Gaming law is generally the law that applies to the gaming or gambling industry, including casinos, lotteries, horse racing, dog racing, sports betting, card games, table games, social gambling, bingo, raffles, slot machines, scratch tickets, etc. Gaming law includes state and federal statutes, rules, and regulations—and legal principles from traditional areas of law, such as contract law, administrative law, constitutional law, criminal law, and regulatory law. For example, the federal statute prohibiting illegal gambling businesses is located at 18 U.S.C. §1955.

In South Dakota, gaming law encompasses regulations and statutes that govern the operation and conduct of various forms of gambling. The state permits several types of gaming, including casinos, which are primarily located in Deadwood, as well as tribal lands as per the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. South Dakota also allows lotteries, horse racing, and recently, sports betting following a constitutional amendment approved by voters. The South Dakota Commission on Gaming is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing gaming in Deadwood, while the South Dakota Lottery Commission governs the state lottery. Social gambling, bingo, and raffles are permitted under certain conditions, often for charitable purposes. Slot machines and video lottery terminals are legal in licensed establishments. The state's gaming laws are designed to ensure that gambling activities are conducted fairly, responsibly, and free from criminal influence. Federal laws, such as the Illegal Gambling Business Act (18 U.S.C. §1955), also apply and prohibit illegal gambling operations across state lines. It's important for entities and individuals involved in gaming to comply with both state and federal regulations to avoid legal repercussions.