House committee kills resolution legalizing online sports betting in South Dakota

PIERRE, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - A legislative committee has killed a resolution that would have legalized mobile sports betting in South Dakota.

The House State Affairs Committee on Friday deferred the SJR 502 to the 41st day with a vote of 10 to 3, the South Dakota Broadcasters Association reports.

The resolution proposed an amendment to the South Dakota constitution. It would have authorized wagering on sporting events by individuals located around the state by using their cellphone or another electronic platform. Had the resolution passed, it would have put the issue on the 2022 general election ballot, and voters would have ultimately decided its fate.

Supporters of the bill say it would have brought thousands of dollars in tax revenue to the state. Proponents also argued sports betting is already happening illegally, so the state should legalize it and profit from the industry.

Rep. Jamie Smith (D, Sioux Falls) voted no on deferring to the 41st day. He says he wanted the full House to have a say.

Opponents of the bill argued it would cause societal harm to South Dakota and increase gambling addictions and related issues. They also say this constitutional amendment should go through the petition process and get signatures from voters.

In 2020, South Dakota voters approved Amendment B, which legalized sports betting in Deadwood. However, currently, individuals must be physically at a Deadwood casino to gamble on a sporting event.