South Dakota Senate Advances SJR 504 Online Betting to Floor

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Mon Feb 09, 2026, 8:00 am ET

Read Time: 2 minutes

South Dakota Senate Advances SJR 504 Online Betting to Floor

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South Dakota is one step closer to letting voters decide the future of online sports betting. On February 6, 2026, the Senate Taxation Committee narrowly approved SJR 504, a constitutional amendment that would legalize mobile wagering statewide. 

The resolution now moves to the full Senate floor for a vote that could significantly alter the state's gaming landscape.

How Did SJR 504 Pass in the Committee?

After a morning of robust testimony, SJR 504 cleared the committee with a 4-3 vote. The narrow margin reflects a cautious approach from lawmakers who are balancing the promise of new revenue against social concerns.

Unlike previous attempts, SJR 504 features a specific "Deadwood-centric" model. Under the proposed amendment:

  • Server Location: All betting servers must be physically located within the city limits of Deadwood.
  • Casino Partnerships: Any mobile platform operating in the state must be offered in partnership with a licensed Deadwood casino.
  • Tax Allocation: 90% of all tax proceeds from mobile sports betting would be constitutionally mandated for property tax relief. Notably, this is a key selling point for the bill's proponents.

Proponents Eye Property Tax Relief

Senator Casey Crabtree (R-Madison), the primary sponsor of the resolution, emphasized that the bill is about modernization and local tax relief. 

"SJR 504 is a critical step in keeping South Dakota competitive," Crabtree stated during testimony. 

"By dedicating 90% of this revenue to property tax relief, we are ensuring that the growth of the gaming industry directly benefits South Dakota homeowners."

Additionally, the South Dakota Gaming Association has thrown its support behind the measure. They argue that the state is currently losing revenue to neighboring states like Iowa and Wyoming, where mobile betting is already established. This initiative is a way to improve the South Dakota gambling market.

Opposition and the Path Ahead

However, the road to the Senate floor has not been without hurdles. Opponents, including some community advocacy groups, raised concerns about the potential for increased gambling addiction and the ease of access for underage users. 

Representative Greg Jamison (R-Sioux Falls), a co-sponsor, noted that strict age-verification and geofencing technologies would be mandatory to address these risks.

If SJR 504 passes both the Senate and the House, it will not go to the Governor's desk for a signature. Instead, it will be placed on the November 2026 general election ballot. 

This will allow South Dakota voters to make the final decision on whether to amend the state constitution.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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