Sports betting in South Dakota is growing in popularity even if they are all located in and around the iconic cowboy town of Deadwood. The Western-style community has seen increasing traffic and much of it is coming from a younger demographic who want to drink, eat, and bet on sports.
Retail Only
Sports betting in South Dakota was legalized in 2021 but according to Title 42, Chapter 7B of South Dakota’s Codified Laws, “any sports wagering may only be conducted on the premises of a licensed gaming establishment as approved by the commission within the city of Deadwood.”
South Dakota lawmakers have yet to embrace the much more lucrative mobile sports betting, but the town of Deadwood is a-okay with that as they have seen tourism improve with the host of retail sportsbooks located in the town’s licensed gaming facilities.
A list of those commercial gaming dens are as follows:
- The Book at Guadalajara’s
- BetBodega
- BetLodge Sportsbook
- Dale’s Sportsbook Bar & Grill
- BetMGM Sportsbook at Tin Lizzie
- Gold Dust Casino and Hotel
- The Landmark
- Mineral Palace Sportsbook
- Mustang Sally’s
Those nine sportsbooks are all located in Deadwood with two tribal casinos, the Dakota Nation Sportsbooks, located in Sisseton and Watertown. In-state colleges and universities are off limits as is college player prop wagering. However, any college or university located outside of the state is allowed on the betting menu.
Sports Betting on the Rise
There has been a steady increase in sports betting according to the South Dakota Department of Revenue. A mere $2.7 million was bet on sports in 2021, but that number climbed to $7.2 million in 2022 and $9 million last year. The rise in sports betting is expected to grow as word spreads about the bevy of activity in Deadwood.
David Knight, vice president of operations for Liv Hospitality, which manages two Deadwood casinos, wrote, “If success is measured by positive guest experience and robust enthusiasm, then Deadwood sports betting is a smashing success. It’s undeniable that sports betting has turned Deadwood into a more attractive destination as sports has a unique power of bringing complete strangers together to socialize, watch games, and enjoy uncommon camaraderie in a vibrant and exciting atmosphere.”
Sports betting has also increased foot traffic in the town’s casinos and it has become a destination for those looking for something different in their gambling excursions.
“Deadwood casinos contributed over $16.6 million in gaming tax revenue for historic preservation, tourism promotion, Lawrence County and its municipalities and schools, the State of South Dakota’s general fund, and other governmental entities,” the Deadwood Gaming Association said in 2023.
New Customers
According to Josh Thurmes, general manager at Tin Lizzie, one of Deadwood’s most popular gaming destinations, sports betting has brought in a new demographic of young men who come to the town at all times of the year.
“Summer is still the peak season, but sports betting is definitely driving guests to Deadwood in non-typical peak times,” Thurmes commented.
“In the fall, you’ve got college football on Saturdays and the NFL on Sundays, Sunday nights, Mondays, and now Thursdays. During college bowl season, there’s a game on every night for weeks at a time,” Thurmes added.
