A bar owner from Harrisburg, in Lincoln County, has filed a gambling petition, which aims to give South Dakota residents the right to choose whether they want a gambling expansion in the area. The expansion will include games like poker, pool, bowling, darts or fishing tournaments.
Erks bar has been hosting poker tournaments, which it made him lose his beer license. He alleged that the organization of such events was not about gambling and it just helped all residents, no matter their age, to get together. He wants to change the law that says that all tournaments, no matter the game, that require an entry fee and include a cash prize are illegal. He needs around 17.000 signatures before May 2006 for his petition to be accepted. If it does get accepted, the South Dakota Secretary of State will verify the signatures and validate the petition. If it were validated, then the issue would be placed on a ballot in 2006.
