NEWS RELEASE
CONTACT:
Taunia Hottman
Webb Strategic
303-796-8888
September 29, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BLACK HAWK PROVES TO BE A SURE BET FOR COLORADO
Silver anniversary of gaming highlights success and future potential
BLACK HAWK, CO – The city once thought to be a crumbling remnant from Colorado’s storied past in mining is now celebrating 25 years of continued success through legalized gaming. October, 2016 marks the silver anniversary of gaming in Colorado, and the industry in Black Hawk has thus far been a boon for the state, contributing a half billion dollars in gaming taxes by the end of this year.
Today, despite being the state’s least populated city, Black Hawk continues to be a major revenue engine. The Black Hawk Business Improvement District (BID) – comprised of 14 casinos in Black Hawk – is responsible for an average of about $91 million deposited into state coffers each year through taxes. That represents nearly 85 percent of all gaming taxes paid to Colorado. Just as Black Hawk leverages gaming for historical preservation and rehabilitation projects across the state, it has improved many of the residential homes in its city and a number of historic commercial buildings.
“The close collaboration between the gaming industry and Black Hawk has created a ‘win-win-win’ scenario: a win for business, a win for the community, and a win for Colorado, both in terms of entertainment and state revenue,” said John East, BID President. “It’s been a successful 25 years and we see exciting opportunities on the horizon that will provide visitors even more opportunities to ‘“escape ordinary’.”
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Black Hawk Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Gaming
Looking forward, the City of Black Hawk has plans to become a top Colorado resort destination by offering much more than slots, poker and table games. Notably, development is underway to transform Maryland Mountain, Quartz Valley and Chase Gulch into a 600-acre open space. Activities that rival some of the most recognized resorts will be on tap for visitors, including hiking and mountain biking, and an event facility that will feature sleigh or hay rides through picturesque Colorado scenery. Historic Gregory Street in downtown Black Hawk will build on its attractions to include more restaurants, craft breweries, distilleries and tasting rooms, as well as specialty craftsmen retailers.
“Having been a part of Black Hawk city government for 30 years, I’ve seen growth that is not only a testament to the City’s planning strategy but also to the investment commitment of our gaming industry,” said Mayor David Spellman. “We’re a city that welcomes 20,000 visitors every day and we’re just getting started. With the vision we share in this community, there is every reason to believe we will become a truly extraordinary resort destination for those who want to get away for the weekend, or a week. Black Hawk is preserving the past, preparing for the future and still making history!”
Looking at a breakdown of the numbers, Black Hawk’s gaming revenues annually contribute $24 million to the Colorado Historical Society, $14 million to Colorado Travel and Tourism promotion, nearly $7.5 million to Colorado community colleges and local district colleges, and $7 million in grant funds through Advanced Industries Accelerator programs, which focus on aerospace, bioscience, electronics, energy and natural resources, infrastructure, and technology and information.
Throughout October, BID-member casinos will also be celebrating the silver anniversary of gaming with special promotions for customers, including drawings to win 100-ounce silver bars and silver coins, commemorative of Black Hawk’s history as a mining community.