South Dakota House Bill HB1157

South Dakota 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23
• Refer: 1/26/23

Caption

Require the South Dakota Lottery to promote public awareness on the adverse effects of gambling.

Impact

By implementing this requirement, HB 1157 directly influences the allocation of funds within the South Dakota Lottery's budget. The bill could potentially shift priorities from marketing the lottery's games to highlighting the risks and adverse effects of gambling. This may aid in fostering a more responsible gambling environment, with the hope of mitigating the social issues that can arise from gambling addiction and related problems. Furthermore, the annual review by the Legislature, as stipulated in the bill, aims to ensure accountability for these expenditures and the overall handling of lottery funds.

Summary

House Bill 1157 mandates that the South Dakota Lottery allocate funding towards public awareness campaigns that highlight the negative consequences of gambling. This legislation requires the Lottery to spend at least ninety percent of its promotional budget on these campaigns, which should address issues such as financial hardship, addiction, domestic abuse, criminal behavior, and suicide related to gambling activities. The intent behind this bill is to educate the public on the adverse effects associated with gambling, potentially leading to more informed choices by individuals considering participation in gambling activities.

Contention

Although the bill has the potential for positive social impact, it may also face opposition from those within the gaming industry who may argue that increased spending on awareness could detract from funding for the lottery itself. There is a concern that emphasizing the negative effects of gambling might influence public perception unfavorably, leading to decreased participation and revenue loss for both the lottery and associated state programs funded by lottery proceeds. These financial implications could create contention among stakeholders, particularly those invested in maintaining healthy profit margins from lottery games.