Tribes in South Dakota would benefit from gaming referendum


The Fort Randall Casino, owned by the Yankton Sioux Tribe. Photo from Facebook

Tribes in South Dakota could offer more Class III games if voters approve Constitutional Amendment Q next week.

The amendment allows state lawmakers to authorize roulette, keno and craps at non-Indian facilities in Deadwood. Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, tribes would be able to offer the same games.

“If the amendment passes in November and the Legislature approves those games for play in Deadwood, then games could be played in tribal casinos,” Larry Eliason, the executive secretary of the South Dakota Commission on Gaming, told The Yankton Press & Dakotan. “Most compacts have language that authorizes new games if those games are approved under state law for play in Deadwood.”

Currently, most tribes are limited to 250 slot machines and limited card games. The Oglala Sioux Tribe has negotiated a new compact for 750 machines and is awaiting ratification in the state.

In 2011, the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe negotiated a compact for 500 machines.

Get the Story:
Amendment Q Could Have Impact On Local Casinos (The Yankton Press & Dakotan 10/30)

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Ballot proposal authorizes more Class III games in South Dakota (10/22)

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