North Dakota Legal Sports Betting Overview
AK Sports Betting Law Details
Status
– Retail Sports Betting Launch Date: December 1, 2021
– Online Sports Betting Launch Date: N/A
– Licensed Sportsbooks: Dakota Nation Sportsbook, 4 Bears Sportsbook, Sky Dancer Casino
– Legal Wagering Options: Futures, moneylines, parlays, point spreads, same game parlays, teasers, totals
– Legal Gambling Age in ND: 21+
– Sports to Bet On: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, MMA, tennis, golf, boxing, motorsports, cricket, European soccer, college sports
– Permitted Banking Options: Mastercard, PayNearMe, Visa, cash
– North Dakota Gambling Regulator: Tribal authorities
The decision to launch retail sports betting in North Dakota didn’t occur due to legislation, but rather became feasible after the US Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) in 2018. This ruling allowed individual states to legalize sports wagering, although sports betting only commenced in ND in 2021 when the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe, which operates the Dakota Nation Gaming Enterprise, reviewed its gaming compacts with the state and determined it could legally open a sportsbook. The first sportsbook opened at the Dakota Magic Casino & Hotel in December 2021. However, online sports betting is still not permitted in the state. Despite failed bills such as HB 1254, HB 1259, and HB 3032, attempts to legalize online sports betting in ND have shown potential for future legalization. In this comprehensive guide to sports betting in North Dakota, we will explore the details of legal wagering in the state, the status of online sports betting, and the latest legislation updates.
North Dakota Online Sportsbook Summary
Online sports betting remains illegal in North Dakota, despite several previous bills proposed, such as HB 1254, HB 1259, and HB 3032, that aimed to introduce statewide online sports betting and attract prominent US brands to the state. Although these bills did not ultimately succeed, their passage through the House indicates the potential for future legalization. If online sports betting were to become legal in North Dakota, industry leaders like DraftKings and FanDuel would likely be among the first to enter the market. Both sportsbooks are already operating Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) games within the state, which would facilitate their transition to online sports betting. Caesars, with its established history of partnering with IGT, the technology provider for the retail sportsbook at 4 Bears Casino, is also a strong contender to launch an online betting site. Currently, horse racing enthusiasts can place bets online through platforms like TVG and TwinSpires. These platforms are regulated by the North Dakota Racing Commission, which oversees prominent advance deposit wagering sites in the US, including WatchandWager.com and PariBet. Additionally, DFS games are available to play on platforms like FantasyDraft, Yahoo!, and ESPN Fantasy. For those seeking online sports betting, neighboring Montana offers this option. While a visit to a retail sports betting location is required in Montana, bettors can use a betting app powered by the Montana Lottery and Intralot.
How to Place a Bet in North Dakota
To place a sports bet in North Dakota, you must visit one of the three tribal casinos that offer sportsbooks. Follow these steps to make your first legal wager:
1. Research the bets you want to place before visiting a casino. Informed bets have a higher chance of success.
2. Choose one of the three tribal casinos in North Dakota.
3. Inside your chosen casino, locate a betting window or betting kiosk. Make your selections and decide the amount of money you wish to wager. Double-check your selections as refunds are not provided once the wager is placed.
4. Confirm your bet with the attendant or machine to receive a betting ticket.
5. If your bet is a winner, go to a betting window with your ticket to collect your winnings.
Banking Methods Available in North Dakota
As retail sports betting is the only option in North Dakota currently, the number of available payment methods is limited. You can place wagers using cash at betting windows or use debit/credit cards like Mastercard and Visa. Some sportsbooks also accept prepaid cards such as PayNearMe, which can be topped up at retailers like Walgreens and CVS. If your bet is successful, you can collect your winnings immediately. If online sports betting becomes legalized, additional payment methods like e-wallets and Play+ will likely be available with sportsbooks. Additionally, online banking payments through transfers and ACH would be viable options. North Dakota sportsbooks would also likely accept credit cards, prepaid online cards, and various e-banking payment methods utilized in other states where sports betting is legal.
Who is Eligible to Bet in North Dakota?
To place a bet in North Dakota, you must be at least 21 years old and present a valid photo ID upon entering a tribal casino. Certain individuals are ineligible to place wagers, including athletes, coaches, or members of any professional sports team; referees for professional or college sports leagues; individuals with the authority to influence players’ decisions; individuals employed by sports leagues responsible for creating sports rules (such as the NFL and NCAA); individuals with non-public information about a sports team, such as player medical records; individuals who have self-excluded themselves from gambling activities; individuals prohibited from betting on a state or federal level due to criminal history; and individuals with a stake in a sports team.
Latest North Dakota Sports Betting Updates
The current sports betting status in North Dakota is that retail sports betting is available due to gaming compacts signed between the Dakota Nation Gaming Enterprise and the state. Currently, three retail sportsbooks accept wagers. However, online sports betting is not legal in North Dakota following unsuccessful attempts to pass bills in 2019 and 2021. It is likely that another attempt to legalize online sports betting will be made in 2023.
The timeline for sports betting in North Dakota is as follows:
– December 1, 2021: The Dakota Nation Gaming Enterprise launches the Dakota Nation Sportsbook at Dakota Magic Casino & Hotel.
– March 22, 2021: The Senate votes against HB 3032 with a 22-23 vote.
– February 23, 2021: HB 3032 passes the House and moves to the Senate.
– February 2, 2021: HB 3032, a bill to send the question of sports betting to the public ballot, is introduced to the House.
– March 25, 2019: HB 1254 fails to pass the Senate with a vote of 7-38.
– February 20, 2019: HB 1254 passes the House with a 52-38 vote. The bill moves to the Senate. HB 1295 fails to pass the House with a 30-62 vote.
– January 3, 2019: Representative Jason Dockter introduces HB 1254 to the House to legalize betting on professional and college sports. Representative Thomas Beadle introduces HB 1295, which also seeks to legalize sports betting.
– May 14, 2018: The US Supreme Court overturns PASPA, allowing states to legalize sports betting.
– March 21, 2013: The Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe signs its most recent gaming compact with the state.
North Dakota Sports Betting Background:
The launch of retail sports betting in North Dakota did not result from recent legislative efforts. The Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe determined that its gaming compacts included provisions for retail sports betting. With the overturning of PASPA, the tribe had the freedom to open a sportsbook. The Three Affiliated Tribes, consisting of the Arikara, Hidatsa, and Mandan Tribes, as well as the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, followed suit by opening sportsbooks at the 4 Bears Casino & Lodge and Sky Dancer Casino. Thus far, state lawmakers have not opposed the tribes’ decision. In terms of online sports betting, North Dakota has come close to legalization. In 2021, lawmakers proposed sending the issue to the public ballot for Senate consideration. SB 3032, supported by DraftKings, fell short by just one vote in the Senate. The future of North Dakota sports betting is promising, as tribal casinos can set the precedent for future retail betting locations. Given the close attempt in 2021, lawmakers are likely to make another push to legalize sports betting in 2023. If online sports betting is legalized, DraftKings is expected to be among the first brands to enter the market, as the operator actively supports the legalization of sports betting.
North Dakota’s Sports Betting Locations
North Dakota is home to 27 tribal casinos. However, sports betting is currently limited to three of these locations, operated by the Dakota Nation Gaming Enterprise and Three Affiliated Tribes. The sports betting locations in North Dakota are:
1. Dakota Magic Casino & Hotel
– Address: 16849 102nd St SE., Hankinson, ND 58041
– Phone Number: (701) 634-3000
– Operator: Dakota Nation Gaming Enterprise
The Dakota Magic Casino & Hotel, located in Hankinson, ND, opened North Dakota’s first sportsbook, the Dakota Nation Sportsbook, on December 1, 2021. The sportsbook offers a wide range of sports to bet on, including tennis, golf, and NASCAR. With a large video wall and comfortable lounge-style seating, visitors can enjoy watching major sporting events. Additionally, a full-service bar provides refreshments while you place your bets.
2. 4 Bears Casino & Lodge
– Address: 202 Frontage Road, New Town, ND 58763
– Phone Number: (800) 294-5454
– Operator: Three Affiliated Tribes
The 4 Bears Sportsbook, owned by the Three Affiliated Tribes, is situated in New Town, ND. The sportsbook offers MLB, PGA Tour, NHL, and MMA betting markets, which can be accessed through betting windows or self-service kiosks. Comfortable seating and flat-screen TVs displaying live sports action enhance the viewing experience. Additionally, 4 Bears Casino & Lodge provides accommodation options and various dining establishments, including the Bison Room Steakhouse for those with hearty appetites.
3. Sky Dancer Casino
– Address: 3965 Sky Dancer Way NE., Belcourt, ND 58316
– Phone Number: (701) 244-2400
– Operator: Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
The Sky Dancer Casino, operated by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, features a sportsbook established in partnership with IGT. Widescreen TVs enable patrons to watch games, while betting kiosks facilitate wagering. The sportsbook offers streaming and betting options for major leagues such as NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. Sky Dancer Casino’s sportsbook is open from Thursday to Monday.
North Dakota Responsible Gambling Resources
For individuals seeking assistance with problem gambling, North Dakota provides resources to support responsible gambling practices:
1. North Dakota National Council for Problem Gambling: This organization offers links to problem gambling resources throughout the state, an online live chat feature, and a 24/7 helpline. Contact them at (800) 522-4700.
2. Gambler ND: Gambler ND arranges meetings for problem gamblers to share their experiences and offers a recovery program. You can reach them at (877) 702-7848.
While there is no state-wide self-exclusion program for retail sportsbooks at tribal casinos, individuals can self-exclude themselves from specific locations. If online sports betting were to be legalized, operators would likely introduce responsible gambling tools such as account limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion measures.
Teams to Bet on in North Dakota
Although North Dakota’s population of around 800,000 is not substantial enough to support major league franchises, residents are enthusiastic about teams from neighboring Minnesota. Some of the most popular teams among North Dakota fans are:
1. Minnesota Vikings (NFL)
2. Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)
3. Minnesota Twins (MLB)
4. Minnesota Wild (NHL)
While major league sports may not be feasible in North Dakota, the state boasts several minor league teams:
– Bismarck Bucks (Indoor Football League)
– Fargo Force (United States Hockey League)
– Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (American Association of Professional Baseball West Division)
In terms of college sports, North Dakota residents can support the following teams:
– North Dakota Fighting Hawks (University of North Dakota)
– North Dakota State Bison (North Dakota State University)
– Various women’s basketball teams in the NCAA Division I
How Does North Dakota Compare to Other States?
Market Coverage:
Sports betting in North Dakota covers a range of markets provided by IGT, a company that has partnered with Caesars in the past. Bettors have access to wagering options for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, MMA, and more. Unlike states such as New Jersey, which imposes restrictions on college sports wagering, North Dakota allows betting on college sports without limitations. However, if online sportsbooks are legalized in North Dakota, bettors can expect an even broader selection of markets.
Competitive Odds & Prices:
The Dakota Nation Sportsbook, operated by IGT – a company active in 15 other US states – offers favorable odds that align with industry standards. The sportsbook also provides competitive betting lines for player props. Nevertheless, with the potential introduction of more operators in the online sports betting market, odds could become even more advantageous for bettors.
Gambling Revenue:
Although the specific tax details for sportsbooks in North Dakota are currently undisclosed, revenue generated from sports betting in the state contributes to the government’s tax revenue through gaming compacts with tribal authorities. Looking at a comparable state like Wyoming, which has lower population numbers than North Dakota and has only legalized online sports betting, there is potential for ND to benefit greatly from tax revenue if online sports betting is legalized. As of June 2022, Wyoming’s online sports betting market handled over $103 million in wagers, resulting in sportsbook revenue of nearly $9.6 million. The tax rate in Wyoming is 10%, with tax collections exceeding $364,000. North Dakota, with its larger population, could likely expect similar or even greater tax benefits.
Betting Taxes:
In line with regulations across the United States, bettors in North Dakota must report all gambling winnings to the IRS and complete a W-2G form if winnings exceed $600 in a year. Bettors must also include their winnings in their state income tax filings, ranging from 1.1% to 2.9% according to income levels. Meanwhile, sportsbooks must comply with the Internal Revenue Code, paying a 0.25% excise tax on monthly betting handle, as well as a $50 tax per employee involved in accepting wagers.
Who Oversees Sports Betting in North Dakota?
Currently, the Dakota Nation Gaming Enterprise oversees all retail sportsbooks operating in North Dakota. The enterprise operates sports betting through gaming compacts it has signed with the state. These compacts require compliance with safety and fairness regulations to ensure a secure environment for all players. If online sports betting is legalized in North Dakota, a new regulatory body would need to be established. Unlike other states such as Montana, which has given regulatory authority to its lottery, North Dakota has not expressed interest in granting regulatory power to its lottery in relation to sports betting.