Gambling officials says it’s likely the industry will circulate petitions to allow sports betting in Deadwood.
A house panel just killed a bill that places the question on the 2020 ballot.
Mike Rodman is the president of the Deadwood Gaming Association. He says sports betting will help the city during slower seasons.
“We just think keeping Deadwood competitive is important,” Rodman says. “The real financial benefit for Deadwood will be the increased visitation, the additional hotel stays, restaurant meals, that’s where we envision the financial benefit for Deadwood, just in keeping the additional visitation coming to Deadwood.”
In 2014, voters approved expanding roulette and craps to Deadwood. That question was placed on the ballot through the legislature.
Rodman says if petitions are circulated, they’ll move forward with a measure already filed with the Secretary of State’s office. If enough signatures are gathered, the question will make the 2020 ballot.