The South Dakota Gaming Commission released new statistics on gaming numbers in Deadwood.
The results show a 12% increase in gaming in January this year compared to January 2019.
Mike Rodman, executive director of the Deadwood Gaming Association, said that this increase is thanks to winter tourism in the Black Hills.
"We need those visitors, and I think these gaming numbers are a reflection of the number of visitors that are coming to Deadwood, and I’m sure that those numbers are impacting, not only deadwood, but across South Dakota as well,” Rodman said.
A South Dakota Senate Joint Resolution that puts the option of sports betting on the ballot in November passed the Senate and is waiting for House approval.
Rodman said that if implemented, sports betting would aid in the long-term increase in revenue.