Gaming

If you, or someone you know, has a problem with gambling, help is available with the South Dakota Council on Problem Gambling.

The toll free number is 1(888) 781-HELP(4357).

Calls are referred to Gamblers Anonymous groups near their home town.

South Dakota Commission on Gaming

The South Dakota Commission on Gaming is a five-member commission appointed by the Governor of the State of South Dakota. The Commission regulates limited wagering in Deadwood, as well as live horse and simulcast racing. Commission staff is under the direction of Mark Heltzel, its Executive Secretary and consists of two divisions: Enforcement and Operations. For general inquiries and licensing questions, contact Mark.Heltzel@state.sd.us. Learn more about Gaming Laws & Regulations.

Quick Navigation

Enforcement

Operations

Application & Fees

Business Licenses

Live Racing & Simulcast Licenses

Annual Reports

The Commission

Meeting and Meeting Documents

Statistics

Exclusion List

Enforcement

The Enforcement Division is responsible for conducting background and criminal investigations relating to limited gaming in addition to monitoring casino gaming activities. The Enforcement Division is under the direction of Mark Heltzel, Deputy Executive Secretary.

Operations

The Operations Division conducts regular compliance and revenue audits of casinos within the City of Deadwood. They are responsible for slot machine inspections and all statistical data regarding gaming and racing activity within the jurisdiction of the Commission. The Operations Division is under the direction of Kelly Hanson.

Applications & Fees

The types of Business licenses issued by the commission are listed below. All applicants must submit completed fingerprint cards with their application to the South Dakota Commission on Gaming. The cards must be obtained from the South Dakota Commission on Gaming, Deadwood office at (605) 578-3074.

Business Licenses

Sports Wagering Services Provider

Any person who maintains or operates the software or hardware of a sports wagering system or facilitates wagering on a sporting event by providing a service, including data aggregation, risk management, computer service, furnishing information or setting odds must complete a Sports Waging Services Provider Application (PDF).  The application fee is $5000, and the license fee is $2000 with a fiscal year (July through June) renewal fee of $2000.

Operator License

Any person who places slot machines in their business premises must complete an Operator License Application (PDF). The Application fee is $1,000 and the license fee is $1,000 with a fiscal year (July through June) renewal fee of $200.

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Route Operator License

Any person who engages in the business of placing and operating slot machines or gaming tables in another licensee’s place of business within the City of Deadwood must complete a Route Operator License Application (PDF). You must have an Operator License to obtain Route Operator License. The application fee is $1,000 and the license fee is $1,000 with a fiscal year (July through June) renewal fee of $200.

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Retail License

Any person who maintains gaming at the licensee’s place of business within the City of Deadwood for use and operation by the public must complete a Retail License Application (PDF). The application fee is $250 and the license fee is $250 with a fiscal year (July through June) renewal fee of $100.

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Slot Machine Manufacturer or Distributor License

Any person who designs, assembles, fabricates, produces, constructs, sells, leases, distributes or who otherwise prepares a product or a component of a slot machine other than tables or cabinetry, must complete a Slot Machine or Distributor License Application (PDF). The application fee is $5,000 and the license fee is $1,000 with a fiscal year (July through June) renewal fee of $250.

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Associated Equipment Manufacturer or Distributor License

Any person who designs, assembles, fabricates, produces, constructs, sells, leases, distributes or who otherwise prepares a product identified as associated equipment in ARSD 20:18:18:15 must complete an Associated Equipment Manufacturer or Distributor License Application (PDF). The application fee is $500 and the license fee is $500 with a fiscal year (July through June) renewal fee of $250.

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Application for a New Game or Game Variation

This is used to apply for a new game or variation of a currently approved game.

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Application for a New League, Wager Type or Sporting Event approval.

This is used to apply for a new League, Wager Type or Sporting event to be added to the approved Sporting Events and Wagering catalog.

Apply NOW

Live Racing & Simulcast Licenses

Multi-Jurisdictional Totalizer Hub License

An entity who wishes to be licensed as a Multi-Jurisdictional Wagering Hub in South Dakota must complete this application. Multi-Jurisdiction Totalizer Hub License Application (PDF). 

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Simulcast Provider License

A person who provides a signal from another licensed racing jurisdiction to South Dakota must complete a Simulcast Application (PDF).

Renew LICENSE

Simulcast Site Application

A location where a signal from another licensed racing jurisdiction to South Dakota is received from a licensed simulcast provider must complete a Simulcast Site Application (PDF).

Renew LICENSE

Annual Reports

Financial summary of the Commission’s activity for the regulation of gaming and racing activities by fiscal year (July – June).

• FY2024 Annual Report (PDF)
• FY2023 Annual Report (PDF)
• FY2022 Annual Report (PDF)
• FY2021 Annual Report (PDF)
• FY2020 Annual Report (PDF)
• FY2019 Annual Report (PDF)
• FY2018 Annual Report (PDF)
• FY2017 Annual Report (PDF)

The Commission

The South Dakota Commission on Gaming has a five-member commission consisting of citizens of South Dakota, all of whom are appointed by the Governor of the State of South Dakota. The commission is responsible for the promulgation of rules and regulations governing limited betting in the State of South Dakota.