Gold Dust Casino reopens better than ever following yearlong renovation

“If there was any one single factor that delayed the project, it was the massive October blizzard last year,” said DeMangus. “We were just in the process of re-doing the roof and that weather really hurt us. With these old buildings on Main Street, weather like that affects us on a whole new level. Plus, we had contractors who couldn’t get out of the homes they live in. That’s nature.”

Construction crews were still putting the finishing touches on trim and bathrooms last week as DeMangus and his employees prepared to re-open what was once one of Deadwood’s premiere gaming venues. “I hope our guests discover something fresh, new, slick and exciting,” he said. “That’s truly what it is. We’re going to be making new memories going into the future.”

In July, the Gold Dust’s parent corporation - Lamont Companies of Aberdeen - opened its swanky new 42-room boutique hotel, the Hotel by Gold Dust, in the historic 1902 Pineview Building on Lee Street, across the street from its gambling halls.

Also last summer, the Gold Dust introduced Maverick’s to the downtown scene, a sports bar and restaurant featuring barbecue and patterned after its Aberdeen venue of the same name, DeMangus said. It boasts a 120-seat restaurant and bar with 16 beer taps.“There is a new kitchen, dining rooms, new walls and ceilings and new games on the floor,” DeMangus said. “It’s a really cool place.”