Deadwood gaming activity posted its first monthly decline of the year in May, with gaming handle slipping 0.1% compared to May 2025.
Despite the slight decrease, gaming activity remains strong overall. The South Dakota Commission on Gaming reported that total handle for the first five months of 2026 is up 9.11% from the same period last year.
Sports wagering saw the largest decline in May, down 19.7% from a year earlier, while table game play dropped 9.5%. Slot machines were the only category to post an increase, rising 0.65%.
Casinos provided more than $2 million in free-play incentives during the month, resulting in taxable gross revenues of $12.7 million. Total gaming taxes collected topped $1.14 million, with funds distributed to the state general fund, South Dakota Tourism and Lawrence County.
Deadwood Gaming Association Director George Milos said the year-to-date growth reflects Deadwood’s continued appeal as a destination for gaming, lodging, dining and entertainment.
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