You might call it a "mixed bag."
According to the latest figures from the Delaware Lottery, The First State's casino industry hit a rough patch in September. That's because Delaware's three main casinos saw their gaming revenue drop significantly compared to the previous year.
Despite this, Delaware's online gaming and sports wagering sectors are gaining ground, setting new records and offering a glimpse into the future of gambling in the First State.
Although declines are nothing new to the Delaware casino industry, it's still somewhat surprising to see.
All Three Delaware Casinos See Revenue Decline in September
Delaware's three casinos – Delaware Park, Bally’s Dover, and Harrington Casino – reported a combined gaming revenue of $36.4 million last month.
This figure represents a noticeable decline of 21.2% from the $46.2 million they amassed during the same month in 2024.
Delaware Park emerged as the leader among the three, generating $15.3 million. However, this was still a better than 16% decrease from its performance in September 2024. The casino's slots (or video lottery terminals, VLTs) generated a little over $13 million, down close to 18%, and its table games brought in $2.2 million, a decline of 6.3%.
Bally’s Dover experienced the steepest drop, with its revenue plummeting over 28% to nearly $12 million. Slot machine earnings fell by 27.3%, and table games saw a drastic decrease of 35.2%.
Harrington Casino recorded $9.2 million, reflecting a drop of almost 19% reduction. VLT revenue fell a little more than 18%, while table game revenue dropped nearly 28%.
| Casino | September 2024 Revenue | September 2025 Revenue | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware Park | $18,285,275 | $15,295,729 | -16.3% |
| Bally’s Dover | $16,581,191 | $11,914,463 | -28.1% |
| Harrington Casino | $11,313,471 | $9,172,108 | -18.9% |
| Total | $46,179,936 | $36,382,300 | -21.2% |
Industry analysts suggest that economic challenges, a growing preference for online gambling, and competition from nearby states are some of the factors contributing to the decline in casino revenues. Additionally, a more diverse entertainment landscape has resulted in fewer visits to physical gambling locations.
In response, Delaware Park has taken proactive steps by opening an outdoor smoking-friendly VLT lounge, hoping to draw in more customers and counteract the downturn.
Online Gaming on the Rise in Delaware
While brick-and-mortar casinos are seeing a dip, Delaware's iGaming and sports wagering sectors are thriving.
Online wagers hit new highs last month, showcasing a shift in player preferences.
Delaware, which became the first US state to legalize online casinos in 2012, allows the same three racinos to offer a variety of online games, including slots, poker, and table games, to those within the state.
Regulation and Consumer Protection
Delaware maintains strict regulations around its gaming industry.
Both the Delaware Lottery and the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) ensure transparency, integrity, and fairness in operations. They oversee licensing, enforce regulatory compliance, and conduct ongoing audits to protect consumers. Additionally, strong measures like geolocation and age verification safeguard online gaming.
To protect players from risks associated with illegal or unlicensed platforms, state regulators have actively shut down such operations, reinforcing Delaware's dedication to consumer protection.
Delaware Casinos Look For Bounce-Back in October
While Delaware's physical casinos are currently facing headwinds, the growth in online gaming provides a silver lining.
The state's regulatory framework continues to allow for safe and fair gaming experiences, ensuring consumer protection and the industry's future viability.
As more players turn to online options, Delaware is well-equipped to handle this shift, proving once again its pioneering spirit in the gaming world.
In Delaware, you can also play games at sweepstakes casinos. These platforms often allow players to purchase virtual currency, which can be used to play various casino games, and provide opportunities to win additional prizes through sweepstakes entries.
Ensure that the platform you're using complies with state regulations and offers secure ways to enjoy gaming.
