Online Casinos for players from North Dakota in 2025

Introduction

Though politically somewhat conservative, North Dakota is reasonably liberal when it comes to its gambling laws. However, there are currently no legal online casinos in North Dakota. Instead, players will need to rely on social and sweepstakes casinos to get the same thrill of playing for cash.

For a state that's supposed to frown on most gambling types, North Dakota's still got a pretty lively gambling scene. Over the years, the local politicians have been throwing in exemptions left and right to the general restrictions.

Stick around, and we'll give you the lowdown on North Dakota's laws that give the green light to certain gambling types. Plus, we'll explore the rules and regulations for online casino gaming in the Peace Garden State.

Are Online Casinos Legal in North Dakota?

Currently, there are no legal online casino sites in North Dakota. Unlike some of its neighbors that let you wager and win real cash, North Dakota only gives you a taste of online betting through Daily Fantasy Sports.

Now, you might stumble across offshore platforms masquerading as real money casinos, but don't be fooled. These joints are illegal, and you might end up getting scammed. Learn how to spot scam sites before hitting that ‘Sign Up’ button.

You can still get your gaming fix on social and sweepstakes casino sites. so don't throw in the towel just yet. These are legit and work pretty much like regular casino sites. You can spin those slots and hit the tables. The difference is that you can only win through sweepstakes contests.

Sweepstakes casinos

North Dakota hasn't yet addressed specifically online sweepstakes casinos in its laws. Online casinos are illegal, but sweepstakes casinos operate differently. They use a sweepstakes model where you can play games for free and have chances to win prizes, sometimes including cash. This model allows them to operate in many US states, even where online gambling is restricted. There are many social casinos with sweeps rules, and they are essentially one and the same. 

In North Dakota, the law doesn't clearly say whether these online sweepstakes casinos are legal or not, even though traditional sweepstakes/raffles are generally allowed as long as they are compliant with the law and are typically not considered gambling, as they don’t meet the three elements of gambling: chance, consideration, and prize. For a sweepstakes to stay legal, no purchase or payment can be required to enter.

• Chance: Winning is based on luck.

• Consideration: Paying money or offering something valuable to enter.

• Prize: Something of value is won.

Since the state hasn't taken a firm stance, many people in North Dakota do play on these platforms without any legal issues. But it's important to know that this area of the law is still in a gray zone. 

If you're thinking about playing on these sites, it's a good idea to be cautious. Make sure the platform is reputable and follows sweepstakes laws. And remember, since the laws can change, it's wise to stay updated on any new regulations that might affect online gaming in North Dakota.

Are Sweepstakes/Social Casinos a Good Alternative to Traditional Online Casinos?

For a lot of North Dakotans, sweepstakes casinos are exciting because they offer something you can’t get elsewhere: the chance to win real value prizes, even though online gambling is banned. That’s the game-changer. Unlike regular online casinos, which would be a no-go under state laws, these sites let you win cash through a legal workaround.

Instead of requiring you to gamble real money, they use virtual currencies or sweepstakes entries. You can often get these for free just by logging in, participating in giveaways, via promotions, and even by request. And when you play and win with those sweepstakes entries, you can actually cash out your winnings in real money. So, while it’s not traditional gambling, it feels like it because there’s still the thrill of hitting a jackpot.

Plus, these gaming sites are convenient. You can jump on your phone or computer and play from your couch - no need for long drives to neighboring states’ casinos, looking for reputable offshore casinos, or big commitments. Add in the fact that you don’t have to deal with tricky sign-ups or prolonged and strict ID checks, and it’s clear why they’re so appealing.

And let’s not forget the social aspect—many sweepstakes casinos let you compete on leaderboards or chat with other players. It’s fun, it’s easy, and you might even win some cash without technically breaking the law. 

Sweepstakes Coins and Real Prizes

Sweepstakes coins and real prizes can be a little tricky to understand, but they are a staple feature, and if you want sweeps fun, you’ll have to learn what they are about. 

What Are Sweepstakes Coins?

Sweepstakes coins are a type of virtual currency used on social or sweepstakes casinos. These platforms don’t offer real-money gambling directly. Instead of betting real cash, you play with virtual coins.

There are two main types of coins:

1. Gold Coins (or Fun Coins) are for fun and hold no real-world value. You use them to enjoy the games purely for entertainment.

2. Sweepstakes Coins (or Sweeps Coins) are special because, while you can’t directly purchase them, they can often be redeemed for real cash or prizes if you win.

How Do You Get Sweepstakes Coins?

You usually get them through promotions or giveaways. For example:

• Free Daily Bonuses - many sites offer free sweepstakes coins just for logging in.

• Purchasing Gold Coins - often, when you buy gold coins, you’ll receive sweepstakes coins as a bonus.

• Contests or Referrals - some platforms give you sweepstakes coins for participating in contests or referring friends.

How Do Sweeps Coins Lead to Real Prizes?

When you play with sweepstakes coins and win, you can often redeem your winnings for real cash or prizes. Meeting a minimum withdrawal amount is a requirement, and also verifying your identity, as these platforms want to ensure compliance with regulations. 

How to Enter Sweepstakes in North Dakota?

If you’re in North Dakota and want to try out sweepstakes casinos, it’s simpler than you might think. These platforms are designed to be user-friendly. 

First, you’ll want to pick a trusted sweepstakes casino with a good reputation for fair play and winning payouts. Once you’ve picked one, head to their website or download their app to create an account. Signing up is quick—just your basic details and an email address. Some platforms might ask for ID later, but that’s usually when you’re ready to cash out.

Once you’re in, you’ll notice these casinos give you free virtual currencies to get started - gold coins, which are for playing games just for fun, and sweeps coins, which you can use to win real cash. Most platforms give you daily bonuses or let you enter by mailing a request—just check their terms for specifics.

Now comes the fun part: playing games! Whether you’re into slots, poker, or table games, sweepstakes casinos have plenty to keep you entertained. If you’re playing with gold coins, it’s purely for fun. But if you’re using sweeps coins, any winnings can be cashed out for real money. It’s like the excitement of a casino, but without the risk of spending money you don’t have to.

When you’re ready to cash out, you’ll usually need to verify your identity and choose how to receive your winnings—some sites send checks, while others use the usual US online payment methods and crypto like Bitcoin. Just make sure you’ve followed all the rules, like playing with coins earned legally (no sneaky stuff!).

While you can buy bundles of gold and sweeps coins to speed things up, you don’t need to spend any money to enjoy the experience or win. If you’re playing for fun, stick to the free options. It’s all about having a good time without pressure.

Take a look below to pick a sweepstakes casino: 

The laws to legalize sports betting in North Dakota came into effect in December 2021. While sports betting has been legalized, bets can only be made in person at chosen tribal casinos in the state

Two bills were introduced to the legislature in 2019, one that would allow fully legalized sports betting and one just for professional sports. However, both failed to gain traction, with HB1254 passing through the House and falling in a landslide 38-7 vote in the Senate.

Therefore, the legalization of any form of online gambling in North Dakota is still in limbo, and it seems players won't be playing at real-money online casinos any time soon.

Types of Online Gambling Legal in North Dakota

While online casinos and online sports betting are off the table in the Peace Garden State, there are other options. North Dakota still offers a handful of legal online gaming options that'll keep your betting spirits high and your wallet in the game. They include

• Daily Fantasy Sports: Fantasy sports contests have been flying under the radar in North Dakota since 2016. Thanks to the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act classifying DFS as a game of skill, it's one of the few fully legal online gambling options in the state.
• Online Horse Betting: The ND Racing Commission keeps a tight rein on the action, providing a list of approved betting sites on their website. It's not just an old mare's tale - you can legally place your bets from the comfort of your own home.
• North Dakota Lottery: While the state doesn't host its lottery games, North Dakota is part of the multi-state lottery club. Players can snag tickets for Powerball, Lucky for Life, Mega Millions, Lotto America, and 2by2 at local retail stores. When they want to check if they've hit the jackpot, the ND Lottery website has all the winning numbers.

Online Casino Regulations and Restrictions in North Dakota

If you're thinking of playing in illegal online casinos in North Dakota, please don't. Some states like Alabama may be trying to chip in bills for tougher penalties on illegal gaming, but this one’s not playing around with penalties. According to law 12.1-28-02, you could be slapped with a class C felony for running a betting business or taking bets. And if they catch you with a gambling device, authorities have the green light to seize it.

North Dakota has its own unique spin on gambling oversight. The Attorney General's office regulates and monitors gaming and charity gambling and keeps commercial casinos in check. Their Gaming Division has several branches, each one making sure every aspect of gaming stays legit.

The North Dakota Racing Commission is in charge of horse racing and betting, both online and at the track. Their website is your golden ticket when you need to know where to place your bets. And let's not forget the Lottery division—another branch of the Attorney General's office. These are the folks making sure the state's lottery keeps rolling, is regulated, and is above board.

The Future of Online Casino Gaming

The gambling landscape in North Dakota has been shaky lately. In January 2023, ND House Concurrent Resolution 3002 tried to change the landscape by legalizing online sports betting. But in April, the bill was defeated 30-16. If this setback didn't demoralize their zeal, North Dakotan legislators might take another shot at legalizing online sports and casino gaming.

Now, with no neighboring states flashing their legal online casino success stories, there's not much fire under North Dakota's lawmakers to jump on the bandwagon. And let's face it - with only a handful of legal land-based gambling options, the Peace Garden State is likely to be fashionably late to legalized online casinos.

Land-Based Casinos North Dakota

Now, for land-based action, Indian casinos serve up a buffet of gambling goodies. You can play different versions of blackjack, craps, roulette, slots, video poker, and video keno. North Dakota has 13 of these gaming hotspots, all monitored by the US Indian Gaming RegulatoryAct. So, while you might not find a glitzy commercial casino, these tribal joints are available for you.

Summary

The online casino scene in North Dakota is still frozen solid. Most forms of online gambling, including those tempting sportsbooks and flashy online casinos, are stuck on the state's illegal side. Sure, some offshore casinos are trying to sneak through the back door, but some are untrustworthy and insecure. Check out our offshore sportsbook comparison page if you insist on real money online gambling in North Dakota. Better safe than sorry.

This state is not precisely densely populated, which might explain why it's not rushing to roll out the red carpet for online casino gaming. The last attempt at online sports betting was thwarted before it even gained momentum.

You can catch some simulcast horse wagering action at a few spots. DFS and Lottery are throwing you a bone with online play. However, online casinos and sports betting might take their sweet time showing up at this party.

Written by: Michael Shackleford