But those who live in Sauk County understand the Ho Chunk Nation owns much of the land surrounding the casino, therefore building up the area at its own pace. The business closest to Ho Chunk is the Baraboo Candy Co., which sits about a mile south of the casino on Route 12. Owner Dennis Roney said he has seen business increase since the casino was built six years ago. However, business was already steady when the casino was simply a bingo hall. People come out to the casino and drop all their money there.
People do come here to shop and see the other attractions.
Roney has owned his business for eight years. Besides retail candy sales, his store offers wholesale candy. It is the retail business that is busiest during tourist season. The store does get business all year, and Roney said many customers come into his store with dirty hands from handling money at the casino, or complaining about how much money they lost. The candy store has found a way to capitalize on the casino crowd.