The Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate will be able to offer more slot machines at its casino after securing approval of a new Class III gaming compact.
Up to 1,000 slot machines can be installed at the Dakota Sioux Casino in Watertown, South Dakota. That's an increase from the cap of 750 that had been authorized by the tribe's prior compact. Additionally, the updated compact changes the payments associated with the slot machines. For example, the tribe would pay $170,000 if 750 machines are in operation, or $325,000 if 1,000 machines are in operation. The payments are distributed to Codington County and Roberts County to cover services provided to the casino. The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the amended compact on March 13. It goes into effect on Monday thanks to publication of a notice in the Federal Register. "The amendment increases the number of slot machines the tribe may operate, decreases certain regulatory costs for emergency services agreements, and eliminates tribal contributions paid from pari-mutuel gaming to schools," the notice, which was signed by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Indian Affairs John Tahsuda, states. Most of the Class III gaming compacts in South Dakota allow tribes to operate up to 250 slot machines. Some tribes have added more machines after negotiating amendments with the state.