Delaware Gambling Could Take A Hit From Maryland Casinos

Delaware takes a lot of their casino players from the state of Maryland. They have, for years, had Maryland residents crossing over to enjoy casino gambling, but that will all change soon with Maryland adding casinos of their own.

"We're up against some really big issues," said Dover Downs Chief Executive Officer Edward J. Sutor, "Not only is this economy hurting us, but Maryland is coming soon, and we get a lot of our business from Maryland."

Sutor was speaking while handing out revenue projections for the expanded gambling that is coming to Delaware. Sutor is a representative on the Legislature's Table Game Committee. He represents the horse racing and casino industries on the committee.

Sutor gave projections that included a $95 million increase in the state's share of the revenue from casino by the middle of 2012. On the other hand, he warned that fees to operate the additional slot machines and sports books could alter that projection substantially.

Delaware has recently become one of the leaders in the country when it comes to gambling expansion. They have expanded their table game offerings, and have started a big controversy with their movement towards legalized sports betting.

The sports betting issue is one that is crossing over into other states. Now that Delaware has approved sports gambling, other states are looking to do the same. New Jersey is leading a lawsuit that could give them, and other states, the right to offer sports betting as well.

July 9, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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