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Bill

SJR 504

proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, providing for wagering on sporting events via mobile or electronic platform.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jessica Bahmuller and 10 co-sponsors

Proposes a constitutional change to allow mobile/electronic sports wagering in South Dakota, pending voter approval and enabling a regulatory framework for licensing and oversight.

State Affairs Deferred to the 41st legislative day , Passed, YEAS 11, NAYS 2
#ballotmeasures #constitutionalamendments #gambling #senatejointresolution
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJR 504

Summary of South Dakota SJR 504 (2026)

Purpose

  • SJR 504 proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize wagering on sporting events through mobile or electronic platforms.
  • The measure would place the issue on the ballot for voter consideration at the next general election, seeking voter approval to amend the South Dakota Constitution to permit this form of sports wagering.

Key Provisions (as a constitutional amendment proposal)

  • Authorization Mechanism: Sets forth that the state would allow wagering on sporting events via mobile or electronic platforms, contingent on voter approval.
  • Constitutional Change: If voters approve, the amendment would amend the South Dakota Constitution to authorize, regulate, and govern mobile/electronic sports wagering.
  • Oversight and Regulation (implied expectation): While not detailed in the summary text provided, such amendments typically create or authorize a regulatory framework (agency and rules) to license operators, ensure consumer protections, and collect tax revenue. The exact regulatory structure would be established by subsequent implementing legislation following the constitutional amendment.

Who Would Be Affected

  • State government: Potential creation or expansion of regulatory authority to oversee sports wagering operators, licensing, enforcement, and taxation.
  • Sporting event bettors: Individuals who wager on professional or amateur sporting events via mobile or online platforms.
  • Operators: Companies that would seek licenses to offer online/mobile sports wagering within the state.
  • Tax and revenue systems: Potential new revenue stream from licensing fees, taxes, and related administrative costs; allocation of revenues would be defined in future implementing law.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Ballot Placement: The bill seeks to submit the constitutional amendment to voters at the next general election.
  • Legislative Path: The bill went through the Senate and House process, with multiple committee hearings and votes reflected in the action history:
    • Referred to Senate Taxation (initial stage in Senate)
    • Senate Do Pass (YEAS 23, NAYS 10) and related committee activity
    • State Affairs committee in the House and Senate with hearings and Do Pass status in various stages
    • On the timeline, action history shows hearings and votes through February 2026, culminating in a state-level decision on placing the amendment on the next general election ballot
  • Co-sponsors: Includes a broad slate of legislators, indicating cross-chamber and cross-committee interest.

Practical Considerations

  • Public Policy Implications: If approved, South Dakota would join other states permitting online/mobile sports betting, which can impact consumer protection, problem gambling safeguards, and state revenue.
  • Regulatory Details: The constitutional amendment would set the authority and framework in principle; the specifics (licensing processes, tax rates, consumer protections, advertising restrictions, age limits, geographic scope) would be addressed in implementing legislation enacted after voter approval.
  • Fiscal Impact: Potential revenue from licensing and taxes, plus costs associated with regulation and enforcement. The exact fiscal impact would depend on the specifics of subsequent regulatory law.

Summary Assessment

SJR 504 seeks to place a constitutional question before voters to authorize wagering on sporting events via mobile/electronic platforms. If approved, it would pave the way for a regulatory framework to license operators, protect consumers, and generate potential state revenue. The bill moves through standard legislative channels and is positioned for a general election decision.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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