A Deadwood lobby group plans to campaign against a measure in local legislation for the authorization of three new games – keno, craps and roulette, in the city and the tribal casinos nearby. Residents voted in favor of the amendment a month ago.
Dale Bartscher, executive director of Family Heritage Alliance Action, announced that all board members of the non-profit organization have decided to oppose the new law. He stated that they will ask local lawmakers not to allow the introduction of the above-mentioned games, which was supported by 57% of all voters on November 4 as part of the so-called Amendment Q.
Deadwood casinos and some of the city’s residents believe that the new games will be particularly attractive to younger demographic. What is more, people will no longer have to travel to neighboring states, so as to be able to play them.
Yet, there are locals and officials who are not happy with this change in legislation. According to them, more gaming opportunities lead to gambling addictions and serious financial problems for residents of the state. Bartscher said that the Legislature is the only one that can say “No” to this.
The new games are expected to be launched in July, but only in case local legislative body approves them. Their main purpose is to make Deadwood a more attractive and competitive gambling destination.
Chuck Turbiville, the current mayor of Deadwood, as well as Mike Rodman, executive director of the local Gaming Association, stated on Friday that they have expected a negative reaction from Family Heritage Alliance Action.
Turbiville, said that the above-mentioned games and their launch in the city represent “the will of the people.” He also claimed that Deadwood and South Dakota, as a whole, will certainly benefit from them.
Bartscher, on the other hand, pointed out that a great number of lawmakers actually voted against Amendment Q on November 4. He said that all other legislators, who expressed their support for the new games, should take into consideration the negative effect that gambling has on people before giving their approval for their introduction in the city.
Tim Rave, member of the South Dakota Senate, commented on the new gambling legislation as one of the interesting matters that will be discussed during the upcoming legislative session, which will be held in January, 2015. He said that it is hard to tell what will happen at the session, but he shared that it might be a good idea for the measure to be approved. After all, this is what the majority of residents voted for.
Dean Wink, an incoming House Speaker, refused to give his opinion on the measure before he acquainted himself with the bill.
