Delaware gambling commission opposes study that finds new casinos could boost revenues, jobs

Del. gambling commission opposes new casinos

DOVER, Del. — A majority of the state gambling commission says no new casinos should be built in Delaware despite a study that found new venues could boost overall revenues and add jobs.

A study released last week found the additional casinos would hurt revenues at existing racetrack casinos, but wouldn’t drive them out of business. It found that two new venues would maximize the state’s tax revenue when gambling expands in other states.

But five of the six panel members voted Tuesday to add a footnote contradicting the findings of the market analysis before it is submitted to the General Assembly. Several lawmakers insisted that any financial harm to the existing racetracks was unacceptable.

The footnote says the commission opposes the report’s recommendation for two additional video lottery facilities, due to the potential job losses.