MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — South Dakota could soon ask voters whether to legalize statewide mobile sports betting under a proposed constitutional amendment moving through the Legislature.
Senate Joint Resolution 504 would allow the Legislature to authorize wagering on sporting events “by means of a mobile or electronic platform,” provided it is offered by or in partnership with a licensed Deadwood casino and the platform’s servers are located within Deadwood city limits. The proposal also directs 90% of tax revenue from mobile sports betting to property tax relief, according to the resolution text.
If approved by both chambers, the measure would go directly to voters, meaning Gov. Larry Rhoden would not have veto power. Rhoden told KOTA he has opposed expanding gaming in South Dakota since he served as a legislator.
Sports betting has expanded rapidly nationwide since 2018. Industry trackers estimate mobile or online sports betting is live in 32 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Supporters say the change could capture revenue currently leaving the state, while opponents have raised concerns about broader access to gambling.