Delaware legislature ready to debate table games

There could be more table games in the region as Delaware will introduce a bill authorizing table games in their existing racinos.

The Delaware legislature wants to get table games up and running and they want it done sooner rather than later.

House Speaker Robert Gilligan (D-Sherwood Park) sent out a late night notice saying a bill would to be filed on Friday.  The state legislature was called into session this week, but usually only meets 3 days a week. “Because of the magnitude of this legislation, we want to ensure that everyone has proper notice that this important bill is being introduced and give the public an opportunity to review the legislation before it is heard in committee,” said Rep. Gilligan.

The Speaker said details of the bill will be on line at the General Assembly’s website.  Gilligan said the bill will also get a hearing next Wednesday afternoon before the House Gaming & Parimutuels Committee.

Delaware had commissioned a study on whether table games should be added to gaming outlets in the state. It was also asked to consider whether there should be more gaming outlets than the 3 racinos in that currently over slots and sports parlay betting.

The commission basically said expansion had its pros and cons and while some on the commission thought it was a good idea, the recommendation was to present their findings to the legislature for official approval.

In Pennsylvania, Governor Ed Rendell signed a table games bill this week. It would put table games in casinos around the state. New Jersey has table games in Atlantic City. Delaware is also looking over its shoulder as neighboring Maryland also wants to authorize table games in that state.