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North Dakota is a state unlike any other when it comes to legal sports betting. In-person sports betting has been around in the state since 2021 despite North Dakota not having any law or statute officially legalizing it.
While in-person betting is available through a clause in the tribal casino compacts, state lawmakers rejected a motion that would have officially legalized sports betting. As such, mobile sports betting isn’t legal in the state.
North Dakota Sports Betting Sites
While in-person sports betting is legal and available at several locations in North Dakota, mobile sports betting is still illegal, so none of our favorite sports betting sites are operational in the state.
In December 2021, the state’s lawmakers rejected legislation that would have put mobile sports betting on the 2022 ballot. Accordingly, 2024 is the earliest that mobile sports betting legislation could be on the ballot.
Legal Sports Betting Age
The legal sports betting age is 21 in North Dakota, which is typical for most states with legal sports betting. If the state ever legalizes mobile sports betting, the age requirement for that will likely also be 21.
Professional Sports Teams in North Dakota
While North Dakota doesn’t have any professional sports teams, most of the state’s sports fans root for the teams in neighboring Minnesota such as the Twins, Vikings, Wild and Timberwolves.
College Teams in North Dakota
Despite not having any pro teams, North Dakota does have several prominent college programs.
- North Dakota Fighting Hawks
The Fighting Hawks play in the Missouri Valley Conference in the FCS. Their lone national championship came in 2001 at the Division II level before they moved up to the FCS level in 2008. They’ve won 26 conference championships and have qualified for the postseason 19 times.
The men’s basketball team was one of the winningest programs in Division II history before moving to Division I in 2017. The Fighting Hawks played in the Division II Final Four twice and have appeared in one Division I NCAA Tournament.
While the Bison play at the FCS level, they’re one of the best college football programs in the nation. They won nine FCS national championships between 2011 and 2021 and hold the record for the most consecutive FCS championships with five straight titles from 2011 to 2015.
The men’s basketball team has played in Division I (Summit League) since 2007 and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament in its first year of eligibility in 2009. The Bison have qualified for three additional NCAA Tournaments since then.
Photo by Sean Arbaut/Getty Images
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a sports betting app in North Dakota?
No, you can’t use a sports betting app in North Dakota. While in-person sports betting is allowed in the state, mobile sports betting isn’t.
Is DraftKings legal in North Dakota?
No, DraftKings isn’t legal in North Dakota. Mobile sports betting is illegal in the state, so DraftKings isn’t allowed.
Is FanDuel legal in North Dakota?
No, FanDuel isn’t legal in North Dakota. Mobile sports betting is illegal in the state, so DraftKings isn’t allowed.
How old do I have to be to gamble in North Dakota?
You need to be 21 years of age to bet on sports in North Dakota. If/when mobile sports betting is legalized in the state, you’ll likely need to be 21 to participate.
How many online sportsbooks are in North Dakota?
There aren’t any online sportsbooks in North Dakota. The only legal sports betting in the state is via in-person sports betting at the state’s casinos.
When might North Dakota legalize online sports betting?
2025 at the earliest. In-person sports betting is already offered in the state via a compact with the tribal casinos, and any law to officially legalize sports betting has been met with apathy. At this point, it seems like the only way the state will legalize mobile sports betting is if it feels pressure from other states.
