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The Casino Gaming Debate in South Dakota

Republican Leader Dave Knudson firmly believes that the state legislature should have say on whether to allow or not to allow gaming expansion in South Dakota.

The State Affairs Committee voted on a gaming bill that would support Knudson's wishes on February 18th, 2010. However, the vote remained deadlocked after four committee members voted in favor of the bill and the remaining four members voted against the bill.

The issue has now been set aside until February 19th, 2010 when the ninth member of the committee will be present to decide on the issue. The tribes' in South Dakota have opposed the gaming bill, saying that they would have more difficult time to add more slot machines if the bill was approved. South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds has refused to negotiate a new gaming compact with the Indian tribes.

The Indian tribes contend that if Gov. Rounds will not negotiate, then adding more than 100 lawmakers to the mix would make it even more difficult for the gaming expansion to be passed.

Currently, Indian tribes' can only negotiate with the governor under the existing gaming law. Governor Rounds is against gaming expansion but that does not mean that the next South Dakota governor will have the same belief.

If a pro-gaming expansion governor was to assume office, it would be easier for the tribe to talk with only the governor and not have to get the approval of the state legislature as well. Tribal casino facilities in South Dakota are only permitted up to 250 slot machines under the current gaming law.

The Flandreau Santee Sioux tribe has sued South Dakota in federal court, claiming that Gov. Rounds is not taking their petition for the right to additional slot machines seriously.

 

Tuesday, March 02 , 2010
Edward O'Connor