RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Gaming activity in Deadwood saw a strong boost in February, according to new data from the South Dakota Commission on Gaming.
Overall gaming handle rose 17.03 percent compared to February 2025, driven by gains in both slot machines (up 17.41 percent) and table games (up 13.11 percent). Sports wagering also saw a modest increase of 2.69 percent.
The upward trend carried into the first quarter of 2026, with total gaming activity up 13.26 percent over the same period last year.
Casinos reported nearly $2 million in promotional “free play” during February, contributing to taxable gross revenues of about $11.4 million. Gaming taxes collected for the month totaled just over $1 million.
Of that, roughly $114,000 went to the state’s general fund, $365,000 supported tourism, and about $91,000 was allocated to Lawrence County.
For more information on gaming figures or upcoming events, visit deadwood.com or contact the South Dakota Commission on Gaming.
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