Gaming Commission approves plans for Ramkota complex in Deadwood

By Tim Velder, LCJ staff | Monday, November 24, 2008

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DEADWOOD -- The South Dakota Commission on Gaming on Monday approved a new design and floor plan for a casino and convention center complex on the northeast side of Deadwood.

In December 2007, the commission rejected idea of 12 buildings tied together in a mall configuration, citing inadequate safety measures and unfair competition with other Deadwood casinos as factors in their decision.

The ownership team of Mike, Ryan and Rob Wordeman and Dave Sweet of Sioux Falls appealed the commission’s 2007 decision to state courts. The circuit court found in their favor and sent the matter back to the gaming commission. However, the mall design was changed and separate building designations with conforming floor-to-ceiling walls on four sides were developed.

The new design met with commissioners’ favor on Monday, garnering a 4-0 approval vote. Commissioner Shawn Lyons recused himself from the vote, citing a conflict of interest with a mutual business associate.

“I know all of Deadwood wants that facility out there,” said Gaming Commission chairman Ralph Kemnitz.

Construction on the facility is well underway, with the frame of the building already up. Monday’s vote paves the way for the developers to have 10 separate designated buildings within the complex. Under the state’s gambling laws, each building in a Deadwood casino can have up to 30 card tables or slot machines.

The proposed plan includes City of Deadwood ownership of the convention-center facility that will be surrounded by a hotel, casino, restaurant, lounge and water park. Under the proposal, the city of Deadwood would own the convention center, and the remainder of the complex would be owned by Deadwood Resorts LLC. The $35 million casino complex, named The Lodge at Deadwood, is across U.S. Highway 85 from Tatanka: Story of the Bison.