Dakota Magic Casino & Hotel Review for June 2026

Interstate 29 runs dead straight through the eastern edge of the Dakotas, connecting Fargo in the north to Sioux Falls in the south with very little interruption. At Exit 1, the very last exit before you cross from North Dakota into South Dakota, you will find Dakota Magic Casino and Hotel, which has been doing a brisk trade on that prime location since August 1999.

The casino is owned and operated by the Dakota Nation Gaming Enterprise of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, a federally recognized Sioux tribe whose homeland spans the border region of North and South Dakota. The tribe operates three gaming properties in total, but Dakota Magic is the flagship, and it has grown considerably from its original 84-room, single-floor configuration into a full resort complex covering 160,000 square feet of built space. For a city of Hankinson's size (population just over 900) it is a remarkable economic and hospitality anchor that draws visitors from across the region and well beyond.

Dakota Magic sits at the junction of I-29 and the North Dakota-South Dakota state line, approximately one hour south of Fargo. The access from the interstate could hardly be simpler, Exit 1 drops you directly into the property. For visitors coming from the south, it is the first major stop after crossing the state line. Free parking is plentiful in a large surface lot on site. The casino is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The gaming floor at Dakota Magic covers approximately 63,000 square feet, making it the largest casino in North Dakota by floor space and by reputation. The space has been expanded and renovated multiple times since the original 1999 opening, and the most recent remodel has noticeably improved the visual appeal. It is brighter, more modern, and with a better layout than the original configuration.

The atmosphere is lively without blowing your head off, and the staff were warm and helpful whenever I encountered them. Smoking is permitted on the main casino floor, though, which I wasn’t as impressed with personally. However, the poker room operates as a non-smoking area, which is a useful option for players who want to avoid the smoke. I am not much of a poker player unfortunately, so I didn’t feel the benefit.

Table Games

Dakota Magic offers a solid selection of live table games covering the main casino favourites. The lineup includes:

• Blackjack (from $3 per hand, with higher limit tables available)
• Craps
• Roulette
• Three Card Poker

Table game hours vary, with blackjack typically running from mid-morning through late night and craps and roulette opening from late afternoon. On weekend nights the floor can accommodate expanded hours and additional tables. The high stakes area gives bigger players a more private environment with elevated limits.

Poker

The poker room at Dakota Magic has seven tables running Texas Hold'Em and Omaha cash games across a range of stakes from accessible to high limit. It is the only non-smoking gaming area in the casino, which makes it a popular refuge for non-smoking players who still want a longer session. The room has a loyal local following and the table selection means there is usually a game running at a level to suit most players.

Slots

With over 1,000 slot machines spread across the floor, Dakota Magic has the largest slot selection in North Dakota. The range covers penny machines through to higher denomination games and includes a broad spread of popular titles from the major slots manufacturers alongside regular updates to keep the floor fresh. A high stakes gaming area provides a more exclusive environment for players who prefer bigger denomination play.

Dakota Magic is regulated by the National Indian Gaming Commission and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribal Gaming Commission, which oversees compliance and fair gaming standards at the property.

Sportsbook

The Dakota Nation Sportsbook opened on March 17, 2022, with former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver and Hall of Famer Chris Carter on hand to celebrate the launch. The facility features a 35-foot video wall capable of streaming up to 13 live events simultaneously, comfortable lounge seating, and a full range of betting options covering NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports, golf, and more. It is consistently cited as the best sports betting environment in North Dakota, and on major game days the energy in the room reflects that reputation.

Rewards Club

Dakota Magic uses the Club Rewards loyalty program, which is free to join at the casino floor. Members earn points through slot and table game play, redeemable for free play, dining, and hotel stays. Play and Stay packages are popular with overnight visitors, typically bundling hotel accommodation with free play credits, dining vouchers, and drink tokens in a single discounted package. Birthday month bonuses and regular promotional drawings add additional value for regular players.

The hotel at Dakota Magic offers 160 rooms and suites across its connected tower, making it the most substantial hotel option in the Hankinson area by a comfortable margin. Standard rooms are clean and comfortable with refrigerators, while luxury suites step things up significantly with wet bars, leather sofas, and Jacuzzi tubs for guests who want to treat themselves after a session on the floor.

My honest feedback is that the rooms I had could benefit from a renovation. I was in an older part of the hotel though. It was still comfortable and reasonably priced, which suits the property's unpretentious character well, but a little refresh would go a very long way.

Where to Eat

Dakota Magic has four dining options covering a solid range of appetites and budgets.

Twin Buffalo Grill is the main dining destination, serving steaks and American comfort food in a proper sit-down setting. Seven Fires Grille covers all-day dining from breakfast through dinner with a broad menu of American favourites. The Dakota Winds Clubhouse is the standout for atmosphere. It’s a casual bar and grill overlooking the golf course with a stone patio for outdoor dining when the weather cooperates.

Exit 1 Deli handles quick bites and hosts live music, giving it a social energy that goes beyond just food. The Magic Buffet has operated at various points in the property's history and may not always be available, so it is worth checking the current schedule before visiting if that is your preference.

Pool and Spa

There is no pool or spa at Dakota Magic Casino and Hotel. The golf course and open countryside provide the primary outdoor recreation options for the property.

Entertainment

The 1,500-seat convention and entertainment center is one of the strongest features of the property and gives Dakota Magic a live entertainment identity that most North Dakota competitors cannot match. The intimate venue has hosted a wide range of touring artists and comedians over the years, and its size means every seat feels reasonably close to the stage. The Exit 1 Lounge provides a smaller live music environment for more casual evenings on site.

The Dakota Winds Golf Course is the other major entertainment draw. It’s a 27-hole facility designed by respected golf course architect Joel Goldstrand, who has designed over 100 courses across the country. The course plays as two 18-hole rounds sharing nine common holes, creating an interesting layout that gives golfers genuine variety across both configurations. Tee times are available from April through October and the Dakota Winds Tavern and Clubhouse provides the 19th hole.

I am afraid I am not a golfer, so I can’t offer any significant further insight, but it was busy which must be a good sign, right?

Dakota Magic Casino and Hotel is the best casino in North Dakota by most measures, and it has been earning that reputation since it opened in 1999. The gaming floor is the largest in the state, the poker room is the best in the region, the sportsbook is genuinely impressive, and the 27-hole golf course gives it an outdoor amenity that most comparable properties cannot offer. The dining lineup is solid and the Play and Stay packages represent excellent value for overnight visitors.

The hotel could use a refresh, the casino floor permits smoking, and the location in the far southeastern corner of North Dakota means it is not the most convenient stop for everyone. But for visitors driving I-29 between Fargo and Sioux Falls, or for anyone within a couple of hours looking for North Dakota's premier gaming destination, Dakota Magic delivers everything it promises and then some.