Kevin Costner Closes Deadwood Casino After 26 Years, as Historic Town Struggles
Posted on: August 31, 2017, 01:00h.
Last updated on: September 4, 2017, 09:12h.
Actor Kevin Costner is parting ways with his Midnight Star casino and restaurant in Deadwood, South Dakota, after 26 years in business. The gambling emporium on Main Street is just the latest casualty in the historic town.
Costner opened the Midnight Star in 1991 after falling in love with Deadwood upon his first visit in 1990 for the filming of Dances with Wolves. Midnight Star has housed notable relics from Costner’s storied film career throughout its own history.
“When I opened the Midnight Star … it was because of my deep love for Deadwood and the Black Hills of South Dakota and their historical importance in our country’s story,” Costner told the Rapid City Journal. “So it is with a heavy heart that I have to say that today the lights of the Midnight Star will go out for the last time.”
Founded illegally on Indian land in 1876 during the Back Hills Gold Rush, one of Deadwood’s most notable events was the murder of Wild Bill Hickok, who was allegedly playing poker and holding two aces and two eights at the time, now infamously known as the “dead man’s hand.”
Deadwood Dying
Deadwood gambling revenue is down another 3.5 percent in 2017. Numerous casinos have shuttered since 2008, as gaming and total visitation has declined.
Not unlike in Atlantic City where the economy crashed during the US recession and struggled to recover afterwards in the wake of neighboring states turning to gambling to help revitalize tax income, Deadwood has struggled in recent years. No longer does the South Dakota history-rich town have the enticement of casinos to bring tourists to the remote hills.
Deadwood Gaming Association Mike Rodman isn’t overly concerned.
“We look at Deadwood as being an integrated destination that has all of the components and gaming is just one of those components, although it is an important one because it is the economic engine for Deadwood,” Rodman told the Black Hills FOX affiliate. “Historically, September has been a good month for Deadwood gaming when we have the empty-nesters come and visit.”
Deadwood legalized gambling in 1989, and casinos immediately brought new revenue to the town. Tourism experts believe Deadwood needs to undergo another change to remarket itself to potential visitors.
“All destinations need to evolve over time, even those that wish to remain the same,” Rosen College of Hospitality Professor Alan Fyall told CNBC in 2015 regarding Deadwood’s struggles. “Changes may be very subtle and not necessarily expensive, but a destination brand ‘refresh’ helps maintain the status quo as well as attract new markets.”
Costner’s Fuzzy Memory
Local media reports that the Midnight Star opened in 1991, two years after gaming was approved. But in statements, Kevin Costner seems to remember opening in 1989.
“We had a great 28-year run,” Costner stated, which would date the casino back to 1989.
But Costner first visited Deadwood while filming “Dances.” Production on the Oscar Best Picture winner lasted four months, from July 1989 through November. Costner, who was not only acting but also directing the more than three-hour epic, presumably had little time to be opening a casino and restaurant.
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Last Comments ( 11 )
I am so sad right now. In 1995, I left Wisconsin for a 2-week trip out west for the first time. I accidentally found Deadwood on my adventure and took 2 nights to stay and have an enjoyable time. I loved the atmosphere, the motif and feel of the little gambling town with historic buildings. I stepped into a wonderful casino and played slots for awhile and got hungry. I proceeded up the staircase and saw some of Kevin Costner's outfits in glass cases from the movie Dances with Wolves. Then, I went upstairs and there was a beautiful restaurant with a sunk in floor and a beautiful piano. I played that piano for a few minutes with permission. Dinner was wonderful, but lonely, as I was by myself. After dinner I received a few gold coins that had chocolate in them and they were imprinted with The Midnight Star stamped on them. I was hoping to take a trip this coming year to Deadwood and see the place again, but now I see it is closed. Thank you for making my trip full of joy and happiness in 1995 by having the casino to share with others. Cynthia
Mom, why don't you shut your festering hole for once. Love, your son Walt.
I enjoyed Deadwood very much with my friends Karen and Joke when we were there during our trip Colorado, Wyoming, North- and South Dakota. And playing the card game with Wild Bill at Saloon no. 10 was wonderful. Time for me to go back to the USA, my 2nd home.
I still wear my midnight shift and T-shirt. We so enjoyed the restaurant and the history of the building and all the movie relics and our Tatonka still sits in our lounge. So glad we made it to Deadwood in 2008.
So sorry to learn about the closing. Was there in 2010, had lunch at Midnight Star’s second floor sports bar. Waitress was very friendly, told us Costner was very cordial to staff on his visits. Loved the walls’ screen Museum from Costner movies.
You little Brat cring Baby I was there at the You little cry Baby I was there at the Stampmill in Lead with you and you and your brother Dan, I was there through Dances Wolves: Dan Miller, Smiles a Lot, I worked for you and my child rode the shuttle with your Parents. I can't believe you were a copout..You little Brat?? If you remember I told you Smile a Lot and otter were at my house, using my countertop as a drum singing the Honor Song gtubsta
In 2019 we took our grandson to Deadwood, especially to see the Midnight Star. We had him watch Dances with Wolves first so that he would have a background. To our dismay it was closed! I had such fond memories of visiting it in 1995 and looking up close at the costumes from his movies. In any case life goes on and i am still a fan of Mr. Costner's. Unfortunately the town's folk are hurt and angry over moving out in the middle of the night and Deadwood has lost some of it's charm for me.
Mr Costner is a fine person
Jesus, even a shit website like this cant write a fucking article without getting political. Go fuck yourselves
Born and raised is South Dakota, the Black Hills, mainly, Deadwood, is much more than gambling and money to me. If it's all about that for you, God Bless and Good Bye!
Dear Mr. Costnor, I have writte a story about a very young warrior named, Crazy Horse, and a very young girl of seventeen, going deaf. the story is about a four month wagon train across the Dakota's. She must travel with a party of thirty wagons across the open going west. In her wagon party there are five wagons. She is a painter. She paints the canvas's of the scenes she see every day. Each day she puts mudd on her face and hands. I do not know who but , you could make this into a best selling movie. The song I have chosen for the theme is: To Where You Are", sung by Josh Grobin. If you can call , I would be delighted to speak to you about it. I know this has nothing to do with your casino, but do not know how to reach you. Do not know your agent. Please call or have someone send this message to you. What harm would it do for you to call? Sincerely, Bernadine Cusimano 281-593-0829 or cell. 713 408-3716 I hardly get into email these days so just call.