More than 1,000 people who work in Deadwood’s gaming industry could soon be out of work.
Deadwood’s mayor has asked casinos to shut down temporarily to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Mike Rodman of the Deadwood Gaming Association says he’s working to coordinate a voluntary shutdown at noon Wednesday.
“It’s certainly going to be devastating, and so we’re of course praying this is of short duration and we can get those employees back to work,” Rodman said.
The Deadwood City Commission is considering an ordinance and resolution that would formally require casinos to close. It would also restrict other kinds of businesses where people gather.
Deadwood’s gaming industry directly employees about 1,200 people with an annual payroll of about $46 million, according to the Deadwood Gaming Association.