South Dakota Gambling Turnover Surpasses $150 Million
South Dakota’s gambling turnover rose by 12 per cent in June to $154.7 million, and was above $150 million for the first time in eight months. In 2025, statewide commercial casino gaming revenue reached a record annual total of $158.2 million, an increase of 4.1 percent from the previous year.
South Dakota applies a 9 percent tax on all commercial casino gaming revenue, including revenue derived from sports betting. In 2025, commercial casinos in South Dakota generated total gaming tax revenue of approximately $13.5 million, up 4.3 percent compared to the previous year.
Of the 9 percent gaming revenue tax, 1 percent is distributed to South Dakota’s General Fund, and the remaining 8 percent is divided between the state’s Gaming Commission Fund, the South Dakota Department of Tourism, and Lawrence County where Deadwood is located. The Gaming Commission Fund provides up to $6.8 million annually to the City of Deadwood, and up to $100,000 to the State Historical Preservation Grant and Loan Fund, with all remaining funds going to the state General Fund, Lawrence County municipalities and schools, and Deadwood historic preservation.
Responsible Gaming Contributions
In addition, the Commission Fund is authorized to provide up to $30,000 annually for state gambling addiction programs.
Record Highs in Tribal Gaming Revenue
In the Rapid City Region, which includes gaming operations in South Dakota and 3 other states, gross gaming revenue totaled approximately $400 million in fiscal year 2025. The region was home to 44 tribal gaming facilities, matching the number reported in fiscal year 2024.
Tribal gaming operations across the United States generated a record $46.2 billion in gross gaming revenue during fiscal year 2025, an increase of 5.3% from the previous year, according to the National Indian Gaming Commission. The revenue came from 545 gaming facilities operated by 246 tribes in 29 states, with seven of the agency’s eight regions reporting growth.
Independent Oversight and Audited Financial Statements
The NIGC said the annual revenue figures are based on independently audited financial statements submitted by tribal gaming operations and are used to monitor industry performance and support oversight under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
Community Impact and Public Funding
Tribal gaming revenue helps fund tribal governments, public services, infrastructure and community programs.
Sources Quoted:
Verbatim extracts and financial data were sourced from Gaming Intelligence, the American Gaming Association (AGA) 2025 South Dakota Overview, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), and KOTA Radio.
Leo Falsafi is a digital marketing veteran and senior journalist at Virlan.co, where he covers the intersection of digital marketing, gaming, and breaking US trending news. With nearly two decades of hands-on experience in SEO and digital strategy, Leo has consulted for and scaled hundreds of companies. His deep industry roots allow him to deliver sharp, fact-checked insights and analysis on the trends shaping today's digital landscape.