PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - A bill hiking betting limits from $100 to $1,000 in Deadwood has passed the full Senate.
Lawmakers voted Monday for the bill whose main sponsor is Senator Tom Nelson, a Republican of Lead.
Senator Nelson says Deadwood has suffered from the gaming limit, from the smoking ban and from customers choosing other locations to gamble in over Deadwood. Rather than take a smoking exemption, he says the city should take this route.
Senator Stan Destine, a Republican from Rapid City, says he's usually against "addiction lottery" for funding, but adds that since the state approves of professional gambling, it's best to take advantage of this funding potential for Deadwood.
Senators voted 24-10, sending it next to the House.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
