Following the South Dakota Senate State Affairs Committee’s 7-1 vote, the full state senate recently voted 27-7 to allow keno, craps and roulette in Deadwood casinos. The action follows the November election in which 57 percent of voters approved constitutional Amendment Q, which granted the legislature the authority to implement the new games. Next the bill will be heard in a House committee.
Deadwood Mayor Chuck Turbiville said, “We are losing business to those nearby states that already offer craps, roulette and keno. We certainly thank the citizens of South Dakota for their 25 years of support of Deadwood gaming and thank the voters for their overwhelming positive response to allow Deadwood to offer these additional gaming options.” Turbiville added the new games are part of the city’s broader revitalization efforts for its visitor industry.
Caleb Arceneaux, chief executive officer of Liv Hospitality, managers Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort and Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort, said, “This is not an expansion of gaming. One device goes in, one device has to come out. It’s the will of the people.” Arceneaux stressed that the games are needed to help Deadwood’s casinos diversify their offerings and compete nationally. He said players increasingly ask for the games.
Opponents said the new gambling would lead to a rise in addition and cause social and financial problems. But State Senator Dan Lederman said South Dakota voters cast their ballots to approve the games for Deadwood. “I think it would be out of line for this committee to reject that decision made by the people,” Lederman said.
