Beware of Fraudulent Online Casinos Targeting Individuals

For Immediate Release: Monday, August 4, 2025
Contact: Mark Heltzel, Executive Secretary, SD Commission on Gaming, 605-578-3074
 
Beware of Fraudulent Online Casinos Targeting Individuals
 
Pierre, SD – August 4, 2025 – The South Dakota Commission on Gaming is alerting the public about an increase in 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, posing significant 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 risks:
•    Loss of funds from fake or rigged games; and
•    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; and
•    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; and
•    Contact the South Dakota Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986 or (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.