The South Dakota Commission on Gaming is alerting the public about an increase in fraudulent online casinos falsely claiming to be affiliated with licensed, in-state gaming establishments.
State Gaming Commission Executive Secretary Mark Heltzel says these unauthorized platforms use misleading advertisements, fake apps and cloned websites to deceive consumers, posing significant financial and personal security risks. He says any online platform offering casino-style games such as slots, table games, sports wagering or digital card games are not legal under South Dakota law.
The Commission has received reports of online ads and social media promotions that:
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Imitate the branding and logos of well-known Deadwood and Tribal casinos;
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Offer unrealistic bonuses or promise guaranteed winnings; and
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Redirect users to suspicious URLs or apps posing as legitimate platforms.
Consumers who interact with these unauthorized sites could experience:
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Loss of funds from fake or rigged games; and
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Exposure to identity theft from sites collecting personal and banking information.
To stay safe:
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Do not participate in gambling online;
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Be skeptical of ads or messages that promise risk-free gambling or guaranteed payouts;
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Never share credit card, banking, or Social Security information with unverified platforms; and
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Check the website address carefully—many scam sites use slight misspellings or fake domains (e.g., .net instead of .com).
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.
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