Are Skill-Game Apps Legal in North Dakota?
This page covers skill-game apps you play on your phone in North Dakota. Skill machines in North Dakota bars, gas stations and convenience stores are a separate question this page doesn't cover.
Yes, cash play is on in North Dakota. Skillz, operated by Firy Inc. (NYSE: FIRY), runs our cash matches and has not switched it off there. 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in North Dakota; Carrom has none anywhere yet. Next door, South Dakota is on that no-cash list, so cash matches stop when you cross into it. North Dakota taxes personal income, so prizes may also go on your state return.
That status is Skillz's platform decision for North Dakota, not a court ruling, and states use different skill-versus-chance tests.
Which Atay games offer cash play in North Dakota
| Game | Cash play in North Dakota | US App Store listing, checked Sep 24, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Solitaire Real Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not North Dakota |
| Gin Rummy Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not North Dakota |
| Ball Pool Cash | Available | Lists 11 states, not North Dakota |
| Sugar Cash | Available | Lists 5 states, not North Dakota |
| Word Money | Available | Lists 5 states, not North Dakota |
| Bingo Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows North Dakota |
| Block Puzzle | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows North Dakota |
| Bubble Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows North Dakota |
| Crossword Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows North Dakota |
| Pachinko Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows North Dakota |
| Word Search Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows North Dakota |
| Carrom | Free play only | Cash not yet enabled (open beta) |
Play in North Dakota
Every game plays free first, so North Dakota players can learn one before any entry fee.
Browse the gamesHow prizes are taxed in North Dakota
North Dakota taxes personal income, so prizes may go on your North Dakota return. The North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner decides how North Dakota treats them. Federally, prizes are taxable income for North Dakota players with or without a tax form; see 1099s and Skillz winnings under $2,000.
Cash play in states bordering North Dakota
Crossing from North Dakota into South Dakota switches cash matches off. Ball Pool Cash's listing also excludes neighboring Montana.
Questions about skill-game apps in North Dakota
Can I play Atay games for cash in North Dakota?
Yes, 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in North Dakota. Carrom has no cash play yet.
Does it matter where in North Dakota I am?
No. Skillz sets eligibility by state from your phone's location, so Fargo and Bismarck get the same answer.
What happens if I cross from North Dakota into South Dakota?
Cash matches switch off once your phone is in South Dakota. Free play keeps working, and cash play returns when you are back in North Dakota.
Does North Dakota tax prizes from skill-game apps?
It can. Prizes are income, and North Dakota has a state income tax; check the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner's guidance for your situation.
North Dakota status per the Skillz help center (eligibility, cash-disabled areas, skill-game legality) and US App Store listings. General information, not legal advice; Skillz can change cash availability.