Online Casino Laws and Regulations in North Dakota

Last updated: 07/02/2024

North Dakota has stringent gambling laws in place that cover a wide range of activities and strictly prohibit unlicensed gambling within the state. Certain lawmakers interpret these laws to encompass online gambling, including both online casinos and individual players. As a result, this interpretation has effectively banned all online gambling providers, leaving no room for such activities in the state.

Social casinos, both accessible online and through mobile apps, are legally operated platforms that offer a wide range of popular casino games, such as slots, blackjack, video poker, and roulette. These platforms provide free gameplay, allowing users to enjoy the excitement without the option to win real money. However, some social casinos also offer lottery-style games with the chance to win prizes, including real money jackpots.

The gaming industry is certainly alive and well in North Dakota. The state is home to a variety of gambling establishments, including six tribal casinos. Lotteries, charity gambling and horse racing are also commonplace in the state. Until very recently, sports betting was outlawed.

However, new legislation unexpectedly passed in February 2019 allowing for the practice. This is good news for fans of sports betting, but those hoping to play online are out of luck. The current laws regulating all forms of gambling in North Dakota do not cover online gambling, with the exception of daily fantasy sports games.

A number of other states also accepted the same gambling laws for this type of game, such as the fantasy games in North Carolina. So online casinos, online sports betting services and other internet-based gambling establishments are off-limits for the foreseeable future.