South Dakota could have one cent lottery machines in the near future. The South Dakota Senate passed Senate Bill 52 Tuesday afternoon which creates more variation for lottery machines by adding the one cent denomination, and potentially allows for easier approval of new lottery games. Senator Dan Lederman says although there’s a potential for more games, the legislation isn’t increasing maximum payouts or expanding gambling in the state.
“This bill will keep South Dakota competitive in the video lottery industry by eliminating a South Dakota specific requirement regarding penny games, making it possible to better utilize the manufacturer’s existing library of games without additional costs for the video lottery operators in our state. It has wide-spread support from industry groups, and it also cleans up existing lottery statutes. It provides for more efficient financial reporting by the lottery,” Lederman says.
Senate Bill 52 passed with five opposing votes. The Family Heritage Alliance Action is against the legislation because of the harmful effects gambling can have on individuals. The bill next goes to the House Commerce and Energy Committee.
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