According to the latest figures released by the South Dakota Department of Revenue, South Dakota’s commercial casino sector has recorded a 2.7% year-on-year decline in combined statistical wins.
The combined total across all casino game types for May 2025 was $13.1 million, which is down significantly from the total for May last year of $13.4 million. However, it is higher than the figure of $12.3 million for April 2025, representing a month-on-month increase of 6.5%.
Roulette and $5.00 Slots Buck the Trend
While statistical win figures were down for most game types, there were some notable exceptions. South Dakota casino players have taken to roulette in a big way over the last year, as revenue for this game rose from $39,279 in May 2024 to $62,180 this year.
| Game | May 2024 | May 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackjack | $532,811.41 | $555,701.04 | +4.3% |
| House Banked Poker | $536,141.02 | $518,279.40 | -3.3% |
| Player Banked Poker | $154,717.08 | $166,546.00 | +7.6% |
| Craps | $150,993.22 | $128,582.00 | -14.8% |
| Roulette | $39,279.00 | $62,180.00 | +58.3% |
| $0.01 Slots | $10,020,611.38 | $9,781,122.18 | -2.4% |
| $0.05 Slots | $83,962.84 | $65,672.97 | -21.8% |
| City Slot | $519,571.68 | $540,153.05 | +4.0% |
| $0.10 Slots | -$998.60 | $6,736.00 | +774.5% |
| $0.25 Slots | $342,203.81 | $265,808.40 | -22.3% |
| $0.50 Slots | $34,375.00 | $21,799.00 | -36.6% |
| $1.00 Slots | $807,760.84 | $692,771.44 | -14.2% |
| $5.00 Slots | $175,836.56 | $224,745.91 | +27.8% |
| $25 Slots | $43,300.00 | $44,848.84 | +3.6% |
| Total | $13,440,565.24 | $13,074,946.23 | -2.7% |
That rise for roulette represents a 58.3% increase year-on-year, though it was not the most significant increase in dollar terms. That was recorded in the $5.00 slot category, which saw revenue increase by 27.8% from $175,837 to $224,746.
The highest revenue generator, and by some distance, was the $0.01 slot game type. Although there was a year-on-year decline of 2.4% in statistical win from this segment, the May 2025 revenue figure was $9.8 million, representing over 74% of the combined South Dakota casino game return.
Sturgis Buffalo Chip Announces Expansion into Southern Nevada
Meanwhile, a South Dakota institution, Sturgis Buffalo Chip, has announced that it is expanding into Southern Nevada with a new entertainment complex.
While exact details on the location and timeline are still being determined, reports suggest it will open in 2028. Sturgis Buffalo Chip has also announced the involvement of development company Advent, which has local knowledge of South Nevada.
According to reports, plans for the Nevada property are ambitious. At the heart of the site will be a barn-themed casino called Woody’s Barn. There will also be a 200-room luxury hotel, a 10,000-seat amphitheater, and a three-level bar.
The plans also include Tiny Town, a tiny home village, a revived Bikini Beach, and a replica of Chip’s famous Big Engine Bar, along with retail outlets, food, and entertainment.
Meet The Author
Experience
Digital PR SpecialistMy love for gambling and casinos started early when my grandad handed me a video poker machine as a kid, sparking a lifelong fascination with the game. I grew up watching Celebrity Poker religiously and that turned into my organizing March Madness bracket tournaments all throughout elementary and high school—making every March a high-stakes competition among friends before I was even old enough to place a real bet.
Read Full BioRelated News
Test Your Luck
Not Your Spam Filter
Sign up to receive emails and promotions from Casinos.com
