The gambling industry in North Dakota operates under a unique mix of tribal-state compacts, state laws, and conservative regulation. Rather than commercial casinos proliferating across the state, gambling is largely confined to tribal lands, with limited charitable gaming and a state lottery to fill in other options.
Online gambling, whether casino games, poker, or sports betting, remains largely prohibited. Nevertheless, a variety of gambling activities are permitted under regulated frameworks. This includes tribal casinos, charitable gaming, pari-mutuel wagering, and a state-run multi-state lottery.
Over time, the structure has encouraged gambling to be contained within controlled venues, often operated by recognized tribes or licensed charitable organizations. However, North Dakotans can still look into alternatives like commercial or online enterprises.
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Overview: North Dakota Tribes and Their Role in State Betting
Native American tribes hold a central and indispensable role in North Dakota’s gambling industry. Under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), the state negotiated gaming compacts with recognized tribes that allow tribal casinos to offer Class III gaming. This includes slot machines, table games, poker, and other traditional casino offerings. All of these are available and can be accessed on tribal lands.
Moreover, these tribal casinos are not only the primary venues for casino gambling in the state. They are also the only authorized operators of retail sports betting. After the 2022 renewal of the tribal-state compacts, the tribes gained the option to provide sports betting in person at their casinos.
Beyond casinos and sports betting, the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office oversees charitable gaming (e.g., raffles, bingo, pull-tabs, and electronic pull-tabs). They also enforce compliance with gaming rules across charitable and tribal operations.
In sum, the tribal nations act as the backbone of gambling in North Dakota. They run casinos, sportsbooks, and gaming facilities under carefully negotiated compacts. Meanwhile, state authorities regulate charitable games, lottery, and ensure overall compliance.
Key North Dakota Tribes and Their Operations
Several tribes are authorized to operate casinos and gambling facilities under the tribal-state compacts in North Dakota. Key among these are:
Spirit Lake Tribe
Operation: Spirit Lake Casino & Resort
The Spirit Lake Tribe runs the Spirit Lake Casino & Resort. This is a full-scale tribal casino offering Class III games under the compact, which may include slot machines, table games, and more.
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
Operation: Sky Dancer Casino & Resort
This tribe operates several gaming properties in the state. According to recent data, three of their properties offer only Class II gaming (i.e., bingo-style games), though the compact allows for broader gaming in some cases.
Three Affiliated Tribes (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara)
Operation: 4 Bears Casino & Lodge
The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara tribes collectively operate multiple casinos (reported as four), including the 4 Bears Casino & Lodge. Their operations are under the same compact, providing Class III gaming rights.
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Operation: Prairie Knights Casino and Resort
This tribe runs two resort-style casinos under the compact, offering the full palette of gaming permitted. Their more prominent casino operation is the Prairie Knights Casino and Resort. This is a major source of revenue for the tribe for its large reservation and membership.
Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe
Operation: Dakota Magic Casino & Hotel
The Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux tribe operates Dakota Magic Casino & Hotel. Their North Dakota casino is a destination resort in the state’s southeast corner, providing economic support for their people.
In total, there are around 13 tribal casinos operating across North Dakota under the compact. However, because some properties (particularly under Turtle Mountain Band) provide only Class II gaming, the number of full-service casinos (slots, table games, etc.) is fewer.
Moreover, tribal councils and tribal gaming commissions are responsible for licensing and day-to-day regulation of their casinos. Meanwhile, the state’s Gaming Division performs periodic inspections to ensure compliance with compact terms, wagering limits, payout ratios, and game integrity.
Notably, the tribes do not share gambling revenues with the state; tribal gaming revenue stays with the tribes.
Current North Dakota Gambling Laws
ND Century Code Title 12.1, Chapter 12.1-28: Gambling and Related Offenses
This ND statute defines “Gambling” and “Lottery” and establishes what is illegal. Sets strict limits on private gambling: an infraction for wagers over $25 per game/hand/event on private premises, and a Class A misdemeanor for wagers over $500. This statute also makes operating a gambling business a Class C felony.
Charitable Gaming Laws
ND Century Code Title 53, Chapter 53-06.1: Games of Chance (Charitable Gaming)
This is the core law authorizing and regulating most non-tribal gaming in the state. It permits public-spirited organizations (nonprofits, veterans, religious groups, etc.) to conduct games like: Bingo, Raffles, Pull Tabs, Punchboards, Sports Pools, Twenty-One (Blackjack), Poker, and Paddlewheels.
ND Century Code Title 53, Chapter 53-06.2: Pari-mutuel Horse Racing
This ND code authorizes charitable organizations to conduct pari-mutuel betting on horse racing. North Dakota does not have a large commercial racing industry, so this is also highly regulated and limited.
ND Administrative Code Title 99, Art. 99-01.3: Gaming Administrative Rules
These rules, overseen by the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office Gaming Division, detail the specifics of operating charitable games. This includes wager limits, maximum prize payouts, required internal controls, and rules for games like Twenty-One (Blackjack).
Tribal Gaming Laws
ND Century Code Title 54, Chapter 54-58: Tribal-State Gaming Compact
This ND statute authorizes the Governor to negotiate and execute Class III gaming compacts with federally recognized tribes (under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act – IGRA). This is the state mechanism that permits tribes to operate their respective casino operations.
Latest North Dakota Legislative Updates
HCR 3002 (Online Sports Betting Referendum): Online Sports Betting Expansion
A House Concurrent Resolution aimed to amend the state constitution to allow the legislature to legalize and regulate sports betting on professional and college sports. It would have put the question on the statewide ballot for voters to decide.
However, it was overwhelmingly rejected by the House of Representatives.
HB 1525 (Gaming Commission Structure): Increased Funding for Problem Gambling
This bill seeks to amend the allocation from the charitable gaming operating fund. It significantly increases the quarterly transfer amount dedicated to the gambling disorder prevention and treatment fund to address public health concerns related to expanded gaming access.
SB 2035 (Charitable Gaming Eligibility)
A debated bill that sought to clarify and restrict the definition of “public-spirited organizations” allowed to conduct charitable gambling. Changes included removing or limiting the ability of groups focused solely on “tourism and economic development” or “adult amateur sports” to hold licenses.
HB 1290 (Electronic Pull Tab Regulation)
A bill introduced to amend existing rules, primarily to prohibit the Gaming Commission from mandating that electronic pull-tab games be closed at the end of each fiscal quarter. This aims to reduce administrative burden and streamline operations for charitable organizations using these devices.
However, HB 1290 failed to pass the second House reading.
North Dakota Land‑Based Sports Betting
Status: Legal
Land-based sports betting in North Dakota is limited exclusively to in-person retail sportsbooks at tribal casinos on tribal lands. This form of betting became possible after the 2022 renewal of tribal-state gaming compacts.
Because of the restrictive legal framework, no commercial sportsbooks or non-tribal casinos are allowed to operate sports betting. The responsibility for regulation and compliance falls to the tribal gaming commissions and the state’s Gaming Division. They are in-charge of ensuring that tribal sports betting adheres to the wagering limits, payout structure, and regulatory oversight as established in the compacts.
Demographically, this means sports bettors in North Dakota who want to bet must travel to tribal casinos. There is no widespread “bookmaker network” or commercial sportsbook presence in urban centers. The limited number of casinos and their often remote locations tends to restrict access for many residents, especially those living far from tribal lands.
List of Land-based Sports Betting Operations in North Dakota
4 Bears Casino & Lodge
Operator: Mandan, Hidatsa, & Arikara (MHA) Nation
Located on the Fort Berthold Reservation, this casino operates a dedicated sportsbook lounge with staff and self-serve kiosks, offering wagering on all major professional and college sports leagues.
Dakota Magic Casino & Hotel
Operator: Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe
Found in the southeastern corner of the state near the South Dakota border, the casino features the Dakota Nation Sportsbook, an in-house branded sports betting lounge with large screens and self-serve kiosks.
Spirit Lake Casino & Resort
Operator: Spirit Lake Tribe
Located on the Spirit Lake Reservation near Devil’s Lake, this casino offers retail sports betting through its own designated area, allowing in-person wagers on a wide range of sports.
Prairie Knights Casino & Resort
Operator: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Located south of Bismarck on the Standing Rock Reservation, Prairie Knights offers its own branded Sportsbook as part of its casino amenities, allowing guests to bet on games while on the property.
Sky Dancer Casino & Resort
Operator: Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
Situated in the Turtle Mountains, this casino has a sportsbook that offers in-person wagering for guests. The tribe also operates another location (Grand Treasure Casino).
Grand Treasure Casino
Operator: Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
This is the Turtle Mountain Band’s second, smaller location in Trenton, ND, which offers limited gaming options, including sports betting powered by the same technology partner as Sky Dancer.
North Dakota Online Sports Betting
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Online sports betting in North Dakota is currently not licensed or regulated by the state. There are no state-licensed mobile or online sportsbooks operating under North Dakota law.
Although there have been legislative efforts, including HCR 3002 (constitutional amendment referendum) and SB 2358. These bills aimed to legalize statewide online (and mobile) sports betting, none have passed as of the most recent 2025 session.
Because of this, bettors seeking to wager on sports via the internet must rely on offshore platforms. Such an option is outside the purview of North Dakota’s laws and regulatory protections.
In short: locally-run online sports betting remains unavailable under North Dakota’s regulated framework.
List of Online Sports Betting Operations in North Dakota
Currently, North Dakota doesn’t have state-authorized online sports betting operators.
Other Online Sports Betting Options for North Dakota Residents
Betting sites based offshore and accessible to U.S. players can serve as alternative venues for North Dakota bettors seeking to place online wagers. Because these operators are headquartered outside the United States, they operate in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there are no known cases of North Dakota players being prosecuted for placing bets on these offshore platforms.
North Dakota Land‑Based Casino Gambling
Status: Legal
Land-based casino gambling in North Dakota is entirely conducted through tribal casinos operating under tribal-state compacts. The state does not permit commercial casinos; instead, authorized gambling is limited to federally recognized tribes on tribal lands.
These tribal casinos offer Class III gaming. This includes slot machines, electronic games of chance, table games (e.g., blackjack, craps, roulette), poker, and other traditional casino offerings.
In addition, tribal casinos (and their commissions) hold responsibility for licensing, operating, and regulating gaming within their facilities. The state’s Gaming Division performs periodic inspections to ensure compliance with wagering limits, payout fairness, responsible gaming standards, and compact terms.
For many residents and visitors, these tribal casinos represent the only viable land-based casino gambling venues in the state. Because there is no statewide network of commercial casinos, access to casino gaming depends heavily on proximity to tribal lands.
List of Land‑Based Casino Operations in North Dakota
4 Bears Casino & Lodge
Operator: Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara tribes (MHA Nation or Three Affiliated Tribes)
Located on the shores of Lake Sakakawea, this is a full-service resort featuring a large casino, hotel, event center, and marina. It serves as a major economic driver for the Fort Berthold Reservation.
Dakota Magic Casino & Hotel
Operator: Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate)
Positioned in the southeast corner of the state near the South Dakota border, this is the tribe’s premier North Dakota property. It features a hotel, restaurants, and an 18-hole golf course, offering a full resort experience.
Prairie Knights Casino & Resort
Operator: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe (Dakota/Lakota Nation)
Situated along the Missouri River south of Bismarck, this resort offers a casino floor, hotel, dining, and a marina, drawing visitors from across the region to the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.
Sky Dancer Casino & Resort and Grand Treasure Casino
Operator: Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (Ojibwe/Métis)
Sky Dancer is the tribe’s main resort in the scenic Turtle Mountains, offering a hotel and extensive gaming.
Meanwhile, Grand Treasure is a smaller satellite gaming facility near the western border in Trenton.
Spirit Lake Casino & Resort
Operator: Spirit Lake Tribe (Dakota/Sioux Nation)
Located on the Spirit Lake Reservation along Devils Lake, this resort provides a casino, hotel, restaurants, and a recreational area, significantly contributing to the local tribal economy.
North Dakota Online Casino Gambling
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Online casino gambling including slots, table games, and other typical casino offerings, is not licensed or regulated in North Dakota. State law broadly prohibits online gambling of chance, and the Gaming Division explicitly notes that even licensed organizations are not allowed to host online gambling or accept wagers via the internet.
Therefore, there are no state-sanctioned online casino operators offering services to North Dakota residents. Any so-called “online casinos” accessible from ND are effectively outside the scope of state regulation. As a result, these platforms provide no state-level oversight.
List of Online Casino Operators in North Dakota
North Dakota doesn’t have state-authorized online casino operators.
Other Online Casino Options for North Dakota Residents
Online casinos based offshore that accept U.S. players serve as an alternative for North Dakota players seeking online gambling. Since these operators are located outside the United States, they exist in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there is no record of individuals being legally prosecuted solely for playing on these offshore platforms.
North Dakota Poker
Status: Legal
Live, land-based poker is offered in several tribal casinos under the Class III gaming compacts. Players can enjoy traditional poker games at casinos such as those run by tribal operators.
However, poker options may be subject to compact-imposed limits. For example, single poker bets are reportedly capped (e.g., one source cites a maximum bet of US$50 per single poker bet, with a maximum of three raises per round in some settings).
Because poker is offered through tribal casinos, access is tied to proximity to tribal lands and tribal commission-regulated venues. Many poker rooms are likely modest compared to commercial casinos in larger states. Despite this, they remain a legal option for those interested in table games and card play.
List of Land-based Poker Operations in North Dakota
4 Bears Casino & Lodge
Operator: Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara tribes (MHA Nation or Three Affiliated Tribes)
4 Bears Casino & Lodge features a dedicated Poker Room (often called the Pocket Aces Lounge). They host various cash games and are known for large regional poker tournaments, offering a competitive environment.
Dakota Magic Casino & Hotel
Operator: Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate)
Dakota Magic Casino & Hotel operates a dedicated area for poker alongside its table games. They offer cash games and often host poker tournaments, including major regional tours, to attract players from the Fargo area and beyond.
Prairie Knights Casino & Resort
Operator: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe (Dakota/Lakota Nation)
Prairie Knights Casino & Resort is known for hosting significant poker events. This includes the Roughrider Poker Tour Main Event and other tournaments. Such events often have large guaranteed prize pools, alongside regular cash game offerings.
Sky Dancer Casino & Resort
Operator: Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (Ojibwe/Métis)
This casino offers a dedicated poker area as part of its full gaming floor, hosting various poker games and occasional tournaments to serve the north-central region of the state.
Spirit Lake Casino & Resort
Operator: Spirit Lake Tribe (Dakota/Sioux Nation)
This casino is a frequent host of major regional poker events, including the RPT Casino State Championship. Such events offer large multi-flight tournaments and various cash games.
North Dakota Online Poker
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Online poker is not licensed or regulated in North Dakota. There have been legislative attempts, notably a 2005 bill to allow online poker, but these efforts failed. No subsequent legislation has successfully legalized online poker in the state.
Because of this, there are no state-approved online poker platforms operating in North Dakota. Offshore poker sites are accessible options to residents, but these function outside state laws.
List of Online Poker Operations in North Dakota
North Dakota doesn’t have locally-run online poker operations.
Other Online Poker Operations for North Dakota Residents
Online poker sites based offshore and accessible to U.S. players can serve as alternative venues for North Dakota players seeking to place online wagers. Because these operators are headquartered outside the United States, they operate in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there are no known cases of North Dakota players being prosecuted for placing bets on these offshore platforms.
North Dakota Land‑Based Horse Betting
Status: Legal
Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is permitted in North Dakota under state law. Licensed horse racing, race simulcasts, and pari-mutuel betting (place, show, quinella, combinations) are legally allowed.
Historically, horse racing, and to a lesser extent, dog racing, has been part of the state’s permitted gambling activities. Licensed tracks may allow bets; simulcast wagering may also be offered.
However, horse betting seems to play a relatively minor role compared to the state’s more popular options. There is no widespread network of racetracks akin to larger states, and horse race wagering is just one piece of the overall gambling ecosystem.
List of Land‑Based Horse Betting Operations in North Dakota
North Dakota Horse Park (Fargo, ND)
Operator: Horse Race North Dakota
This is the state’s premier horse racing venue. It hosts live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing for a limited, highly popular season, typically during the summer months (July toAugust).
This venue also serves as an Off-Track Betting (OTB) location during the off-season.
Chippewa Downs (Belcourt, ND)
Operator: Outdoor Recreation Development Association
The Chippewa Downs is a smaller, historic racetrack located on the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation. It hosts live racing meets, usually in the summer, and also provides a venue for pari-mutuel wagering on simulcast races throughout the year.
North Dakota Online Horse Betting
Status: Legal
Online horse betting, known as Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW), is fully legal and regulated in North Dakota. Unlike sports betting and online casinos, which are largely prohibited, ADW is expressly authorized under the state’s pari-mutuel laws (ND Century Code § 53-06.2).
North Dakota is a significant licensing hub, granting approval to several major national operators, including companies like TwinSpires, AmWager, and NYRA Bets. This allows residents to legally open accounts, deposit funds, and place wagers on races from tracks across the U.S. and the world, all from a mobile device or computer.
This betting is governed by the North Dakota Racing Commission (NDRC), which ensures fair play and responsible practices. All online bets contribute directly to the same pari-mutuel pool as wagers placed at the state’s live tracks and Off-Track Betting (OTB) sites. The minimum legal age for ADW in North Dakota is typically 21.
List of North Dakota Online Horse Betting Operations
TwinSpires
Operator: Churchill Downs Incorporated
The official online wagering site of the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs. TwinSpires is one of the most reputable and comprehensive platforms. It offers extensive live video, handicapping tools, and a strong rewards program (TSC Elite).
NYRA Bets
Operator: New York Racing Association (NYRA)
This is the official wagering platform for NYRA tracks (Saratoga, Belmont, Aqueduct). It offers live HD video streaming and a strong rewards program focused on NYRA races, but covers hundreds of tracks globally. Note: The minimum age to bet in North Dakota is 21 on this platform.
Caesars Racebook
Operator: Caesars Entertainment
Part of the massive Caesars brand, this platform utilizes the NYRA Bets technology platform. It integrates into the Caesars Rewards program, making it appealing for users who also use their casino and hotel properties.
AmWager
Operator: AmWager LLC
AmWager is known for offering competitive rebates and a unique platform favored by professional and serious horseplayers. It provides advanced betting tools and a wide range of racing content.
FanDuel Racing
Operator: FanDuel / TVG
FanDuel acquired TVG (Television Games Network), which was one of the original and largest ADW platforms. It offers a user-friendly mobile experience and is often integrated with the broader FanDuel ecosystem in states where commercial sports betting is legal.
1/ST BET / Xpressbet
Operator: The Stronach Group
Operated by the owners of major tracks like Santa Anita and Gulfstream Park. 1/ST BET is their modern, AI-powered app, while Xpressbet is their long-standing ADW platform, both licensed in North Dakota.
Other Online Horse Betting Options for North Dakota Residents
Online horse betting based offshore that accept U.S. players serve as an alternative for North Dakota players seeking online gambling. Since these operators are located outside the United States, they exist in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there is no record of individuals being legally prosecuted solely for playing on these offshore platforms.
North Dakota Lotteries
Status: Legal
The state operates a state-wide lottery under the North Dakota Lottery. The lottery allows residents to participate in multi-state draw games such as Powerball, Mega Millions, and other MUSL (Multi-State Lottery Association) games.
Lottery tickets are sold through retail outlets across the state; however, online sales are limited. As of the most accepted legal interpretation, real-money online lottery sales are not broadly permitted (though some state lottery systems in the US permit online subscriptions or purchases, whether via web or app, depending on state laws). In North Dakota, the authorized options remain primarily retail-based.
Moreover, so-called “intrastate” lottery games (i.e., games run solely within North Dakota) are not permitted. Also, the state does not issue scratch-offs or host state-level keno games. This distinguishes North Dakota’s lottery from many other U.S. lotteries.
List of North Dakota Lottery Platforms
North Dakota Lottery
Operator: North Dakota state government
The North Dakota Lottery is the official state-run lottery. It offers participation in multi-state draw games (Powerball, Mega Millions, etc.). Tickets are sold via licensed retailers across the state.
As noted, there are no state-licensed online lottery platforms offering purchase of individual tickets. The sale and distribution remain retail-based only.
North Dakota Sweepstakes
Status: Legal
The legality of sweepstakes in North Dakota is generally clear: they are legal for private businesses and individuals, provided they eliminate the element of consideration (payment or purchase).
North Dakota law, like federal law, defines an illegal lottery as having all three elements: Prize, Chance, AND Consideration.
To avoid being classified as illegal gambling (a private lottery), a true sweepstakes must eliminate the requirement of a purchase or payment to enter or win (the “No Purchase Necessary” rule).
Furthermore, North Dakota is strict; requiring a payment as a condition of awarding a prize, or even creating the reasonable impression that payment is required, violates state code.
Therefore, commercial sweepstakes that clearly offer a Free Alternative Method of Entry (AMOE) are legal. The gray area often arises when non-monetary effort is required for entry (e.g., substantial time or multiple store visits), which could be interpreted as illegal “consideration.”
Overall, any well-structured, transparent sweepstakes adhering to the “No Purchase Necessary” rule is firmly legal under the North Dakota Century Code.
North Dakota Sweepstakes Casinos
Status: Gray Area
North Dakota Sweepstakes Casinos (often called Social Casinos) operate in a unique and widely accepted legal gray area. While real-money online casinos are strictly illegal in North Dakota, these sweepstakes models offer a lawful alternative for residents to play casino-style games.
The core of their legality rests on the state’s definition of an illegal lottery: Prize + Chance + Consideration. Sweepstakes casinos successfully bypass the “Consideration” (payment) element by using a dual virtual currency system:
- Gold Coins (GC): Used for pure entertainment play; cannot be redeemed for cash.
- Sweeps Coins (SC): Always given away for free (via sign-up bonuses, daily logins, or a No Purchase Necessary mail-in entry). These coins are the true “sweepstakes entries” and can be redeemed for cash prizes.
Because the sweepstakes currency (SC) is always provided free of charge, the operation adheres to state sweepstakes laws rather than stricter gambling regulations.
North Dakota Gambling FAQs
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