A government committee has approved a South Dakota sports betting bill by a narrow 5-4 margin. The bill, Senate Joint Resolution 2, goes next to the Senate floor and gaming operators in the state are anxiously watching to see how the legislative piece progresses.

Even if it is approved by legislative officials, there is reportedly a huge roadblock ahead and it is positioned at the last stop any gambling legislation has to make before becoming law.

Unfortunately for South Dakotans, they elected a governor, Kristi Noem who is opposed to any gambling expansion in the state.

Her stance isn’t too surprising, given that she said in May of last year, “Personally, I’m opposed to expanding gambling, but this issue will ultimately be decided by voters since it will require a constitutional amendment.” Then, she became governor.

More on South Dakota sports betting at Calvin Ayre.