At a recent public hearing, three of the five members of the South Dakota Commission on Gaming who were present approved 12 changes to state gambling regulations that will take effect July 1. Two new rules will affect individuals who are banned and on the exclusion list to enter casinos. Two other rules authorize new games, and another involves players from communicating by cell phone during a game.
Gaming Commission Executive Secretary Larry Eliason said changing the rules “is a process that’s always evolving,” based on requests from legislators, casino owners and other interested parties. Eliason said it takes three to four months for the rules to go into effect.
The new rules will establish procedures for placing someone on the exclusion list and controlling distribution of the list, which includes people who are considered a threat to “the interest of” South Dakota or to gambling in the state. The penalty for banned and excluded individuals who are caught entering casinos will be a misdemeanor, similar to the penalty for underage gambling. “Until the legislation was passed there was no penalty,” Eliason said.
The new rules also will allow two new casino games. Tony Sieber, general manager at Four Aces Casino in Deadwood, requested the rule change for War Blackjack, which is popular in California and Nevada and involves playing two games at the same time with two separate bets. Tim Burke, controller at Silverado/Franklin Gaming, requested Dead Man’s Hand, a variation of blackjack. Commissioners watched demonstrations of the two new games.
Commissioners also adopted a policy prohibiting the use of cell phones at table games, but made allowances for players who listen to music while playing. Commission Vice Chairman Dennis Duncan wanted to ban all electronic devices at table games. “I’m wondering if we’re not already one step behind the world of cheaters,” he said. Commissioner Karen Crew said the rule could be changed if it’s abused. “At this point, if we have not had an issue with them, why we would need to prohibit them?” she asked.
Eliason said rules allowing new games would apply to Deadwood and tribal casinos, although tribes have their own commissions to govern exclusion lists and local tournaments.
The Legislature’s Rules Review committee will review the approved new rules, which would be filed with the Secretary of State’s office as early as July.
