Deadwood sees retail sales increase amid gambling decline

DEADWOOD, S.D. (AP) — Deadwood's gambling revenue may have fallen, but the city's retail revenue appears to be booming.

A report by the South Dakota Retailers Association found that Deadwood's sales tax revenue over May 2017-18 increased by more than 25 percent from $165,525 to $207,550, the Black Hills Pioneer reported . From April 2017-18, Deadwood's sales tax numbers grew more than 20 percent from about $234,400 to $282,700.

Deadwood racked up $67.4 million in retail sales last year, compared to $62.6 million in 2016.

"This is in contrast to other towns in the region that showed flat or decreased sales tax numbers," said Julie Koth, who helps run clothing store Madame Peacocks.