SD Senate Committee To Decide Future Of Sports Betting In Deadwood
The near future of sports betting in South Dakota will be decided in a hearing today by the Senate State Affairs Committee. The discussion will be centered around Senate Joint Resolution 2, an act that would put sports betting in the hands of voters.
Although, SD voters who may be interested in expanding their gaming options should know that even if this Resolution moves forward there will be some limitations.
What Is Inside Senate Joint Resolution 2?
Senate Joint Resolution 2 would essentially allow voters to amend the state constitution in the next 2020 election. The amendment would explicitly allow for sports wagering, but it would limit the activity to the town of Deadwood, South Dakota.
This town has been long regarded to be a gambling destination and a tourist attraction for people visiting the Black Hills National Forest. Its location also makes it ideal for those living in the Rapid City area. However, it ultimately makes it highly inconvenient for those living in Sioux Falls.
Sioux Falls is the most populated city in South Dakota and rests on the opposite border of the state. Another aspect to note is that the act would not allow casinos in Deadwood to offer mobile or online betting. This would limit any tax revenue the state would collect.
Who Is Supporting The Initiative?
While it may come as no surprise, the Deadwood Gaming Association (DGA) was the original entity that filed paperwork with the Secretary of State’s Office to bring a constitutional amendment to a vote. Mike Rodman, DGA Executive Director, also spoke on how the expansion would help the town.
“The big events like the super bowl this last weekend and March Madness happen at the slower times of the year for us so that would give us a nice shot in the arm for those times of the year.”
However, not everyone is on board. House Majority Leader Lee Qualm has voiced his opposition to the expansion because he believes gambling can ruin families and cost the state more money than its worth.
Today will show a clearer picture of where other state officials stand on the issue, and whether or not they believe it should be up to voters to decide.
If a constitutional amendment for sports betting gets approved on the 2020 ballot, SD residents can expect to start placing their sports wagers at Deadwood in 2021.
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