Delaware Casinos September Revenues Drop 21.2% YoY, Delaware Casino Bets on Smokers

Delaware casinos generated $36.4 million in September, a 21.2% year-on-year decrease from the $46.2 million generated in September 2024. 

Of the combined revenue, video lottery terminals were down 21.3% year-on-year, dropping from $41.2 million to $32.3 million. Table games revenue also declined in September, falling from $5.1 million to $4.1 million, representing a 20.7% year-on-year decrease. 

The drop in revenue comes as Delaware Park has opened a new outdoor video lottery terminal lounge for players, hoping to bring back some footfall to the casino after a disappointing month by allowing guests to smoke while gaming. 

Double-Digit Decreases Across the Board

The figures, published by the Delaware Lottery, show that of the three casinos in the state, all showed losses in the double digits year-on-year in September. 

Delaware Park casino was the leader for revenue, generating $15.3 million in September. However, this was a 16.3% decline from the $18.3 million generated in September the year prior. 

Video lottery terminals for the casino fell 17.8% year-on-year, with revenue falling from just under $16 million to $13.1 million, while table games decreased 6.3%, from $2.3 million to $2.2 million. 

Bally’s Dover was the biggest loser in September, as revenue fell 28.1% from $16.6 million to $11.9 million. Slot revenue fell 27.3%, from $14.8 million to $10.8 million, and table games revenue fell further by 35.2% from $1.8 million to $1.2 million. 

Additionally, Harrington Casino saw revenue fall by 18.9% from $11.3 million to $9.2 million, making it the lowest earner in September. Table game revenue took the biggest hit, falling 27.8% from just over $1 million to $735,810, and video lottery terminal revenue fell 18.1%, from $10.2 million to $8.4 million. 

New Smoker-Friendly Outdoor Gaming Hall

This week, Delaware Park Casino in Wilmington rolled out its newest addition to its venue: a $5 million outdoor gaming area. The area allows cigarettes and cigars, so players can now smoke while playing video lottery terminals. 

The newly opened patio includes over 250 video lottery terminals. While it is an open-air environment with its six-foot-high openings, it features heaters and fans to keep users comfortable. Like the rest of the casino, it will be open year-round. 

We’re always looking for exciting ways to provide our guests with new experiences. We’re thrilled to officially open the doors to the new slot patio, where our players can enjoy the outdoors while playing their favorite games,” said Terry Glebocki, Delaware Park’s president and general manager. 

This is the latest investment made into the casino, which was purchased in 2021 and underwent a $10 million revamp. With the patio spanning over 10,000 square feet, it is larger than Bally’s Dover's gaming patio, which opened just last year; it could drive further competition between the two venues.