Casino revenue in Deadwood has shown remarkable resilience and growth.
According to the latest figures from the South Dakota Commission on Gaming for June, the iconic gaming town's casinos generated more than $13 million, marking an increase of nearly 4% year-over-year.
Deadwood casinos generated $12.8 million in June of 2024. June's numbers could be considered a bit of a bounce-back performance since May 2025’s revenue was down nearly 3% compared to May 2024.
Slot Machines Lead the Way For Deadwood Casinos
The primary driver behind this growth was the impressive performance of electronic gaming machines, particularly slot machines.
Low-denomination slots, especially the $0.01 machines, brought in a substantial $10.3 million, reflecting a 7.5% increase from the previous year. While $25 slot machines saw the largest percentage increase, their impact was less significant due to their smaller share of the market. In contrast, revenue from other slot denominations like $0.25, $1.00, and $5.00 experienced a decline.
It appears the surge in revenue is concentrated in specific segments of the gaming floor.
Seasonal Trends and Visitor Boosts
Besides slot machine performance, broader visitor trends and seasonal patterns may have also played a part in the uplift.
June typically sees an influx of visitors, contributing to both year-over-year and month-over-month revenue increases. However, table games and other casino offerings did not witness similar growth, underscoring the dominance of electronic gaming devices in driving Deadwood's casino market.
A Rich History of Gambling in Deadwood
Gambling has been a cornerstone of Deadwood’s identity since the Black Hills Gold Rush in 1876.
The town earned a reputation as part of the “Wild West,” notorious for its saloons, gambling halls, and lawlessness. Although gambling was shut down in 1947, modern casinos were introduced after a statewide vote in 1989, leading to a revival of Deadwood's economy. The legalization brought along historic preservation and turned Deadwood into a thriving gaming resort town.
Deadwood Casinos Anticipating a Solid Second Half of 2025
Deadwood's casinos are once again demonstrating their importance to the local economy and the town’s historic charm.
With ongoing investments in modern gaming facilities attracting millions of visitors each year, Deadwood remains a vibrant part of South Dakota's tourism sector. The revenue growth recorded in June 2025 highlights the resilience and evolution of this iconic Wild West town, securing its place as a leading gaming destination in the region.
