South Dakota’s Deadwood Casino Gaming Handle Rises by Almost 7%

Reports by the South Dakota Gaming Commission state that Deadwood casino recorded results higher than those seen in 2021. In January 2022 alone, Deadwood’s visitors wagered $113 million. Compared to the last recorded figures of 2021, there is a 6.75% increase.

Specifically, gamblers spent over $105 million on slot machines, upwards of $7 million on table games, and $835,251 on sports wagering. Deadwood casinos approved sports betting in December 2021. Still, on the 7% increase, Deadwood casino saw an increase in slot machine revenue generation by 6.88% (compared to January last year). Table game handle went down 6.11%.

Taxable Revenue for Deadwood Casino

The $113 million reeled in by Deadwood casino was subject to an adjusted gross revenue (taxable) of $9.9 million. The casino paid about $892,498 in pure taxes to the county, state, and local governments.

In the same breath, the casino offered players on their sites “free play” amounting to more than $1.5 million. Deadwood casino still made enough profits in January after paying the necessary legal fees.

Statistical Winnings

January was a lucrative month not only for Deadwood casino but also for players dedicated to their sites. The slot machines (2,589 in number) at Deadwood casino awarded customers almost $9.3 million at the start of the year. A significant part of these wins came from Penny slots.

That’s not all, though. The table games at Deadwood, totaling to 86, including poker, blackjack, roulette and craps, presented a statistical win of $1.2 million for gamblers. A significant amount of these wins came from house poker and blackjack.

Records show that five of Deadwood’s casinos made sports betting available in January. Sports betting alone had a statistical win of a little over $82,000. Gamers placed bets on men’s college basketball and professional football games.

According to the executive director of the Deadwood Gaming Association, Mike Rodman, January’s results depict how lucrative 2022 will be. 2021 was not a bad year for Deadwood gaming financially, but this year is more promising.

Additionally, the executive director expresses that the sports wagering operators are more than ready for March Madness. It’ll be their first time to place live sports wagers in Deadwood, thus the excitement.

Legislation in South Dakota

At the start of this month, the South Dakota Senate approved a proposal that allows voters to choose if online sports betting should expand across South Dakota. The Senate passed the proposal, known as the State Joint resolution 502, by a single vote. It has now moved forward to the House of Representatives.

According to Resolution 502, there will be a constitutional amendment question (on the November ballot). The question seeks the opinion of voters regarding the expansion of sports betting. Expansion will go to Mount Rushmore State.

Sports betting will occur through websites and downloadable mobile applications as long as they transmit products through Deadwood casino’s servers.

The Deadwood Gaming Association was absent during the expansion testimony. Rodman reported that Deadwood is not in 100% agreement, forcing them to stay mute on the sports betting expansion. However, the association claims that in-person sports betting accounts for customer flow in the area.