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A new proposal has been introduced in the state of South Dakota to increase the betting limits for table games. SB108 has made it through the state Senate and if it passes fully it would raise the maximum bet from $100 to $1,000. This would encourage more high rollers to come to the state and enjoy the table gaming options. The bill will now move on to the House Energy and Commerce Committee before it can become law, however a hearing date has yet to be set for this to happen. The gambling revenues in the state have been very low in recent years so officials are hoping increasing the gambling limit will help with bringing gambling back to what it once was.
Officials in the gambling industry in South Dakota are blaming the economy which is hurting as well as the smoking ban. Officials are also blaming out of state competition. If the state is able to offer the higher betting limits then they will be able to stand up against the out of state competition.
Representative Tom Nelson is the main sponsor behind the new bill and is pushing to see the bill passed. Back in 2000, the betting limit was raised from $5 to $100 and Nelson has stated that the $100 limit is a ‘barrier to Deadwood as we continue to grow.”
The surrounding states offer betting limits of $100 or more and if they offer the same limits as South Dakota then they have more games. Some states offer a $250 limit so those who like to gambler with higher limits will hit the other states before they come to South Dakota. So, if the bill is passed, the state will be able to keep players in the state instead of seeing them head out to other states.
2012-02-19
