Sports betting amendment passes SD senate

A bill to amend the constitution of South Dakota in order to allow sports betting has passed the state senate by a vote of 24-10.

The bill, SJR501, was introduced by state senator Bob Ewing and passed by the local Government committee on February 7 by a 5-2 vote before passing in the senate on February 11.

The state constitution of South Dakota currently prohibits gambling, except for roulette, keno, craps, “limited” card games and slot machines, provided there are conducted within the city limits of Deadwood, a town in the Black Hills Forest close to the Wyoming border. Senator Ewing’s constituency includes the city of Deadwood and most of Lawrence County, of which Deadwood is the county seat.

Under the new constitutional amendment, sports betting would also be allowed, but again only within Deadwood.

Read more on iGB North America.