South Dakota sports betting is off and running.
At a South Dakota Commission on Gaming meeting Wednesday, three sports wagering providers received licenses for sports betting in SD:
- BetMGM
- Internet Sports International (ISI)
- International Game Technology (IGT)
Those service providers will back SD sports betting at five casinos in the city of Deadwood. Four of those casinos are ready to take retail bets Thursday.
“Obviously, [launching Sept. 9] was our goal all along, and really the commission worked hard to get us there,” Deadwood Gaming Association Executive Director Mike Rodman told LSR Wednesday. “My hat’s off to the gaming commission staff. They worked behind the scenes to get everything into place. They certainly were working closely with the industry to make it all happen.”
Three other providers were not ready for approval as of Wednesday and will need a special meeting, Rodman said.
First bets in South Dakota
A small ceremony took place Thursday morning at Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort. Former State Senator Bob Ewing and Deadwood Mayor Dave Ruth placed the state’s first bets.
The first bets came less than 12 hours before the NFL season kicks off.
Four casinos will offer sports betting on launch day:
- Tin Lizzie (BetMGM)
- Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort (BetMGM)
- Mustang Sally’s (ISI)
- Gold Dust Casino (ISI)
Rodman said Deadwood Mountain Grand and IGT would not be ready for opening day.
BetMGM in South Dakota
BetMGM announced it was partnering with Liv Hospitality last month. The sportsbook will offer bets at counters and kiosks.
While sports betting is limited to casino properties in Deadwood, bettors can also place wagers on the BetMGM app while on Tin Lizzie and Cadillac Jack’s property.
“Liv Hospitality’s prime resort locations in Deadwood make it an ideal partner for us. Together, we look forward to bringing the BetMGM sports betting experience to South Dakota sports fans,” BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt said.
South Dakota sports betting future
The Commission on Gaming also approved an initial sports betting catalog Wednesday, which Rodman called sufficient for now.
The commission will meet before its scheduled December meeting to approve three additional service providers, he said. The December meeting will, however, likely bring adjustments to the catalog.
“We’ll probably go back in December and ask for some modifications,” he said. “This is a good start for us. We can learn and see what our customers want.”
Year-long wait for South Dakota sports betting
South Dakota bettors waited nearly a year for sports betting after approving it at the ballot box in November 2020.
Legislators quickly passed enacting legislation in 2021 and Gov. Kristi Noem signed it into law in March.
The Commission on Gaming approved regulations for Deadwood sports betting in July, with legislative approval coming in August.
