SD Gov. Candidates Talk Possible SD Casino

by Krystle Kacner
July 28, 2010


South Dakota officials say an estimated 50 to 60 million dollars will leave South Dakota every year, and will end up in Iowa, once the new casino in Lyon County is built.

With state elections less than 100 days away, it's an issue the new governor will most likely have to deal with.

KDLT's Krystle Kacner meets up with each of the candidates, to find out what their plans for this State is, in light of Iowa's New Casino.

Ever since construction for this casino in Lyon County Iowa got under way, South Dakotans have been voicing thier concerns. And now, the state's Candidates for Governor are speaking out.

"Don't mess with South Ddakota you won't win. We're going to everything we have to to respond to it," said Governor Candidate Scott Heidepriem.

Democrat Scott Heidipriem is going on the offensive saying the best way to balance out the effects from Iowa's Casino is to build one in South Dakota.

"We need to address it. If that means the construction of our own facility between here and SIoux Falls, that's what it means. But we just can't allow that much money to leave South Dakota without having the ability to address the problems that come with it," said Heidepriem.

And according to Heidepriem, a new casino for the state could have double the benefits, possibly providing the funds to build a much talked about Events Center without raising taxes.

Republican Dennis Daugaard isn't as fired up about the issue.

He says there might not even be a reason to take action.

"I think the jury is still out on wht the economic impact of SOuth Dakota would be from Lyon County Casino. We already have a destination casino within a short drive from SIoux Falls in Flandreu, so I don't know that this would be a significant difference from that in terms of it's impact on South Dakota," said Dennis Daugaard, Heidepriem's opponent.

Daugaard says he thinks visitors would still visit South Dakota, to shop, and for alternative entertainment.

Plus, he says unless the state considered a "non-tribal" casino, it wouldn't share in the revenue and since that would take a constitutional amendment, it would take at least two years before any planning or building could even start.

"I dont see this as anything new or innovative, and I dont think Sout Dakotans are enthused about another destination gaming site in South Dakota," said Daugaard.

One thing both candidates can agree on: the new Governor should do whatever it takes to protect South Dakota's revenue streams, especially in these economic times.

Heidepriem says if he was elected, he would like to meet with SIoux Falls Mayor Mike Huether to discuss his ideas for a proposed Events Center.

Mayor Huether says he has no comments about the casino issue at this time.