Deadwood’s Strong August Gaming Performance
Location: Deadwood, S.D.
Highlights:
- Deadwood’s gaming industry saw a 10% increase in casino gaming handle compared to August 2025.
- Total gaming activity for the first eight months of 2026 is up nearly 9% from the same period last year.
Details:
- Slot Machines: Recorded an 11% increase in revenue.
- Table Games: Experienced a 3% decline.
- Sports Wagering: Fell by nearly 47%.
- The casinos benefitted from over $2 million in free-play promotions, resulting in $16.1 million in taxable gaming revenue and generating about $1.45 million in gaming taxes.
Community Impact:
George Milos, Director of the Deadwood Gaming Association, highlighted the role of strong attendance at events like Kool Deadwood Nites, which attracts thousands of classic car enthusiasts to the area. This, alongside the community’s appeal as a visitor destination, has driven the growth in gaming and tourism.
Conclusion:
The July performance sets a positive trend for the year in Deadwood’s gaming, tourism, and local tax revenues.
