South Dakota churches open coffers in video lottery fight

Joe Kafka

Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2000 | 12:39 p.m.

PIERRE, S.D. - Although churches have contributed considerable cash to the crusade against video lottery, gambling foes still are being outspent by a wide margin.

Hoping to persuade voters to repeal video lottery on Tuesday, opponents have collected $204,215 so far this year and have spent $175,526. Most of the money has gone for advertising.

Two dozen churches gave a total of $83,000 to the antigambling cause, with offerings ranging from $200 by First Assembly of God in Aberdeen to $20,000 by Abiding Savior Free Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls.

The video lottery industry, bankrolled by vending machine firms and businesses that have the gambling devices, had raised $736,015 by Oct. 28 and spent $715,255.

Campaign finance reports are filed with the secretary of state. Final reports, which must include donations and spending in the last week before the election, are not due until Feb. 1.

When video lottery was last on the ballot in 1994, gambling interests provided $802,000 in support of the controversial games. People campaigning against electronic gambling had a $130,000 war chest.

The fate of video lottery was placed on the ballot by opponents who gathered thousands of signatures. They argue that the games are addictive, destructive to families and create a host of social ills.

Video lottery supporters say game revenues received by state government substantially reduce property taxes. They warn that loss of those revenues will result in higher taxes.

A report filed Wednesday also showed a lopsided financial edge for gambling interests in the battle over the $5 bet limit in Deadwood casinos. A ballot measure would raise the ante to $100.

The casino industry, donating primarily through a $212,000 contribution from the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce, has raised $237,136 and spent $235,997 since June in the campaign. However, state Election Supervisor Chris Nelson said the report is off by about $7,300 because of an incorrect balance carried over from a June statement.

Supporters of the higher bet limit had earlier reported receipts of $35,593 in the first half of the year and expenditures of $36,418.

A group opposing the Deadwood ballot measure is in debt after spending $5,310 but receiving only $3,548.

The bet limit has been $5 since casinos opened in Deadwood 11 years ago.