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Senate Committee Passes New Deadwood Games

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

The Senate State Affairs Committee on Wednesday approved 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. In November, 57 percent of voters approved constitutional Amendment Q, which gave the Legislature the authority to implement the new games.

Deadwood Mayor Chuck Turbiville says the new games are part of the city’s revitalization efforts. He says allowing keno, craps and roulette in Deadwood is the “will of the people.”

Opponents argue gambling provokes addictions and causes social and financial problems for families in South Dakota.