Heidepriem Wants to Compete With Lyon County Casino

by Krystle Kacner
July 28, 2010


A new Casino in South Dakota may be a closer than many think.

Democrat Scott Heidepriem says it's necessary for South Dakota respond to the new casino and resort being built in Lyon County, and he proposes to take action right away.   

KDLT's Krystle Kacner spoke with Senator Heidepreim earlier today about his plans and what they could mean for a new Events Center.

Governor Candidate Scott Heidepriem says a message needs to be sent to Iowa.

"Don't mess with South Dakota- you won't win," said Governor Candidate Scott Heidepriem.

Heidepriem calls Lyon County's New Casino a "project that's designed to siphon off tax payers dollars from South Dakota" and he's suggesting South Dakota builds its own casino in response.

"The only reason this is being constructed is it's proximity to Sioux Falls. Therefore it's important that the new governor of South Dakota says I'm not going to sit ideally by while this happens. We need to address it," said Heidepriem.

But  Heidepriem says that's not the only thing a new Casino would do. The revenue from the casino could also be used to build an events center.

He says it would be a way to construct it with out raising taxes, however he would want to meet with city, county and other political leaders first.

"We're going to say what's  the best solution to address this problem, but one thing you can be assured. No solution is not an option," said Heidepriem.

The election is in 96 days, and Heidepriem says he will take action the day after, if elected.

He says his first step will be creating a task force, including law enforcement, leaders from both the city and the county as well as all political parties.

Hear what Heidepriem's opponent, Dennis Daugaard thinks of a casino, tonight at six.