South Dakota Senate Advances Mobile Sports Betting for Property Tax Relief
South Dakota lawmakers advanced mobile sports betting legislation aimed at generating revenue for property tax relief.
The South Dakota Senate has advanced legislation to authorize statewide mobile sports betting, with revenue earmarked for property tax relief.
Currently, sports wagering in South Dakota is limited to in-person betting at licensed casinos in Deadwood. The proposal would expand betting access through mobile platforms, pending voter approval.
Supporters argue the measure modernizes the state’s gaming framework while addressing taxpayer concerns over rising property taxes.
What the Bill Would Do
The legislation would allow mobile sports betting to operate beyond Deadwood’s physical casino floors, enabling statewide participation via digital platforms.
If enacted:
- Sports betting apps would be accessible across South Dakota
- Licensed Deadwood casinos would likely partner with mobile operators
- Tax revenue would be directed toward property tax relief initiatives
Because the state constitution currently restricts gambling expansion, voters would need to approve the change through a ballot measure.
Why Property Tax Relief Is Central
Lawmakers backing the bill emphasize that additional gaming revenue could help ease property tax burdens.
South Dakota residents have faced increasing property valuations in recent years, leading to higher tax bills in many communities.
Proponents contend that:
- Mobile betting revenue could provide a dedicated funding stream
- Modernizing gaming aligns with national trends
- The state is missing out on tax dollars as residents cross state lines or use offshore platforms
However, revenue projections vary depending on participation rates and tax structure.
Industry and Political Debate
The proposal has sparked debate among legislators and stakeholders.
Supporters frame it as a pragmatic expansion that leverages existing gaming infrastructure in Deadwood while expanding access digitally.
Opponents raise concerns about:
- Problem gambling risks
- Potential revenue cannibalization
- Expanding gambling beyond historic boundaries
The measure must still clear additional legislative hurdles before reaching voters.
South Dakota’s Current Sports Betting Landscape
South Dakota legalized retail sports betting in 2020 following a constitutional amendment. Since then:
- Wagering has been confined to physical locations in Deadwood
- Mobile betting is not currently permitted statewide
- Revenue has remained modest compared to larger states
Allowing mobile betting would significantly expand market reach and potentially increase tax collections.
What Happens Next
The bill will move through the remaining legislative process. If approved by lawmakers:
- A constitutional amendment would be placed on the ballot.
- Voters would decide whether to authorize mobile sports betting.
- Regulators would develop licensing and oversight rules.
The timeline could place the referendum before voters in an upcoming general election cycle.
Why This Matters
South Dakota’s decision could determine whether it keeps pace with neighboring states that already allow mobile sports betting.
Tying legalization to property tax relief adds a fiscal argument that may resonate with voters.
If approved, the measure would represent a significant expansion of gambling access in the state while potentially reshaping its tax revenue mix.
Bottom Line
South Dakota’s Senate has advanced legislation to legalize mobile sports betting, with revenue directed toward property tax relief.
The proposal now heads toward further legislative review, and ultimately, voters, who will decide whether the state expands sports wagering beyond Deadwood’s casino floors.
Tags/Keywords
Players trust our reporting due to our commitment to unbiased and professional evaluations of the iGaming sector. We track hundreds of platforms and industry updates daily to ensure our news feed and leaderboards reflect the most recent market shifts. With nearly two decades of experience within iGaming, our team provides a wealth of expert knowledge. This long-standing expertise enables us to deliver thorough, reliable news and guidance to our readers.
Latest News
