The monthly revenue generated total tax of $1.1m to county and state funds.
Slot machines produced handle of $129m, a 20% increase from the same month a year ago. Through the first six months of 2021, slot handle is $670m, up 61% from the same period in 2020.
Table games provided $7.1m in handle last month for a 37.7% improvement y-o-y. Year to date, table games handle is $41.1m, up 80% from last year.
The majority of South Dakota wagering takes place in the town of Deadwood, which on the far western edge of the state.
“June was another great month for Deadwood gaming numbers,” Mike Rodman, executive director for the Deadwood Gaming Association said in a statement. ““June’s strong gaming numbers reflect the Black Hills’ record-breaking tourism season.”
Deadwood is preparing for an annual influx of August visitors for the Strugis motorcycle rally and races.
Those motorcyclists will just barely miss out on the launch of sports betting in South Dakota, which is tentative scheduled for September 9, the start of the 2021 NFL season.
The South Dakota Gaming Commission formally approved sports betting rules earlier this month.
Sports betting will be exclusively offered in Deadwood and taxed at 9%. Bettors will be able to wager both at retail sportsbooks and on online and mobile devices. Mobile sports betting will require customers register at a retail sportsbook.
