After experiencing a decline in the past two months, Deadwood’s casinos in South Dakota have witnessed a resurgence in their gaming handle. According to the South Dakota Commission on Gaming’s report, visitors wagered a substantial $166 million in August, marking a significant 16.6% increase compared to the same period in 2021. The robust growth in gaming handle is attributed to increased activity on slot machines, table games, and sports bets, showcasing the city’s enduring appeal as a premier gambling destination.
Deadwood’s Gaming Handle Bounces Back:
August proved to be a promising month for Deadwood’s casinos, as visitors wagered a total of $166 million, indicating a remarkable 16.6% surge from the previous year. The resurgence comes after two months of decline, showcasing the city’s resilience and ability to attract gaming enthusiasts despite challenges faced in the past.
Slot Machines Leading the Way:
Slot machines continued to be a significant contributor to Deadwood’s gaming handle, with players gambling $157 million on these machines alone. The report highlights a substantial 17.7% year-on-year increase in the slot machine handle, demonstrating the enduring popularity of this gaming option among visitors.
Table Games and Sports Betting:
Table games also saw notable activity, with players wagering $8.9 million in August. Despite a 2.9% decrease compared to August 2021, table games continue to be a prominent feature of Deadwood’s gaming landscape. Sports betting, a relatively newer addition to the offerings, accounted for $266,673 in wagers last month. Most bets were placed on Major League Baseball games, followed by National Football League games and college football.
Overall Year-to-Date Performance:
The report provides an insightful overview of Deadwood’s gambling performance throughout 2022. Over the first eight months, gamblers spent just over $1 billion on wagers and chip purchases, showcasing a commendable 0.53% increase compared to 2021. Slot machines continue to dominate with nearly $950 million in wagers, followed by table games with nearly $59 million in chip purchases, and sports betting with just under $4 million.
The Road to Mobile Sports Wagering:
Despite the rejection of a proposal for a constitutional amendment to allow mobile sports wagers through electronic devices, proponents of online sports betting remain optimistic about the potential for future citizen-led ballot initiatives. The push for mobile sports wagering has gained momentum, with supporters arguing that South Dakota is missing out on substantial revenue opportunities by continuing to prohibit online sports betting.
Deadwood’s gaming industry has shown remarkable resilience, rebounding with a 16.6% increase in gaming handle in August. The report’s insights into slot machines, table games, and sports betting provide valuable data for casino operators and industry stakeholders. As the push for mobile sports wagering gains traction, the city of Deadwood is poised to continue its growth as a premier gambling destination in South Dakota. With a thriving gaming landscape and continued enthusiasm from visitors, Deadwood’s casinos are set to remain a focal point of entertainment and excitement for years to come.