PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - The South Dakota Lottery’s oversight board voted 6-1 this week to relax the promotions policy that governs licensed lottery operators.
Now lottery operators can target specific groups with their promotions, such as hosting a “ladies night” under the rule change. Giveaways will no longer be calculated as part of the operator’s payout.
The new policy repeals a 23-year-old rule. Promotions still must follow other existing rules, said Clark Hepper, deputy director with the lottery.
“It must be conducted in a manner that is in accordance with decency, dignity and honesty and good taste, and does not reflect adversely on the lottery or the state of south Dakota,” Hepper said.
Lottery Commissioner Doyle Estes opposed the rule change.
“In my view we don’t have much in the way of objective criteria,” he said.
He said some promotions could end up making the lottery look bad.
A supporter of the change, Commissioner Chuck Turbiville, said, “I would hope that the lottery operators would use common sense.”
Hepper explained to commissioners that the rule change was laid out in the lottery’s strategic plan adopted last year.
“It’s an integral part of that strategic plan,” he said, “and promoting and moving the video lottery industry in a positive direction.”
The commissioners voted 3-2 earlier this month to accomplish the same goal. That vote was disqualified because the change required at least four votes.
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