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Senate Committee Expected To Take Up New Deadwood Games

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A legislative panel is set to consider a measure that would authorize three new voter-approved games in Deadwood.

The Senate State Affairs Committee on Wednesday is expected to review the proposal to allow keno, craps and roulette in the historic mining town.

Boosters have pushed the measure as a way to keep Deadwood competitive with other gambling hotspots, and 57 percent of voters supported the proposal on Nov. 4 as part of Amendment Q.

The amendment gives the Legislature the authority to allow the new games.

Advocates say craps and roulette especially would attract new gamblers to Deadwood.

Opponents argue gambling expansions provoke addictions and cause social and financial problems for families in South Dakota.

Senate Majority Leader Tim Rave says he expects “fairly spirited” debate about the proposal.