Gaming activity in Deadwood continues to grow, according to new numbers from the South Dakota Commission on Gaming.
Overall gaming handle in April rose 12.5% compared to the same time last year. Slot machines led the way with a 12% increase, while table games saw an even larger jump of more than 22%.
Sports betting was the only category to decline, dropping just over 6%—the first decrease in more than a year.
Deadwood Gaming Association Director George Milos says strong weather, special events, and affordability helped drive the gains heading into the busy tourism season.
Casinos also offered more than $2.2 million in free play incentives in April, generating more than $13 million in taxable revenue.
That led to over $1.1 million in taxes, supporting state funds, tourism, and local government.
