In 1990 a state-wide
amendment passed that legalized limited-stakes gambling in Black Hawk and
Central City. The initiative required that much of the proceeds from gambling
would be provided to the Colorado State Historical Fund for Historic
Preservation. Both Black Hawk and Central City saw a major resurgence in
their economies that continues to this day. Gaming tax revenues and property
taxes from the casinos comprise over half of the county’s total revenue,
keeping the residential property taxes low for residents.
While gambling is an important part of the economy, the County Commissioners' goal is to maintain a rural and natural setting and to
minimize any environmental impact associated with gambling and new
developments.