The South Dakota Commission on Gaming wants to inform individuals of increased fraudulent online casinos falsely claiming to be affiliated with licensed South Dakota gaming establishments. These unauthorized platforms use misleading advertisements, fake apps, and cloned websites to deceive consumers and pose financial and personal security risks.
Online Casino Gaming is Not Legal in South Dakota
Under South Dakota law, any online platform offering casino-style games such as slots, table games, sports wagering, or digital card games is not authorized.
How These Scams Operate
The Commission has received reports of online ads and social media promotions that:
Imitate the branding and logos of well-known Deadwood and Tribal casinos, offer unrealistic bonuses, or promise guaranteed winnings, and redirect users to suspicious URLs or apps posing as legitimate platforms.
Risks of Engaging with Illegal Gambling Sites
Consumers who interact with these unauthorized sites face the following:
Loss of funds from fake or rigged games or exposure to identity theft from sites collecting personal and banking information.
How to Protect Yourself
To stay safe:
- Do not participate in gambling online.
- Be skeptical of ads or messages that promise risk-free gambling or guaranteed payouts.
- Never share credit card, banking, or Social Security information with unverified platforms.
- Check the website address carefully—many scam sites use slight misspellings or fake domains (e.g., .net instead of .com).
Report Suspicious Activity
If you encounter or suspect an illegal gambling site:
- Document the website, app, or advertisement in question.
- Report it to the Commission via email at DORSDGaming@state.sd.us or call (605) 578-3074
- Contact the South Dakota Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986 or 1-(605)773-4400, consumerhelp@state.sd.us, or visit consumer.sd.gov
The South Dakota Commission on Gaming remains committed to protecting the integrity of legal gaming in our state and safeguarding consumers from fraud and abuse.