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Senate rejects bill to increase permitted video lottery machines per licensed establishment
Summary
Senate Bill 205, which would have increased the per‑license limit on video lottery machines from 10 to 15, failed on final passage after debate about gambling expansion and community impacts; tally was 15–20 against the measure.
PIERRE, S.D. — The South Dakota Senate voted down Senate Bill 205, a measure that would have raised the per‑license limit on video lottery machines in a licensed establishment from 10 to 15, with a final vote of 15 yeas and 20 nays.
Senator Shanefisch (State Senator) introduced the bill on behalf of licensed beverage dealers and the gaming association, saying the 10‑machine cap dates to 1989 and owners seek flexibility to respond to customer demand. The sponsor said business costs have risen and owners bear the expense of machines, employees and locations.
Opponents cautioned that increasing the machine cap is effectively a 50% expansion in available gambling and expressed concern for low‑income residents and problem gambling. Senator Perry (State Senator) argued the change would increase opportunities for gambling and could harm vulnerable people.
Supporters framed the proposal as a pro‑business policy to allow owners to decide how best to serve customers; opponents stressed social costs and urged restraint. The Senate rejected the bill on final passage, 15–20.
