The South Dakota State Commission on Gaming has revoked the Deadwood gambling license held by Gary Aaron King following allegations that he defrauded local universities of more than $1.4 million.
An investigation regarding King’s suitability to hold a license was launched following the revelation that he had allegedly collected $1.4 million in premiums from universities for insuring athletes against injuries, but failed to remit the payments to the insurance companies. This included premiums for 625 South Dakota athletes,
According to state gaming laws, the commission was within its rights to revoke King’s gaming license as he had failed to comply with state laws. Law breaches to not have to be related to gaming for a holder to have their license revoked.
King was a part owner of several private companies that held ownership of the Midnight Star casino in Deadwood. The commission had recently licensed King in February of 2022 as a director for Rushmore Gaming LLC as part of the company’s sports-wagering application.
The gaming-license investigation came as a result of a decision signed on March 10th by state Labor and Regulation Secretary Marcia Hultman. This revoked the resident insurance producer license held by King.
The universities defrauded by King have launched a civil lawsuit to recoup their losses.
Image credit: Amy Meredith / CC BY-ND 2.0
Reporter & gambling industry analyst covering the land-based and online casino industry in the United States.
