Sports Betting in North Dakota: Legal Status, Options, and Future Outlook

Legal Status of Sports Betting in North Dakota

As of now, sports betting in North Dakota is legal but limited in scope. The state has not enacted legislation to allow for full-scale commercial or online sports betting. Instead, North Dakota permits retail sports betting at select tribal casinos. This limited authorization stems from agreements between the state and Native American tribes, rather than from a comprehensive legislative framework like those seen in other states.

In 2021, Governor Doug Burgum signed new gaming compacts that allow tribal casinos to operate sportsbooks. However, efforts to legalize broader forms of sports wagering, particularly mobile and online betting, have stalled in the North Dakota legislature. In 2023, a bill to put online sports betting on the ballot was rejected by the Senate, indicating continued resistance to statewide expansion.

Where to Bet on Sports in North Dakota

Currently, sports betting in North Dakota can only be conducted at licensed tribal casinos. The key locations offering legal retail sportsbooks include:

Dakota Magic Casino (Hankinson)
Dakota Sioux Casino (Watertown)
Dakota Connection Casino (Sisseton)
4 Bears Casino and Lodge (New Town)

These casinos have partnered with sportsbook operators to provide in-person wagering on a wide variety of professional and collegiate sports. Bettors must visit the property physically to place bets, as no mobile or online betting is allowed under the current compacts.

Types of Bets Allowed

Retail sportsbooks in North Dakota offer standard wagering options found in most U.S. jurisdictions, including:

Moneyline bets
Point spreads
Totals (over/under)
Parlays
Teasers
Futures
Prop bets

Wagering is available on major sports such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college football and basketball, golf, tennis, MMA, and more. However, all bets must be placed in person, which limits accessibility for many residents.

Tribal Influence and Regulatory Framework

The tribal compacts that enable sports betting in North Dakota are negotiated between the state and tribal governments. These agreements grant exclusive rights to tribal casinos to offer certain types of gambling, including sports wagering. As such, the regulation of sportsbooks in the state falls under tribal gaming commissions rather than a state-run regulatory agency.

This arrangement has created a somewhat unique regulatory environment where sports betting is legal, but not widely available. Without state-wide legislation, commercial casinos and online operators remain excluded from the market.

Public Opinion and Legislative Hurdles

There is growing public support for expanded sports betting in North Dakota. However, legislative attempts to pass laws allowing broader sports betting, including online and mobile wagering, have been met with resistance. Concerns cited by lawmakers include potential social harms, lack of regulatory infrastructure, and the challenge of balancing tribal interests with commercial ambitions.

Proponents of legalization argue that North Dakota is missing out on significant tax revenue and economic benefits by not joining the growing list of states with comprehensive sports betting markets. Neighboring states like South Dakota and Montana have already moved forward with various forms of legalized betting, increasing pressure on North Dakota to reconsider its stance.

The Future of Sports Betting in North Dakota

The future of sports betting in North Dakota remains uncertain. While tribal sportsbooks continue to operate and serve local bettors, the absence of mobile or online betting severely limits market potential. Industry analysts predict that North Dakota may eventually expand its sports betting laws, especially as public demand increases and the success of neighboring states becomes more apparent.

For any substantial change to occur, either the legislature must pass a law to regulate and authorize online betting, or voters must approve a constitutional amendment through a ballot initiative. Until then, North Dakota’s sports betting landscape will remain limited to a handful of tribal-run retail sportsbooks.

Conclusion

Sports betting in North Dakota exists in a constrained but functional format, limited to tribal casinos with no online options. While legal betting is available in select locations, the state lags behind in terms of access, convenience, and potential revenue generation. Without further legislative action or a shift in political will, the sports betting scene in North Dakota will likely remain modest compared to the more expansive markets seen elsewhere in the United States.