South Dakota Sportsbook Licenses Could Roll Out This Summer

• Deadwood, South Dakota will be launching regulated retail sportsbooks by the Fall of 2021 if all goes according to plan.
• The first of two hearings for the rules and regulations of the new industry is scheduled for May with the second placed on the calendar for July.
• Senate Bill 44, the measure signed into law for the regulated sports wagering market, will go into full effect on July 1.

DEADWOOD, S.D. – South Dakotans could see the first sportsbooks in the town of Deadwood launch by the start of the 2021 NFL season. The people voted in November to open up a regulated sports betting industry in the state’s gaming capital of Deadwood.

On March 18, Governor Kristi Noem signed off on Senate Bill 44, which set up the structure for the market, keeping retail sportsbooks in Deadwood with some license availability for tribal gaming establishments throughout the state

What’s Coming Up For South Dakota Sports Betting

On May 18, the South Dakota Commission on Gaming (SDCG) will have the first of two public hearings to discuss the game plan for going live with the state’s regulated sports wagering industry. During this meeting, which is set to be held through both videoconference and teleconference, the commission will go over the application process and requirements for future licensees. They will also streamline the current rules and regulations to simplify the understanding of the market for everyone involved.

“If these rules are approved, it will permit the commission to accept sports wagering services provider license applications on July 1, 2021, when the sports wagering laws become effective. The second rules hearing will be in July 2021 and will focus on the technical rules for sports wagering,” said Susan Christian, executive secretary of SDCG.

Senate Bill 44 will be enacted as law on July 1. The second hearing to go over the remainder of South Dakota sports betting rules and regulations will be held in July. It will be at this point that operators can begin to apply for licenses if everything is agreed upon. Since the signing of SD SB 44 in March, casinos in Deadwood have seen a surge of a 102% jump in gambling activities year-over-year.

Sportsbooks Coming To Deadwood By The Fall

Deadwood will go live with a retail sports betting industry by the Fall when NFL season is in full swing. No mobile sports betting will be available, leaving those in the city and statewide having to continue to use outside outlets for mobile sports wagers. However, South Dakotans should be seeing land-based sportsbooks in Deadwood for the first time in the state’s history by the end of the year.

The state expects to see a surge in its tourism and gaming industries through the regulation and launch of sports betting. They’ve already seen more gaming activity and visitors this past March than they have in well over a year.

News tags: Deadwood | Kristi Noem | NFL | Senate Bill 44 | South Dakota | South Dakota Commission on Gaming | Susan Christian