A Deadwood Tradition

The introduction of limited stakes gambling in 1989 gave Deadwood new life. A major portion of the gambling proceeds have been used to restore and preserve this old mining town.

Deadwood is one of the largest historic preservation projects ever undertaken in the United States. The city spends over $5 million a year on renovation and preservation, and revolving loans are available for private projects. In addition, this small town of 1800 helps fund South Dakota Tourism with a contribution of over $1.5 million annually and has implemented a grant program state-wide to help other communities with their historic preservation. Over 2000 regional jobs are supported by this industry.

Shortly after gambling was legalized in Deadwood, a group of prominent Rapid City businessmen opened the Four Aces Casino. This business was located on the previous site of the local Chevrolet dealership, known as “Beck’s Chevrolet”.

It was 1993 and gambling in Deadwood was still young. The Four Aces Casino came on the scene as the anchor of lower Main Street and immediately became popular with its great restaurant, fun slot machines and live-action poker and blackjack! In addition, the Four Aces Casino was the first casino in Deadwood to offer “CashBack” in their Player’s Club.

Shortly after opening, the Four Aces Casino commissioned Monique Ziolkowski and James Borglum to sculpt the beautiful bronze statue of Wild Bill Hickok that sits prominently outside its front doors. Monique is the daughter of Korzak Ziolkowski, the sculptor who began carving Crazy Horse. She helps her family carry on his work yet today. James is the grandson of Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor of Mt. Rushmore.

The Four Aces Casino continued through the decade as a popular business and in 2002 doubled its gambling with an additional new building that also housed the Hampton Inn Hotel. The hotel opened its doors on May 9, 2002 and enhanced the business even more. Opening the hotel, adding full-service liquor and adding a 25-seat board room and 100 ­seat conference room allowed the Four Aces to advertise itself as the largest casino and hotel under one roof in Deadwood.

Today, the Hampton Inn & Four Aces Casino continues the tradition with top-of-the-line service, the “Best Buffet in Deadwood” and is considered “Deadwood’s Entertainment Hot Spot”!