News writer
South Dakota lawmakers are rolling the dice on new gaming regulations. They are debating changes that could reshape who can play — and how much they can wager.
A proposal to raise the lottery age from 18 to 21 has sparked debate over its impact, while lawmakers took a split approach on video lottery machines, approving one expansion while rejecting another.
Senate Bill 203
The first bill, Senate Bill 203, was discussed in the Senate Commerce and Energy Committee. This bill aims to raise the minimum age to buy a lottery ticket from the South Dakota Lottery from 18 to 21.
Sen. Michael Rohl, a Republican from Aberdeen, said this change would align with other age restrictions for gaming, drinking, and buying tobacco products, Sioux Falls Live reported.
The committee voted and approved the bill in a 5-3 vote. However, the South Dakota Lottery opposed the bill, stating that less than 1% of the lottery tickets sold in the state are to adults between the ages of 18 and 21. However, without those sales, the state would lose about $860,000 every year, based on the last fiscal year's sales.
Video lottery machines see a win and a loss
The Senate Commerce and Energy Committee discussed two other bills, which both pertained to video lottery machines in the state.
Senate Bill 205 would increase the maximum number of video lottery machines allowed at an establishment from 10 to 15 machines. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 206 was looking to double the betting limits on these video lottery machines.
The committee voted on both bills and passed SB 205 on a 5-3 vote but voted 5-3 to defeat SB 206. Why pass one bill and not the other?
Sen. Steve Kolbeck, a Republican from Brandon, said it was a difference between regulation and expansion. He said it gives these business owners with multiple locations the “flexibility” to move their machines to where they're more successful.
The income from these machines is split between the state and business owners. However, the business owners are responsible for the upkeep of the machines. Kolbeck said SB 205 allows them to make their margin in overhead, but increasing the betting limits on these machines would be considered an expansion.
Meanwhile, representatives of gaming businesses told committee members that an increase would be for an inflationary adjustment. The state's maximum betting limit, which is at $2, hasn't increased since 1989. However, lawmakers weren't convinced and voted the bill down.
Now SB 203 and SB 205 head to the Senate floor for discussion and a vote for approval. No date has been set for when these bills would be discussed.
New Jersey is looking into the same age increase
As Lottery USA previously reported, Assembly Bill 5197 was introduced in January 2025 which would also increase the minimum age for lottery wagering and horse racing from 18 to 21. Lawmakers also state they want to do this to align these activities with other gambling age requirements in the state.
Currently, the laws in New Jersey state individuals 18 or older are to purchase New Jersey Lottery tickets and place wagers on horse races. Meanwhile, the age limit for most other forms of gambling in the state, including casino games and sports betting, is 21.
This bill was introduced, but no hearings have been held to discuss it yet.
Enjoy playing the South Dakota Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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