The South Dakota Commission on Gaming is a five-member commission appointed by the Governor of the State of South Dakota. The Commission regulates limited wagering in Deadwood, as well as live horse and simulcast racing. To see a list of Commissioners, please click here.
Commission staff is under the direction of Susan Christian, its Executive Secretary and consists of two divisions: Enforcement and Operations. For general inquiries and licensing questions, contact Mark.Heltzel@state.sd.us . Learn more about Gaming Laws & Regulations .
The Enforcement Division is responsible for conducting background and criminal investigations relating to limited gaming in addition to monitoring casino gaming activities. The Enforcement Division is under the direction of Mark Heltzel, Deputy Executive Secretary.
The Operations Division conducts regular compliance and revenue audits of casinos within the City of Deadwood. They are responsible for slot machine inspections and all statistical data regarding gaming and racing activity within the jurisdiction of the Commission. The Operations Division is under the direction of Kelly Hanson.
The types of Individual licenses issued by the commission are listed below. All applicants must submit completed fingerprint cards with their application to the South Dakota Commission on Gaming. The cards must be obtained from the South Dakota Commission on Gaming, Deadwood office at (605) 578-3074.
A person licensed by the commission who is working or who is about to work for an operator or retailer in any way directly related to gaming must complete a Support License Application (PDF). The application fee is $50 and the license fee is $50 with a calendar year (January through December) renewal fee of $25. Learn more on the Gaming page in the Businesses section of our website.
Any executive, employee, or agent of a gaming licensee having the power to exercise a significant influence over decisions concerning any part of the operation of a gaming licensee must complete a Key Employee License Application (PDF). The application fee is $150 and the license fee is $150 with a calendar year (January through December) renewal fee of $75.
Any executive, employee, or agent of a Multi-Jurisdictional Wagering Hub in South Dakota having the power to exercise a significant influence over decisions concerning any part of the hub operation must complete a Hub Key License Application (PDF). The application fee is $50 with an annual renewal fee of $25 by December 31st of each year.
Pari-mutuel clerks at a Multi-Jurisdictional Wagering Hub or persons in any capacity directly related to these hub locations must complete a Hub Employee License Application (PDF) The application fee is $35 with an annual renewal fee of $20 by December 31st of each year.
This is used for licensing of pari-mutuel clerks at simulcast sites and a Simulcast Pari-Mutuel License Application (PDF) is required. Note: if you have a valid Deadwood support license, you are not required to obtain this license.
If you have questions, please call the Pierre office at (605) 951-9173.
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