North Dakota has relatively favorable laws regarding land-based gambling. However, no online casinos or sportsbooks are allowed to operate in the state.
Residents of ND looking to play real money games or bet on sports with their phones or computers must use offshore operators.
This page will cover the regulations behind the most popular types of wagering in the Peace Garden State and show you safe sites, games, bonuses, and more.
Summary of North Dakota Gambling Laws
Land-based casinos are available in the Peace Garden State thanks to tribal communities.
Other forms of legal gambling include electronic pull tabs, pari-mutuel betting on horse and dog racing, the lottery, and charitable gaming.
Online wagering is available in a legal gray area thanks to offshore casinos that aren’t subject to North Dakota’s laws.
| Gambling | North Dakota |
|---|---|
| Is Online Gambling Legal? | Grey Area |
| Playing at Online Casinos | Offshore Only |
| Legal Age Online | 18+ |
| Land-Based Casinos | Tribal Casinos Only |
| Legal Age Land-Based | 19+ |
| Online Sports Betting | Offshore Only |
| Charitable Gambling | Yes |
| State Lottery | Yes |
| Social Gaming | Yes |
Is Gambling Legal in North Dakota?
The table below includes details on what forms of gambling are and aren’t legal according to current ND laws.
| Gambling | North Dakota |
|---|---|
| Casino Gambling | North Dakota has five full-fledged tribal casinos that offer slot machines and table games. The state also has a handful of retail locations that offer Class II gambling (with electronic bingo games that function like slots). |
| Poker | Live poker is available on a limited basis in the form of low-stakes Texas Hold ’em tournaments hosted at the 4 Bears Casino & Lodge. |
| Horse Racing Betting | Betting on horse racing is legal in the Peace Garden State. |
| Dog Racing Betting | Simulcast wagering on dog racing is allowed at approved off-track betting locations in North Dakota. |
| Lottery | The ND Lottery began in 2004 and is available to anyone who is at least 18 years old. It offers multi-jurisdictional games such as Powerball and Lucky For Life. |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Daily fantasy sports operate in North Dakota in a legal grey area. |
| Sports Betting | Sports betting on tribal casino grounds is permitted in the Peace Garden State. Legislators proposed a bill that would have given North Dakota residents a chance to vote on expanding sports betting to commercial operators. This bill, however, was voted down in the Senate. There are no state-regulated online sportsbooks, so bettors must use offshore sites. |
| Charitable Gaming | ND permits many charitable games, including bingo, raffles, sports pools, table games, and pull-tabs. The state has casinos operated by charitable organizations. |
| Social Gaming | Social gambling is allowed in North Dakota as long as the amount wagered is $25 or less per event. |
| Online Gambling | North Dakota does not allow online casinos to operate within the state. Gamblers interested in playing games on a computer or mobile device use sites operating outside of ND. |
Best Online Casinos for North Dakota Players in 2024
We have compiled a list of safe and secure online casinos for ND players.
The sites below are our top recommendations based on games, bonuses, licensing, payment options, and all-around gambling experience.
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Where to Gamble in North Dakota
Locations with legal gambling are accessible statewide in ND. Online wagering, on the other hand, is only available in offshore casinos, as suggested above.
Here’s an overview of where to gamble in the Peace Garden State.
Land-Based Casinos in North Dakota
There are currently five tribal casinos in North Dakota that offer slot machines and table games.
Here are the locations of each facility:
| Casino | Address | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Dakota Magic Casino | 16849 102nd St SE, Hankinson, ND 58041 | Hankinson |
| 4 Bears Casino & Lodge | 202 Frontage Rd, New Town, ND 58763 | New Town |
| Prairie Knights Casino | 7932 ND-24, Fort Yates, ND 58538 | Four Yates |
| Skydancer Casino | 3965 Sky Dancer Way NE, Belcourt, ND 58316 | Belcourt |
| Spirit Lake Casino & Resort | 7889 ND-57, St Michael, ND 58370 | St Michael |
Horse & Dog Tracks
Simulcast horse and dog racing wagering is available in North Dakota at a handful of licensed off-track betting locations statewide.
The state has no major horse racing tracks but hosts some live horse racing events at Chippewa Downs and the North Dakota Horse Park.
Online Sports Betting
As mentioned above, the only form of state-regulated sports betting available in ND is in-person at tribal casinos.
Online bettors must join sportsbooks that do not operate within the state’s borders.
Bingo Halls and Charitable Gambling
North Dakota legalized charitable gaming in 1977, allowing non-profit organizations to offer various games.
In addition to bingo, licensed associations can provide games like pull-tabs, sports pools, blackjack, and poker.
The five tribes also run some bingo halls outside the casinos.
Social Gaming at Home
Social gambling is legal as long as it takes place on private property and the amount bet by each player on any single hand or event does not exceed $25.
Players wagering more than $25 up to $500 on an individual event are guilty of an infraction.
The penalty climbs to a class A misdemeanor if the amount wagered is over $500.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
There are no live poker rooms in North Dakota.
The only forms of legal poker are home games following the abovementioned rules and tournaments at tribal casinos or charitable events.
Poker players seeking additional options can join online poker rooms outside ND’s jurisdiction.
Casino Cruises
Gambling cruises are not typical in North Dakota.
The 4 Bears Casino launched the River Willow Gaming Riverboat in 2023, though that could set sail again in upcoming years.
Real Money Online Casino Games for North Dakota
Brick-and-mortar casinos aren’t the only option for enjoying the thrill and excitement of slots, poker, and table games.
Here’s how these popular titles work at offshore sites.
Online Slots
If you want to play online slots, you must join a casino licensed outside of ND.
These sites offer games with several reels and paylines, some with unique themes, jackpots, and bonus features.
You can also access standard slots at tribal facilities and electronic bingo games.
There are also electronic pull-tab devices that emulate slot machines and can be found statewide in gas stations, convenience stores, and bars.
Online Poker
As online poker for real money is not regulated in ND, offshore sites are your best bet for a comprehensive range of options and stakes.
These casinos offer a large pool of players, making it easy to find cash games or tournaments in variants like No-Limit Texas Hold ’em and Pot-Limit Omaha.
Gamblers can occasionally find low-stakes, No-Limit Texas Hold ’em tournaments at the 4 Bears Casino & Lodge or occasionally at charitable events.
Blackjack
Gamblers in ND can play online blackjack and other table games for real money using a casino regulated outside the state’s borders.
A variety of versions are available.
The multi-hand format allows players to play more than one hand at a time, and Bonus Blackjack has side bets like perfect pairs.
Live Dealer Games
Online games offer the same gameplay as in-person, but some gamblers enjoy seeing a real dealer in action.
These players can get the best of both worlds with the live dealer games available at most offshore casinos.
Blackjack, roulette, and baccarat are the most popular options you’ll find.
These games allow you to place your bets with a digital interface and then watch a real person spin the wheel or play the cards in real time.
You can even interact with the dealers and other players using a chat feature.
Other Available Games at Online Casinos in North Dakota
The four games highlighted above are just a few of the many options you can access when playing at offshore sites.
The table below includes some other available titles.
Top Bonuses at Gambling Sites for North Dakota Players
Signing up for a new account at an online casino and making your first deposit will usually land you some exciting welcome bonus offers.
Here are two top bonuses at gambling sites accepting new ND players.
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Bovada is currently giving new players a 100% match bonus of up to $1,000 on their first three deposits.
That is a total potential max payout of $3,000 in bonus earnings.
Every new deposit of $20 or more is eligible for this promotion.
The rollover requirement on the first deposit is 25X and 50x on the next two.
Get started today with promo code CAWELCOME100, and then secure the same bonus on your subsequent two deposits with code BV2NDCWB.
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Each of these deposits comes with a 30X wagering requirement.
Any initial $25 or more deposit will secure this bonus and 150 free spins on Mythic Wolf, Golden Gorilla, and Five Times Wins.
There is no promo code required.
North Dakota Online Gambling Laws
All of the laws on the books in North Dakota address the legality of different forms of land-based gambling.
Unfortunately, the wide variety of options at retail locations does not extend to online gaming.
Let’s take a look at some highlights of the current regulation.
Is Online Gambling Legal in North Dakota?
North Dakota has not legalized any form of online gambling inside its borders to date.
However, the state does not ban or prosecute players from joining offshore casinos.
Hence, these sites operate legally in their host countries and offer ND residents slots, table games, poker, and sports betting.
Legal Age at Tribal Casinos Reduced to 19
Governor Doug Burgum signed compact agreements in 2022 with the state’s tribes that lowered the legal gambling age from 21 to 19 years old.
These consents also allowed gamblers to use credit or debit cards to place bets on these properties.
Only Authorized Persons Can Conduct Games
According to the North Dakota Century Code, no person besides a member, volunteer, or employee of a licensed organization can conduct any gambling game.
Anyone who participates in the business of gambling without a license is guilty of a class C felony.
Penalties Are Assessed for Unpaid Gambling Taxes
Any licensed organization that does not pay its taxes by the original due date of its tax return will be subject to audits and fines.
Organizations will be charged 12% interest on unpaid taxes and will receive additional fines for each month the balance goes unpaid.
*Disclaimer: Please be advised that the information provided on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our team strongly recommends you seek professional counsel from a qualified attorney regarding your specific questions or concerns on the topic.
North Dakota Online Gambling vs. Neighboring States
North Dakota shares borders with Canada to the north, Minnesota to the east, South Dakota to the south, and Montana to the west.
The gambling laws are pretty similar among ND and its neighbors, as you can see on this table below.
| US State | Playing at Online Casinos | State Regulated Casinos | Social Casinos | Online Sports Betting | Lottery | Fantasy Sports | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | Offshore Only | Not Legal | Legal | Offshore Only | Legal | Grey Area | Legal |
| South Dakota | Offshore Only | Not Legal | Legal | Offshore Only | Legal | Grey Area | Legal |
| Montana | Offshore Only | Not Legal | Legal | Offshore Only | Legal | Not Legal | Legal |
| Minnesota | Offshore Only | Not Legal | Legal | Offshore Only | Legal | Grey Area | Legal |
Six of the nine states in America that have legalized retail sports betting are in the country’s northern half, including North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana.
Minnesota has no form of legal sports betting yet, though there have been efforts in recent years to pass legislation.
None of ND’s neighboring states have legalized state-regulated online gambling. Montana is particularly strict against it, as it banned daily fantasy sports in 2015.
Residents of states in this region must use online casinos operating offshore to play games like poker, slots, and blackjack online.
Tips to Play at Online Casinos in North Dakota Safely
Sites licensed outside the Peace Garden State are the only option if you want to gamble online.
Follow the tips in this section to ensure you select a safe and secure casino.
Look for Transparency
Leading online casinos emphasize transparency. Look for sites offering details like game rules, expected returns, and developer information.
Verify Licensing Information
Check the casino’s licensing status in its operating country, ensuring regulatory compliance.
For comprehensive insights, contact customer service if information is not readily available.
Assess Banking Options
Evaluate deposit and withdrawal methods offered by online casinos to ensure compatibility with your preferred banking option.
Emphasize Responsible Gambling
Prioritize your well-being by selecting sites that actively promote responsible gambling practices.
Look for casinos offering features like self-imposed limits.
Review Casino Reputation
Opt for online casinos with positive reviews. Seek feedback from US players to gauge the reputation and expectations of the site.
Pros & Cons of Gambling in North Dakota
The significant difference between in-person and online gaming highlights the pros and cons of gambling in the Peace Garden State.
Let’s take a deeper look.
Pros
- Multiple tribal casino locations with a good selection of slots and table games.
- Charitable organizations offer even more in-person casino action in North Dakota.
- Simulcast betting on horse and dog racing is allowed at off-track betting locations.
- Sports betting is legal at in-person sportsbooks in tribal casinos.
- ND locals can play at online casinos operating offshore using their computer or phone.
Cons
- There are no state-regulated online sportsbooks, casinos, or poker rooms.
- Live poker options are very limited to only a handful of low-stakes tournaments.
Future of Online Gambling in North Dakota: Our Prediction
The future for online gambling in ND does not appear bright.
A proposed bill that would have allowed voters to decide on expanding sports betting to commercial operators lost by a 30-16 vote in the Senate in April 2023.
Sports betting sites have received far more support than online casinos nationwide. Thirty states allow Internet sportsbooks to date, compared to only seven with state-regulated online casinos.
With the legalization of sports betting online looking unlikely to come any time soon in the Peace Garden State, the path to state-regulated casino gambling and poker seems difficult to find.
Gamblers in ND looking to play slots, table games, and poker on their phones or computers should continue to do so at reputable offshore sites until something changes.
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Answers to Our Readers’ FAQs
This page has covered a lot of ground regarding gambling in ND. For additional information, consult our frequently asked questions below.
North Dakota does not currently have any state-regulated online casinos.
However, offshore sites sometimes offer no-deposit bonuses and free spins.
No. North Dakota officials don’t restrict players from gambling at offshore casinos.
These sites operate legally in their own countries and are outside the state’s jurisdiction.
Disclaimer
As part of our commitment to transparency, it’s important to disclose that this website engages in affiliate marketing. This means that when you click on our links to online casinos and make a purchase or sign up, we may earn a commission.
These commissions contribute to the upkeep of our platform and the creation of valuable content. While we aim to provide accurate and unbiased information, it’s crucial to note that our reviews are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Additionally, we advocate for responsible gambling practices and encourage users to gamble responsibly. If you believe you may have a gambling problem, please seek assistance from relevant support services.