In a 32-2 vote, the South Dakota Senate approved SB 44, which establishes the rules for sports betting in Deadwood.
Bets would have to be placed on the premises of licensed gambling establishments. State Senator Mike Diedrich said, “So that means it’s not going to occur at the grocery store, it’s not going to occur at the convenience store.” The bill allows wagers to be placed on sporting events at in-person betting windows, self-service kiosks, portable wagering terminals and mobile applications.
By a huge margin, voters approved a constitutional amendment last November that allows sports wagering in Deadwood starting July 1.
The passage of the bill in the Senate also gives tribal governments the authorization to offer sports wagering in their reservation casinos.
The Deadwood Gaming Association and the South Dakota Retailers Association both supported the measure. DGA lobbyist Roger Tellinghuisen said, “It’s an exciting time for us in Deadwood. We’re looking forward to having the opportunity to implement sports wagering, along with the other games that are currently offered.” SDRA Executive director Nathan Sanderson added, “We think this is a really good start. Certainly there are other conversations to be had. There are other bills that are out there on different perspectives. We think this is the right perspective—this year.”
In 2019, Governor Kristi Noem had strongly opposed then-Senator Bob Ewing’s push to put a sports wagering amendment on the 2020 ballot. That attempt failed, but last year Ewing’s efforts were successful as Noem remained neutral.
The legislation has moved on to the House for a second hearing.
