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Governor To Sign Bill Authorizing New Games For Deadwood

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Deadwood gambling advocates are claiming victory in their year-long push to allow three new games in the historic outlaw town.

The state House on Thursday voted 46-22 to approve the proposal to allow keno, craps and roulette in the historic mining town. Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s spokeswoman says he will sign the bill.

Supporters have pushed the measure as a way to keep Deadwood competitive with other gambling hotspots such as Colorado and Iowa. In November, 57 percent of voters approved constitutional Amendment Q, which gave the Legislature the authority to implement the new games.

Republican Rep. Timothy Johns told the House on Thursday to follow the lead that voters set when they approved the plan. Opponents argue gambling provokes addictions and causes social and financial problems for families.