Is crypto sports betting legal in North Dakota?

What's legal

North Dakota's constitution bars the legislature from authorizing gambling except the state lottery and charitable gaming. Tribal casinos operate separately, under federal law and compacts with the state. In December 2022 the Interior Department approved compact amendments for the state's gaming tribes that added sports book wagering and mobile gaming within tribal lands.

Tribal sportsbooks have opened at casinos including Dakota Magic in Hankinson (the first, in 2021), 4 Bears in New Town and Sky Dancer in Belcourt. The compacts set the minimum wagering age at 19, and a casino can set it higher. Mobile wagering under the compacts works only when the bettor is physically on the tribe's land.

Tribes, not the state, run these books, so complaints go to the tribal gaming regulator. Each tribe sets its own house rules, limits and event lists, so call the casino before you travel to bet.

Crypto and offshore sites

No North Dakota sportsbook is set up for crypto deposits, and no state license exists for an online book. Offshore crypto sportsbooks hold no North Dakota license or any other US state license. If one freezes your balance, no state regulator can help you recover it. A tribal sportsbook is a licensed venue, but the casino decides how it takes payment, so ask before you assume crypto works.

What's changing

Statewide online betting would need a constitutional amendment. In January 2025 the House rejected HCR 3002, a resolution to put sports betting on the ballot, by 24 votes to 70. The legislature meets in odd years, so the next chance is the 2027 session, and a vote could come in November 2028 at the earliest.

Tax note

North Dakota taxes income at 0%, 1.95% and 2.5% by bracket, and gambling winnings count as income. Federal tax applies on top, and you should keep a record of wins and losses. See the Woyale tax guides for federal rules, and ask a tax professional about your state return.

Common questions