Delaware lawmakers to debate table games

Delaware could be just a few days away from approving table games for the state’s three casinos.

Earlier this month, Pennsylvania lawmakers approved table games for its casinos, an option that’s been available for Atlantic City gamblers for decades.  Not to be left out in the battle for those gambling dollars, Delaware lawmakers will debate table games Wednesday in Dover.

Dover Downs Casino President and CEO Ed Sutor says the addition of games like poker and blackjack makes the state’s casinos true destinations.   He says the state’s three racinos would no longer be just slots parlors, “We’ll have everything that Atlantic City has, everything that Nevada has, and with regard to Atlantic City, they won’t have sports betting, even in it’s limited form, it gives us one edge that they don’t have. “

President of Delaware Park Bill Fasy says if lawmakers approve, poker games could start as early as May, with other games coming on line by mid-June.  “I believe that we’re going to run through the brick walls to get it open as quickly as possible.”

Sutor says there is some lag from the the time lawmakers approve table games to the time the first bets could be made because the dealers must be trained.  “It could be 12 weeks for blackjack, but 16 weeks for a much harder craps game.”  He says if everything goes as planned, all games would be available at Dover Downs sometime in June or July.

The House Gaming and Parimutuels Committee will debate table games at a hearing Wednesday at 3 PM.  If it’s approved by the committee, the measure could be voted on by state representatives on Thursday.