem with gambling and would like to ban yourself from South Dakota casinos, you can do so by completing a self-exclusion form. This form is available through the South Dakota Commission on Gaming website, and once you have completed it, you will be banned from entering any licensed gaming establishments in the state.

Who regulates gambling in South Dakota? 

The South Dakota Commission on Gaming is responsible for regulating all forms of gambling in the state. This includes overseeing the licensing and operation of casinos, video lottery establishments, and other gaming facilities.

What is the minimum gambling age in South Dakota? 

In South Dakota, the minimum gambling age is 21 years old for all forms of gambling, including casinos, video lottery, and horse racing.

Can I gamble online in South Dakota? 

No, online gambling is not legal in South Dakota. The state has not yet passed any laws regulating online gambling, and all forms of online gambling are currently prohibited.

What types of gambling are legal in South Dakota? 

In South Dakota, several types of gambling are legal, including casino gaming, video lottery, horse racing, and a state-run lottery. Additionally, charitable gambling and social games are permitted under certain conditions.

How many casinos are there in South Dakota? 

As of 2022, there are over 30 licensed casinos operating in South Dakota. These establishments are located throughout the state and offer a variety of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, and poker.

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

Yes, if you itemize your deductions on your state income tax return, you can deduct your gambling losses in South Dakota up to the amount of your gambling winnings. However, you will need to keep accurate records of your losses and winnings, as well as any other documentation required by the state.