Sports Betting Begins In Deadwood

       Sports betting began Thursday in Deadwood. Voters overwhelmingly approved it last year, the South Dakota legislature and the state Commission on Gaming set up the rules, and the Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort took the first bets yesterday.

       Making the ceremonial first legal sports wagers were Deadwood Mayor David Ruth Jr and Lawrence County Commissioners Bob Ewing. Ruth said being asked to do it was “an absolute honor.”  Also taking sports bets are 3 other Deadwood casinos – Mustang Sally’s. Cadillac Jack’s, and the Gold Dust.

 Based on an Oxford Economics study, sports betting in Deadwood is projected to bring in $6.1 million dollars and could grow to over $22-million with local governments sharing the proceeds of a 9% tax.

People can place their bets with tellers at a window, at a digital kiosk, or soon, through an app on their phone that will work only within that casino. Events eligible for betting include Olympic, professional, and college-level sports.