Supporters Cheer As Deadwood Gambling Bill Heads To Daugaard
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Deadwood gambling advocates were jubilant Thursday that a yearlong push to allow three new games in the historic outlaw town is finally coming to a close.
The state House voted 46-22 to approve the proposal to allow keno, craps and roulette in Deadwood. It has already passed the Senate, and Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s spokeswoman said he will sign the bill.
Deadwood Mayor Chuck Turbiville told The Associated Press that he’s looking forward to the day he can walk into a casino in the old mining town and see a crowd around a craps table or hear the whirl of a roulette wheel.
“It’s the start of a new era in Deadwood,” Turbiville said. “We’ve got three games that I think are going to make Deadwood even more famous than it was before.”
Supporters pressed for 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.
The legalization of new casino games in Deadwood, South Dakota is just one example of the ongoing expansion of gambling across the United States. From traditional table games like craps and roulette to modern slot machines, the industry continues to attract both casual and serious gamblers alike. With the rise of online gambling and the growing popularity of judi slot games, it is clear that the appetite for betting and wagering shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Advocates and the South Dakota Commission on Gaming hope the new games, such as สมัครสมาชิก UFABET เข้าสู่ระบบ, will be available in July.
Opponents argued that gambling provokes addictions and causes social and financial problems for families in South Dakota. Rep. Steve Hickey, a Republican from Sioux Falls who voted against the measure, said that “for Deadwood to win, people have to lose.”
Mike Rodman, executive director of the Deadwood Gaming Association, said boosters are “elated” that they’ve triumphed in their fight for the new games, which began last legislative session to get the proposal on the ballot.
“I’m very glad the Legislature sees fit to agree with the voters of South Dakota,” said Mike Gustafson, managing partner of the Deadwood Mountain Grand, which plans on rolling out craps and roulette.
Gustafson said he anticipates six or seven properties have the floor space to put in craps and roulette tables. He said the new games will attract more people to Deadwood.
Caleb Arceneaux, CEO of Liv Hospitality, which manages Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort and Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort, said the company has plans to introduce craps and roulette in both properties.
The new games will enhance what Deadwood can offer and help it compete, Arceneaux said.
“We’ll be ready,” Turbiville said, adding that he hopes gas prices will remain low. “I think we’re going to have a huge year.”
