Tom Nelson, the President of Deadwood Gaming Association, says those numbers attribute directly to the increased bet limit that began on July first.Nelson says even though the numbers are trending upwards he doesn't want to call it a recovery just yet.

Nelson says, "I hate to call it a recovery just yet, but since smoking is probably never coming back into the casinos we thought about trying to do some accommodations for that. We tried to look for some ways to enhance the industry and the higher bet limit was one of them and so hopefully that will start a trend."

State Gaming Commission figures show that year-to-date overall total gross revenue in Deadwood casinos is up nearly five million dollars compared to this point last year.  Nelson says the beautiful weather and numerous outdoor events in Deadwood this summer really helped to bring more visitors towards the casinos.

Darren Leeds