The second-smallest state in the U.S. experienced one of the largest month-to-month drops in casino revenue we have seen.
According to figures from the Delaware Lottery, casinos in The First State rode a rollercoaster at the end of the year. Their December figures were down significantly after an exceptional November.
Understanding the reasons behind these fluctuations can give us a deeper insight into the state’s gaming industry and its future trends.
But no matter how you slice it, Delaware casinos are looking for answers after the December decline.
December’s Surprising Decline for Casinos in Delaware
December was a tough month for Delaware’s casinos.
Collectively, they earned nearly $33 million in revenue, down 24.3% from December of the previous year. This sudden dip came just after November, when revenues soared to $44.4 million—a staggering 30.4% year-over-year increase.
In contrast, October had been relatively steady, with revenues topping $35 million, just 1% down from the year before.
So, what happened in December?
The drop wasn't due to a single event. Instead, it was more about things returning to normal after an unusually lucrative November, especially for slot machines, which were the main driver of November's success.
The December figures remind us how unpredictable this market can be with its monthly swings.
Which Delaware Casinos Led The Pack?
Among the three casinos in Delaware, Delaware Park stood out as the top performer in December, generating $14.2 million.
This wasn’t a surprise since it has been consistently leading in revenue. Even in a challenging month, Delaware Park pulled in the most money, reflecting its strong position in the state’s casino market.
Bally's Dover, on the other hand, has had a tough time recently. Its revenue fell by almost 28% to just under $11 million. Their video lottery machines brought in nearly 26% less money, and their table games saw a big drop of 43%.
Harrington Casino also faced challenges, making $7.6 million, which is nearly 24% less than before. The money from their video lottery machines went down by 24.4%, and their table games were down by more than 17%.
Both casinos are dealing with some significant declines, showing that it's been a challenging period for them.
The Bigger Picture in 2025
Throughout 2025, Delaware casinos experienced many ups and downs.
There were months like August and November when revenues jumped by over 30%, but there were also deep slumps, like September’s 21% decline. There was also a dip in July. These fluctuations highlight the mature, low-growth nature of Delaware's land-based casino market.
To stay competitive, Delaware has been expanding its iGaming and sports betting sectors.
These digital platforms have been growing steadily, somewhat compensating for the uneven performance of traditional casinos. This trend is important because more players are choosing the convenience of online options over visiting physical casinos.
Operators Hope For Better Days Ahead
The past year shows us that the market is dynamic but faces challenges.
The continued success of Delaware Park suggests that there's still robust competition within the state. However, if the trend towards online gaming continues, land-based casinos might have to innovate to keep up.
Ultimately, whether you're a player or just curious about the industry, it's clear that Delaware's casino market is at a crossroads. As digital gambling becomes more popular, it will be interesting to see how traditional casinos adapt and evolve in the coming years.
