Dakota Magic Casino is a 24-hour gaming and hotel resort in Hankinson, North Dakota, sitting right at Exit 1 on Interstate 29, just across the state line from South Dakota. It’s owned and operated by the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, a federally recognized Sioux tribe, and it has grown from a modest gaming hall in 1999 into the largest casino floor in North Dakota. If you’re weighing whether it’s worth the drive, this guide covers the gaming, dining, lodging, and golf that make the property a regional draw.
Where It’s Located and Why That Matters
The casino sits about an hour south of Fargo, right where I-29 crosses from North Dakota into South Dakota. That location is a big part of its appeal. Drivers heading up or down the interstate corridor between Fargo and Sioux Falls pass directly by it, and Exit 1 leads straight onto the property. Free parking is available in a large surface lot, and the casino never closes, so there’s no rush to plan around business hours.
Gaming Options on the Floor
The gaming floor covers roughly 63,000 square feet, making it the biggest in the state by footprint. Inside, you’ll find:
Slots and Video Machines
Reports on machine counts vary by source and by year, with figures ranging from around 900 to over 1,200 reel and video slots. Denominations run from penny games up to higher-stakes options, so there’s room for casual players and serious gamblers alike.
Table Games and Poker
Beyond the slots, the floor includes blackjack, live craps, live roulette, keno, and a dedicated poker room. A high-stakes gaming area is also available for players who want bigger limits.
Sports Betting
The on-site Dakota Nation Sportsbook Lounge has become one of the property’s bigger draws in recent years. A large video wall streams multiple live sporting events at once, making it a popular spot on game days.
Dining at Dakota Magic
Food options range from casual to upscale. The Magic Buffet offers themed spreads (Mexican night, seafood, prime rib, and similar rotations), while Seven Fires Grille serves a more formal American menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A tavern-style lounge rounds out the choices for drinks and lighter fare. A 24-hour convenience store is also on-site for quick snacks or essentials.
Hotel and Accommodations
The hotel has expanded several times since opening and now offers over 150 rooms, including suites with jacuzzi tubs, wet bars, and leather sofas for guests wanting an upgraded stay. Standard rooms include wireless internet, cable TV, and the usual travel conveniences. There’s also a fitness center on-site, and a 1,500-seat convention center hosts concerts, meetings, and larger events.
Golf at Dakota Winds
Dakota Magic Casino is also home to the Dakota Winds Golf Course, an 18- to 27-hole layout (sources differ slightly on the exact configuration) open seasonally from April through October. It’s a notable amenity for a casino property and draws golfers from North Dakota, western Minnesota, and northeastern South Dakota who combine a round of golf with a casino visit.
RV Parking
The property has offered RV sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups in the past, though availability has changed during renovation periods. It’s worth calling ahead if RV parking is part of your travel plan, since site conditions and openings can shift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dakota Magic Casino open 24 hours? Yes, the casino operates around the clock, every day of the year.
Where exactly is Dakota Magic Casino located? It’s in Hankinson, North Dakota, at Exit 1 off Interstate 29, right at the North DakotaβSouth Dakota border, about an hour south of Fargo.
Does Dakota Magic Casino have a golf course? Yes, Dakota Winds Golf Course is on-site and open seasonally from April through October.
Is there sports betting at Dakota Magic Casino? Yes, the Dakota Nation Sportsbook Lounge offers in-person sports betting with a large multi-screen video wall.
Final Thoughts
Dakota Magic Casino combines a large, varied gaming floor with hotel rooms, several dining options, and a seasonal golf course, all in one location that’s hard to miss if you’re driving I-29. Whether you’re stopping for a few hours of slots or planning a full weekend with golf and a hotel stay, it’s worth checking current hours and amenities directly with the property before you go, since offerings can change with ongoing renovations.
