KOTA Territory NewsA bet increase in Deadwood is one step closer to hitting jackpot

A bet increase in Deadwood is one step closer to hitting jackpot

In an effort to make up lost revenue from a down economy and a statewide smoking ban, a South Dakota lawmaker from Lead wants to up the maximum betting limit in Deadwood.

And, he's on a winning streak.

Senator Tom Nelson testified in front of the House Commerce and Energy Committee today in a final push to get Senate Bill 108 to the governor's desk.

Committee members approved the bill to raise the maximum bet from 100 dollars to one- thousand dollars.

That sends it to the floor.

Gaming statistics show in the year after the first betting increase in Deadwood, revenue jumped more than 15 percent.

Nelson said since the smoking ban, Deadwood gaming has struggled.

And this bill is a needed to boost local and state economy.

"Comparing to two years ago, we were really down 12 - 15%. In terms of dollars that's 6 million dollars to the industry and another one million in taxes to the local government, to the city of Deadwood, to the county, and to the state," says Senator Tom Nelson.

No one opposed the bill in committee today.