Delaware Casinos – Best Places to Gamble in DE

Delaware may be small, but it’s got a big gambling industry. There are casinos at racinos in New Castle and Kent where you can play all kinds of casino-style games. And if horse racing or sports betting is more your thing, they’ve got that too. Plus, there’s a state-run lottery and charitable gambling is allowed. What’s more, Delaware’s got friendly regulations when it comes to online gambling.

But, while the state constitution criminalizes all forms of gambling not run by the state, the law doesn’t provide a clear definition of gambling. Some people think that offshore gambling sites are okay, but it’s not certain. Although the law that legalized online lottery ticket sales didn’t say anything against unlicensed gambling sites, it’s still unclear whether it’s legal or not.

And so far, there haven’t been any charges against people who gamble online. So the legal issue hasn’t been resolved in court. Delaware’s gambling laws are governed by Delaware Code 3-10001 et seq. and 11-1401 et seq., and they’re all about “recording or registering bets or wagers, or directly or indirectly betting or wagering, money or anything of value.”

List of Top Gambling Venues in Delaware

Related reading: Delaware online casinos

Reviews of the Top Casinos in Delaware

1. Dover Downs Hotel & Casino

Dover Downs Hotel & Casino is a popular casino located in the state capital of Delaware. It opened in 1969 and has since become one of the premier gaming destinations in the state.

The casino features over 2,200 slot machines, including popular titles such as Wheel of Fortune, Monopoly, and Cleopatra. Additionally, the casino offers a variety of table games such as blackjack, craps, and roulette, as well as a poker room that hosts daily tournaments and cash games.

The venue is quite large, with a gaming floor spanning over 165,000 square feet. The casino has undergone several renovations since its opening, including the addition of a state-of-the-art race and sports book.

In addition to gaming, Dover Downs also features several dining options, ranging from casual fare at the Garden Cafe to upscale dining at Michele’s Steakhouse. The casino also has several bars and lounges, including the Fire & Ice Lounge, which features live music and entertainment.

For those looking to stay the night, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino offers a 500-room hotel with a variety of amenities. The hotel features luxurious bedding, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Additionally, guests can take advantage of the hotel’s spa, fitness center, and indoor pool.

Overall, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a complete gaming and entertainment experience in Delaware.

2. Harrington Raceway & Casino

Harrington Raceway & Casino is a popular gaming destination located in Harrington, Delaware. The venue originally opened in 1946 and has since undergone several renovations and expansions.

The casino features over 1,800 slot machines, including popular titles such as Buffalo Gold, Lightning Link, and Wheel of Fortune. The casino also offers a variety of table games, including blackjack, roulette, and craps. In addition, Harrington has a poker room with daily tournaments and cash games.

The venue spans over 140,000 square feet and includes a raceway that hosts live harness racing from April through October. The casino has also recently added a sports book, where guests can bet on a variety of sports.

In addition to gaming, Harrington Raceway & Casino has several dining options, ranging from casual to fine dining. Examples include Murphy’s Race/Sports Book & Grill, Bonz, and The Cafe. There are also several bars and lounges, including the Murphy’s Bar, which offers live entertainment on weekends.

For guests looking to stay the night, Harrington has a 50-room hotel, with amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. The hotel is located just steps from the casino, making it convenient for guests to enjoy all the amenities the casino has to offer.

3. Delaware Park

Delaware Park is a popular casino located in Wilmington, Delaware, with a history dating back to 1937. The casino has undergone several renovations over the years, making it a premier gaming and entertainment destination in the state.

The casino features over 2,300 slot machines, including popular titles such as Lightning Link, Buffalo Gold, and Dragon Link. The casino also offers a variety of table games, including blackjack, roulette, and craps. In addition, there is a poker room that offers daily tournaments and cash games.

Delaware Park spans over 100,000 square feet and also features a sports book, where guests can bet on a variety of sports. There is also a 18-hole golf course on the property for guests to enjoy.

In addition to gaming, Delaware Park offers several dining options, ranging from casual to fine dining. Examples include Legends Restaurant, At the Rail Wine Bar & Grille, and HOPS. There are also several bars and lounges, including the Cove Bar, which offers live entertainment on weekends.

For those looking to stay the night, there is no hotel on the property, but the casino does offer shuttle service to several nearby hotels. Some hotels in the area even offer package deals that include dining and gaming credits at Delaware Park.

4. Casino at Delaware Park

The Casino at Delaware Park is a gaming venue located in the Wilmington Shopping Center in Wilmington, Delaware. It features over 700 slot machines, ranging from classic games to newer video slots, as well as a variety of table games, including blackjack, roulette, and craps.

The venue spans over 78,000 square feet and was opened in 1995. The casino also features a sports book, where guests can bet on a variety of sports, including football, basketball, and baseball.

In addition to gaming, the Casino at Delaware Park has several dining options, ranging from casual to upscale. Examples include Legends Restaurant, The Terrace, and the Club 3 Bar. There are also several bars and lounges, including The Cove at Delaware Park, which offers live entertainment on weekends.

There is no hotel on the property, but the casino does offer shuttle service to several nearby hotels. Some hotels in the area even offer package deals that include dining and gaming credits at Delaware Park.

In short, the Casino at Delaware Park is a great option for those looking for a fun and convenient gaming experience in Wilmington. With a variety of games, dining options, and a sports book, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, the nearby hotel options and shuttle service make it a great destination for a night out on the town.

5. Ocean Downs Casino

Ocean Downs Casino is a gaming and entertainment destination located in Berlin, Maryland, just over the Delaware border. The casino features over 800 slot machines, including popular titles such as Wheel of Fortune, Lightning Link, and Buffalo Gold.

In addition to slot machines, Ocean Downs also offers a variety of table games, including blackjack, roulette, and craps. There is also a raceway on the property that features live harness racing from June through September.

The venue spans over 70,000 square feet and was opened in 1949. In addition to gaming, Ocean Downs Casino has several dining options, ranging from casual to upscale. Examples include The Cove at Ocean Downs, The Clubhouse Turn, and the Beach House Bar & Grill.

There are also several bars and lounges, including the R Bar, which offers live entertainment on weekends. For those looking to stay the night, there is no hotel on the property, but there are several nearby hotels that offer shuttle service to the casino.

Delaware Gambling Revenues

Gambling revenues play a significant role in the economy of Delaware. In the fiscal year 2021, the state collected over $193 million in tax revenue from the gambling industry. The majority of this revenue came from the state’s three casinos, which generated over $520 million in total revenue.

The state uses the gambling tax revenue to fund various programs and services, including education, health care, and public safety. In the fiscal year 2021, the state allocated over $1.5 billion for education funding. This included funds for public schools, higher education institutions, and early childhood programs.

In addition to funding education, Delaware’s gambling tax revenue also supports programs that benefit the elderly and the disabled. In the fiscal year 2021, the state allocated over $200 million for these programs. This included funding for home health care, assisted living facilities, and programs that support seniors and individuals with disabilities.

A portion of the gambling tax revenue is also used to support tourism in the state. In the fiscal year 2021, the state allocated over $9 million for tourism promotion and marketing. This included funding for advertising campaigns, tourism grants, and events that attract visitors to the state.

Overall, Delaware’s gambling industry plays a vital role in the state’s economy. The tax revenue generated from the industry supports a wide range of programs and services, including education, health care, public safety, and tourism. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, it is expected to remain a significant contributor to the state’s economy for years to come.

Indian Gaming Tribes in Delaware

There are no federally recognized tribes in Delaware, and as a result, there are no Indian gaming casinos in the state. In fact, Delaware is one of the few states in the US that does not have any Indian gaming casinos.

The absence of Indian gaming casinos in Delaware is due to the small size of the state and its proximity to other states that do have Indian gaming casinos. The nearest Indian gaming casinos are in neighboring Pennsylvania and Maryland, which are both within driving distance from Delaware.

However, there have been efforts in the past to establish Indian gaming casinos in Delaware. In the late 1990s, the Nanticoke Indian Tribe of Delaware sought to open a casino in the state. However, their efforts were met with opposition from the state government and the public, and the proposal was eventually abandoned.

Overall, while there are no Indian gaming tribes or casinos in Delaware, the issue has been a topic of discussion in the past. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen if the state will allow Indian gaming in the future.

A History of Gambling in Delaware

Gambling has a long history in Delaware, dating back to the 1700s. The state was the first in the US to legalize horse racing, with the first race taking place in 1760. Over the years, horse racing became a popular pastime in the state, with multiple tracks and events being held each year.

In the 1930s, Delaware began to allow parimutuel betting on horse racing. This allowed bettors to place bets on the outcome of races, with the odds determined by the total amount of money bet on each horse. This form of betting quickly became popular and remains a staple of the Delaware gambling industry to this day.

In the 1970s, Delaware introduced the state lottery, becoming the first state east of the Mississippi River to do so. The lottery quickly became popular and continues to be a major revenue source for the state. In the fiscal year 2021, the lottery generated over $280 million in sales.

In the 1990s, Delaware expanded its gambling offerings by allowing licensed casinos to operate in the state. The first casino, Delaware Park, opened in 1995 and was followed by Dover Downs and Harrington Raceway & Casino. These casinos offer a variety of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, and poker rooms.

In recent years, Delaware has continued to expand its gambling industry by allowing online gambling and sports betting. In 2012, the state became the first in the US to legalize online gambling, allowing residents to play casino games and poker online. In 2018, Delaware also became one of the first states to legalize sports betting, following a Supreme Court ruling that overturned a federal ban on sports betting.

Overall, gambling has played a significant role in the history of Delaware, from the early days of horse racing to the modern era of online gambling and sports betting. The industry has been a major revenue source for the state and continues to evolve and expand. With its rich history and diverse offerings, the Delaware gambling industry is sure to remain a key part of the state’s culture for years to come.

Gambling Taxes in Delaware

If you are a resident of Delaware who enjoys gambling, it’s important to understand the state’s gambling tax laws. In Delaware, all gambling winnings are subject to taxation. This includes winnings from casino games, sports betting, and the state lottery.

The tax rate for gambling winnings in Delaware is 24%. This means that if you win $1,000 at a casino, you will owe $240 in taxes. If you win $10,000, you will owe $2,400 in taxes. It’s important to note that taxes on gambling winnings must be paid by the individual, not the casino or gambling establishment.

In order to pay your gambling taxes in Delaware, you will need to file a state income tax return. You can do this either online or by mail. If you file online, you can use the state’s free e-file system. If you file by mail, you will need to use the appropriate tax forms and mail them to the Delaware Division of Revenue.

It’s important to keep accurate records of your gambling winnings and losses in order to accurately calculate your tax liability. You should keep track of all of your winnings, as well as any losses, in order to offset your taxable income. This can be done by keeping a gambling log or using a spreadsheet to track your winnings and losses.

If you are a non-resident of Delaware who wins gambling income in the state, you will also be subject to state taxes. However, the tax rate for non-residents is slightly different. Non-residents must pay a tax rate of 30% on their gambling winnings. Additionally, non-residents must file a Delaware state income tax return in order to report their gambling income and pay their taxes.

Overall, understanding Delaware’s gambling tax laws is essential if you are a resident who enjoys gambling. By keeping accurate records of your winnings and losses and paying your taxes on time, you can ensure that you are in compliance with the state’s laws and avoid any potential penalties or fines.

Delaware Gambling FAQ

How much can you win at Delaware casinos before being taxed?

In Delaware, all gambling winnings are subject to taxation, regardless of the amount. This means that you must pay taxes on all of your gambling winnings, regardless of how much you win. The tax rate for gambling winnings in Delaware is 24%, and you are responsible for paying these taxes on your own.

How to ban yourself from casinos in Delaware?

If you feel that you have a gambling problem and want to ban yourself from Delaware casinos, you can enroll in the state’s self-exclusion program. This program allows you to voluntarily ban yourself from all Delaware casinos for a period of one year, five years, or a lifetime. To enroll, you must complete an application and provide a photograph and a signature. Once enrolled, you will not be allowed to enter any Delaware casino during the exclusion period.

Who regulates gambling in Delaware?

The Delaware State Lottery Office is responsible for regulating all forms of gambling in the state, including casinos, sports betting, and the state lottery. The office oversees the licensing of all gambling establishments and ensures that they comply with state regulations. Additionally, the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement is responsible for investigating and enforcing any violations of state gambling laws.

What is the minimum gambling age in Delaware?

The minimum gambling age in Delaware is 21 for all forms of gambling. This includes casino gaming, sports betting, and the state lottery. Anyone under the age of 21 is not allowed to participate in any form of gambling in the state, and casinos and other gambling establishments are required to verify the age of all patrons.