Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, providing for wagering on sporting events via mobile or electronic platform.
Summary
SJR507 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would be submitted to South Dakota voters at the next general election. The resolution would add explicit constitutional authority for wagering on sporting events through a mobile or electronic platform, in addition to the existing Deadwood gaming framework. Under the proposal, mobile sports wagering would be allowed for individuals located inside or outside Deadwood, but only if the platform is offered by or in partnership with a licensed casino and its servers are located within Deadwood.
The measure also directs that 90% of the state tax proceeds from mobile sports wagering be used for property tax relief or to reduce property taxes in South Dakota. It preserves the existing constitutional language allowing certain forms of gaming in Deadwood and continues to require that the net municipal proceeds from Deadwood gaming activities be devoted to historic restoration and preservation of Deadwood. Because this is a joint resolution, it would not itself change ordinary statutes unless approved by voters as a constitutional amendment, after which implementing laws and regulations could be enacted or adjusted to fit the new constitutional authority.
Impact
If approved by voters, SJR507 would amend Article III, section 25 of the South Dakota Constitution to expressly permit mobile or electronic sports betting tied to Deadwood casinos and servers located in Deadwood. That would create constitutional authorization for the Legislature to regulate and implement statewide mobile sports wagering, while preserving Deadwood’s special gaming status and the existing dedication of Deadwood gaming proceeds to historic preservation. It would also establish a constitutional spending direction for 90% of tax revenue from mobile sports wagering, earmarking those funds for property tax relief.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the resolution had at least some support in committee, as it was tabled on a 8-0 vote, but the lack of recorded debate or transcript makes the broader sentiment difficult to gauge. The bill’s structure indicates an effort to expand legalized gaming while linking the new revenue stream to property tax relief, which may appeal to supporters of both gaming expansion and tax reduction. At the same time, because it is a constitutional amendment involving gambling, it is the kind of proposal that often draws careful scrutiny even when it advances procedurally.
Contention
The main points of contention are likely to be the expansion of sports wagering beyond in-person casino gaming, the use of mobile or electronic platforms, and the requirement that servers be located within Deadwood. Another likely issue is the revenue allocation: the proposal dedicates 90% of tax proceeds from mobile sports betting to property tax relief, which may prompt debate over whether those funds should instead support other state priorities. The measure also preserves Deadwood’s historic gaming and preservation structure, so stakeholders concerned about Deadwood’s special status, casino regulation, or the social impacts of gambling expansion would be the most likely sources of opposition or caution.