The South Dakota Commission on Gaming (SDCG) has begun to crack down on under 21-betting and proxy betting in Deadwood.
In its upcoming December 14 meeting, the commission may adopt tighter rules to discourage minors wagering.
“I think it’s time we probably address some of those issues,” said the commission’s chair, Karen Wagner of Belle Fourche.
The SDCG will consider such changes at the same time it learns about recent changes casinos have made, such as installing signage and adding workers. They may also adopt language defining what “loitering” is.
Commissioner Harry Christianson has said that while there is good enforcement of age requirements for alcohol consumption, there is less enforcement for age-21 requirements to play a slot machine or table game.
Commissioner Karl Fischer added, “It’s a serious thing, people. We need to pay attention to it. If the help feels uncomfortable, that’s what they’re getting paid for.”
At the same time, enforcement is ongoing against the illegal practice of proxy betting.
Meanwhile a Deadwood casino, Mustang Sally’s sports bar and casino could lose its license, as could one of its top employees. The owner, Toby Keehn, and the executive, Jennifer Haefs, both face having their licenses revoked. The casino could also be fined $25,000.
Text messages, surveillance video and receipts showed that Haefs placed almost 100 bets for Keehn. That is a Class 6 felony punishable by prison time and fines. Keehn also illegally placed bets for himself and illegally extended credit.
Keehn, who waived his Fifth Amendment rights, told the panel, “I’m incredibly sorry for my bad judgment,” and said it wouldn’t happen again.
The commission hasn’t yet meted out a punishment. The attorney representing both defendants argued that closing the casino would put its staff out of work and that if Haefs lost her license she would have no other prospects “for meaningful employment.”
