South Dakota Harming Economy By Limiting Slots at Tribal Casinos
A representative of tribal gaming in the Midwest US says the South Dakota state limit on the numbers of slot machines allowed at tribal casinos is acting as a drag on the area's economy. Jeremiah Murphy of the Great Plains Indian Gaming Association says removing the limit on slot machines would cause an economic boom.
"I think we're missing an opportunity," said the lobbyist. "It's about jobs. It's about economic development."
Murphy's group acts for tribes in South and North Dakota, as well as Montana, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa,and Wyoming.
Indian leaders are upset that state-licensed casinos in Deadwood are permitted as many as 4000 slot machines, and video lottery casinos host as many as 8000 electronic games. Tribal casinos have the right to install any gaming present in the state, but a compact between the state and South Dakota tribes limits tribal gambling venues to 250 slots.
Governor Mike Rounds is bound to make sure both tribal and licensed casinos make money, says Attorney General Larry Long. Rounds is resisting calls to revisit the compacts, saying the tribes want unlimited gaming, which is forbidden by the state constitution.
Still, Murphy told lawmakers tribes should be given a varying allowance, crating an opportunity for those near population centers to meet the demand in the market.
At least one tribe, the Flandreau Santee Sioux, has filed suit for court permission to increase slot numbers.
