South Dakota Pushes Amendment To Legalize Sports Betting

Another US state is looking at prospects of legalized sports betting, as senators and representatives in South Dakota put forward a new amendment that would launch sportsbooks across its territory. To allow its residents to place legal wagers on sporting events, SJR2 (Senate t Resolution 2) must “amend the state’s constitution” and authorize full-scale betting within Deadwood’s city limits, but…

…no clear details of the proposed framework were published. Still, the voters will make their final decision at the state’s next general election.

As a reminder, The Mount Rushmore State voted Missouri and Illinois.

Amendment To Address Other Forms of Gambling

The legislation also makes reference to various types of gambling in the state, including lottery and games of chance. However, SJR2 is referring to net income as well, as proceeds from sports wagering would be used for restoration of Deadwood, a city in the far west, famous for its gold rush history.

Moreover, the amendment could even authorize a t cooperation with one of the states, but no private ownership will be considered as part of the legislation.

Equally important, is that charitable organizations and educational institutions could also profit from proceeds, and redirect these funds to patriotic, religious or other resources.

To date, eleven senators have opted for the amendment, who are now being backed by sixteen more representatives.

North Dakota Also Pushing To Legalize Sports Betting

In the meantime, the neighboring state, also known as The 701, is also considering a duo of bills to launch sports betting within its borders. One of the sponsors, Thomas Beadle, is confident about the expansion of sportsbooks across the territory and comments:

“Betting on football games is something that a lot of people understand and they can deal with it a lot simpler than how poll tabs are and other things. I think this is an opportunity that can expand the pie charitable gaming contributions in North Dakota. It helps provide additional revenue out there for some new charities.”

However, the state’s lawmakers must also work on a bill that deals with state-funded gambling addiction programs, since money for treatment and prevention must also be addressed before any bets are placed.

At this point, the North Dakota constitution bars any type of gambling except for charitable purposes, including the multi-state lottery. On the other hand, betting on sports pools and horse racing is allowed.

Source:

“South Dakota senators propose sports betting amendment”, igamingbusiness.com, January 28, 2019.

“North Dakota gambling addiction official seeks funding as lawmakers consider sports betting”, bismarcktribune.com, January 29, 2019.