Good news for fans of sports betting in South Dakota. Governor Kristi Noem has finally signed a new piece of legislation that will set the framework for regulating this activity in the Mount Rushmore State.
If all goes through as planned, the first bet is set to be placed by September 1.
Under the provisions of the new bill, online betting will be allowed only within the premises of a land-based sports betting facility.
Deadwood to Offer Sports Betting as Well
The tax rate is set at 9%, while the South Dakota Commission on Gambling has been tasked with regulating the activity. All commercial casinos based in the historic town of Deadwood will be allowed to offer sports betting to their customers. The same goes for tribal casinos in Flandreau Santee Sioux, Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux, Standing Rock Sioux, Rosebud Sioux, Lower Brule Sioux, Cheyenne River Sioux, Crow Creek Sioux, Oglala Sioux, and Yankton Sioux.
Tribal casinos in South Dakota will also be able to run retail sportsbooks.
However, one problematic aspect is the in-person registration required by the new bill. All those who want to place sports bets in South Dakota will need to go to Deadwood to register. This could be a problem, as Deadwood is six hours away from the state’s capital and the largest city, Sioux Falls.
The bill is clear about it. All interested operators will need to obtain a license from the state’s regulatory body, based in Deadwood. All operators and route operators greenlighted by the South Dakota Commission on Gambling must install and maintain only the equipment pre-approved by the commission. This is done to make sure that all bets are placed within a facility licensed and regulated by the gambling watchdog.
Looking to Get Things Ready by September
Following Governor Noem’s signature, the next step will be the promulgation of rules by the South Dakota Commission on Gambling. Based on other states’ experience, this process may take between three and eighteen months to be fully completed.
Commenting on the important news, Miker Rodman, Director at Deadwood Gaming Association, said it was a big day for the historic mining town. Rodman explained his organization’s next step would be to work together with the South Dakota Commission on Gaming to complete the process by promulgating rules. He pointed out that the two sides would give their best to get the job done by September 1.
The legalization of sports betting will provide Deadwood with the tools to remain competitive as a gaming destination on a national level. According to Rodman, the move is greatly appreciated.
Until the process is completed, Deadwood will continue to offer its services to the people of South Dakota. The historic location continues its partnership with the South Dakota Departments of Tourism and Historic Preservation. It will use taxes from gaming revenue to provide contributions to Deadwood Historic Preservation, the county, local municipalities, and school districts. According to available information, Deadwood should be ready to kick off sports betting by late summer.