South Dakota mobile sports betting bill passes Senate

Senate Joint Resolution 502 is set to be introduced during South Dakota’s next general election, allowing citizens the chance to vote on whether it should come to pass. The proposal was passed by a slim majority – 18 votes to 17.

Should the proposal be voted in at the general election, players will be able to place mobile wagers on sporting events, provided the platform is partnered with one of the casinos in the city of Deadwood.

The legislation stipulates that any proceeds from games of chance should be used for educational, charitable, patriotic, religious, or other public spirited uses – which include the historic restoration and preservation of Deadwood. The resolution will also allow for a state-run lottery and video games of chance.

Sports betting was legalised in South Dakota back in March 2021 after governor Kristi Noem signed Senate Bill 44 into law, but restricted to casinos in the city of Deadwood.

A bill to legalise retail outlets to act as affiliates for Deadwood’s casinos has also progressed in the state legislature, and referred to the House State Affairs Committee.

House Bill 1148 defines a licensed affiliate business as “any premises that forms a partnership with a licensed gaming establishment for the purpose of offering customers within the interior of the premises the opportunity to wager on sporting events through the sports wagering system of a licensed gaming establishment”.

The licence fee for an affiliate business licence stands at $2,000, and is renewable on 1 July every year for a fee of $200. Any licensed affiliate businesses perceived to commit violations of the state’s gaming legislation could be fined up to $25,000.

House Bill 1148 was first introduced into the Senate at the end of January and is scheduled for hearing in the House tomorrow (9 February).