Gambling Compact between State, Yankton Sioux Almost Done

WAGNER, S.D. (AP) — A new gambling compact between the state of South Dakota and the Yankton Sioux would enable the tribe to double the number of slot machines at its Fort Randall Casino.

The Pickstown facility has 250 slots. There was no opposition to increasing the number to 500 during a public hearing Thursday in Wagner.

Tribe Gaming Commission Chairman Arthur Standing Cloud says the increase is the major thing the tribe sought in the compact negotiations. In return, the tribe will agree not use a sovereign immunity defense against any claims covered under the casino's liability insurance.

The new compact is heading to Gov. Dennis Daugaard for approval. It would be the first update in 15 years. It also would return to the tribe the power to handle employee background checks.