The South Dakota legislature is considering measures that would authorize sports betting and add the town of Yankton to the cities allowed to offer casino gaming.
The Yankton Area Progressive Growth group hopes to persuade the South Dakota legislature to approve putting a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would allow the town along the Missouri river in the southeastern part of the state to join the state’s other casino towns, such as the more famous Deadwood.
If approved by the legislature the measure would be put on the 2020 ballot.
The group seeks a single gaming license for the Port Yankton casino project. Lawmakers in the state capitol of Pierre introduced the legislation last week during the state’s 80 day legislative session.
The city leaders hope to persuade the legislature that their project would add millions in gaming taxes to the state and boost tourism. Port Yankton would include a convention space, dining and 75 room hotel as well as venues that could host indoor and outdoor entertainment.
The lion’s share of the taxes would go to support veterans services, with some going for community development.
Meanwhile a group of businesses in Deadwood are pressing the legislators to allow them to add sports betting. The Deadwood Gaming Association argues that while it wouldn’t mean a whole lot of additional taxes, that it would provide an amenity that would attract more patrons.
Association spokesman Mike Rodman estimates another $2 million in taxes would be collected and that tourism would also increase. Rodman told KOTA TV “The best thing for Deadwood is going to be the additional visitation, the additional hotel rooms, food and beverage sales. That’s where the real economic impact is going to happen with sport wagering.”
The joint resolution will be heard in the Senate State Affairs Committee this week.
