The Deadwood gambling industry's woes over the smoking ban seem long gone. Visitors are betting more and casinos are making more in the Black Hills' gambling mecca:
Total gross revenues for November 2011 versus November 2012 were up from $7.4 million to $7.49 million, an increase of just over 1 percent.
The handle, or total money wagered for November 2011 versus November 2012 increased almost 1 percent, or $79.7 million versus $80.3 million, an upturn of approximately $653,000 [Jaci Conrad Pearson, "Deadwood Gaming Holds Its Own," Black Hills Pioneer, 2012.12.22].
How're we doing for the year?
Year to date, gross revenues are up in Deadwood by nearly 7 percent, or roughly $6 million. A total of approximately $99.6 million was generated thus far in 2012 versus a total of $93.7 million during the same period in 2011.
Year to date, the handle is also up in Deadwood by nearly 8 percent, or roughly $76.6 million. Total year to date handle is $1.09 billion as compared to $1.01 billion for the same period in 2011 [Conrad Pearson, 2012.12.22].
So far this year, folks have spent an amount on the entertainment of gambling equal to 90% of our state's FY2013 general fund appropriations.
Quick reminder, folks: the house always wins.