DEADWOOD, S.D. – According to statistics released today by the South Dakota Commission on Gaming, the May 2021 gaming handle showed a 45.85 percent increase over May 2020, a partially open month due to the coronavirus pandemic, and a 24.30 percent increase over May of 2019, with slot machine handle increasing by 41.91 percent when compared to May 2020 and 23.47 percent over May 2019.
The table game handle increased by 138.26 percent when compared to 2020 May’s table game handle and 37.09 percent over May 2019.
Deadwood gaming operators rewarded players with $1,690,309 in “free-play” for the month of May, leaving taxable adjusted gross revenues of $12,126,660 for May of 2021.
Deadwood’s May YTD numbers put 2021 revenues up 76.46% over 2020 and up 34.32% over 2019.
“Deadwood gaming revenues continue to roar along,” said Mike Rodman, executive director of the Deadwood Gaming Association.
“May’s strong gaming numbers highlight the early beginnings to an exceptional tourism season.”
Rodman says Deadwood is currently rolling out its most ambitious summer event and entertainment calendar ever.
