The Mount Rushmore State is home to numerous land-based gambling establishments. In addition to the state’s 1,000+ electronic gaming locations, residents and visitors have over three dozen casino locations to choose from. Here at southdakotagambling.info, we break down the experience of land-based gaming in SD, as well as review some of the most popular casinos in South Dakota. Here you can find a list of the most popular South Dakota casinos:

  1. Tin Lizzie Casino
  2. The Lodge at Deadwood
  3. Dakota Sioux Casino & Hotel
  4. Cadillac Jacks Gaming Resort
  5. Gold Dust Casino

On this page, readers can learn about SD’s Deadwood Casinos as well as its Indian gaming locations. I’ll discuss what you can expect to find with regards to casinos’ games as well as their non-gaming features, such as hotels, events and more. After reading my guide, you’ll have a well-rounded idea of what SD has to offer. At the end of this page, you’ll find a useful Deadwood casinos map as well as a list of all land-based gaming options in the state.

Deadwood Casinos: Wild West Gambling

Deadwood, South Dakota is a resort town nestled in the Black Hills National Forest. The town’s original claim to fame came when gold was discovered by General Custer. However, it would be HBO’s Deadwood that would make the sleepy mining town a household name. Today, the city is a popular tourist destination due to its Wild West-like architecture and gambling options. There are twenty-five commercial casinos in South Dakota, and they are all in Deadwood. The state approved gambling in 1988 making it the third state in the U.S. to allow traditional casino gaming. The activity is overseen by the South Dakota Gaming Commission.

The facade of a casino in Deadwood South Dakota.

The the state has unique gaming laws, which limit what casinos can offer. Not only is, SD one of a handful of territories that limits casino gaming to one city, but it is also one of two states that limits the maximum amount one can wager on a game ($1,000). Although limited in terms of bets, visitors have more than enough choice when it comes to the games at Deadwood casinos. In the town, customers can play slots and table games such as blackjack, poker, craps and roulette. Quality games in conjunction with the town’s historic downtown architecture, add up to create one of America’s most unique gambling destinations. The biggest competitors of these gambling establishments are found on SD’s reservations.

Indian Casinos in South Dakota

Almost all states with a Native American population feature tribal casinos and South Dakota is no different. South Dakota’s Indian casinos are perfect for those looking for a premier gambling experience but don’t live in or around Deadwood. There are currently twelve Indian Casinos in South Dakota. Tribal gaming institutions are subject to the same gambling laws as the rest of the state. This means that tribal casino properties carry the same slots, table and card games as the state’s commercial properties and they must also adhere to SD’s strict $1,000 max bet policy.

The logo of the National Indian Gaming Commission which is the overarching body that governs Indian Casinos in South Dakota.

Indian gaming was legalized when the U.S. Supreme Court passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1993. The law allowed Indian nations to negotiate contracts with state governments to open gambling properties on sovereign tribal reservations. These Native American casinos remain some of the most popular gaming destinations for state residents as well as gamers from neighboring Minnesota and Nebraska. Most tribal locations operate 24 hours a day and allow players 21 and older to enjoy the Mt. Rushmore state’s superb game offering. SD currently houses nine tribal nations including the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate and eight Sioux tribes.

The Non-Gaming Perks of South Dakota Casinos

There are many factors that determine the quality of a casino property. Of course, the first thing I look at when evaluating a gambling establishment is its games selection. However, once this has been covered, I look at the property’s other features, such as its dining options (buffet), location, promotions, hotel, events and more. The following paragraphs briefly discuss some of the non-gaming factors when should keep in mind when looking for a place to play. For a more in-depth look at a casino, you’ll need to read one of our reviews.

A generic microphone in front of a crowded audience.

Location, Location, Location

The average gambler doesn’t live around the corner from a SD casino. In fact, most Americans tend to treat gambling more like a vacation than a standard recreational activity. For this reason, location is a key aspect to consider when planning a trip. There are casinos in South Dakota near Mount Rushmore as well as gambling places near the state border. If you’d like to do a little gambling on the side, when vacationing in one of the state’s numerous scenic locations, then consult our handy map of casino locations in South Dakota to find a casino near you.

Casinos in South Dakota with Hotels

Players who wish to have an extended gambling vacation may want to find a casino in South Dakota that has a hotel. Most of the tribal gambling establishments have hotels that come equipped with normal rooms as well as suites. In Deadwood, many of the casino gaming locations also have hotel rooms. But due to the nature of the city’s tourist economy, visitors also have numerous hotel options throughout the city. So even if you don’t want to stay at a casino with a hotel, you can still stay overnight around gaming properties. Here is a list of some of the casinos with hotels

Entertainment and Dining Options

Although these aren’t the most important aspects of a quality gaming locale, they still factor into the overall casino experience. It may come as a surprise to some, but quality food and buffet options are some of the main things customers look for when choosing a place, at which to play. In addition, it is common for casino resorts to offer events and entertainment to their guests, such as concerts, comedy shows and more. A great casino will tend to offer at least some form of entertainment to guests, but this isn’t vital in order to be considered a fun gambling site.

The South Dakota Casino Market

As I have stated on our main page, those wishing to gamble in South Dakota, have a plethora of options when it comes to casino gaming. There are dozens of casinos to choose from in SD, but all are either on tribal reservations or in the town of Deadwood. Unfortunately, online gambling is still illegal in SD, so there aren’t any legal online casino sites for South Dakotans. There is currently, no law which limits the number of gambling dens that are allowed in Deadwood. As long as a bar, tavern or casino holds a SD gaming license, it is allowed to operate casino games.

Indian & Deadwood Casinos Map

If you are wondering whether or not there is a “casino near me,” then perhaps you’d like to consult the map below. This particular map displays all of the casinos in South Dakota. On it, you’ll find both commercial Deadwood gaming centers as well as the state’s Indian casinos. Unfortunately, we are not able to show the places that only carry electronica gaming machines, as there are over 1,000 in the region. Zoom in to see the numerous casinos located on Deadwood’s historic Main Street. For a more in-depth map overview, Casinos.us provides their ranking of the best South Dakota casinos found here.

Use the map above to find some of the best casinos in South Dakota including:

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