Delaware Park Debuts $10M Casino Floor Featuring New Slot Machines in the Link Lounge

Delaware Park Casino, located about five miles southwest of Wilmington, has recently completed a stunning $10 million renovation, revealing a modernized gaming floor that places a premium on excitement. The centerpiece of this upgrade is a massive, revitalized selection of slot machines, offering players a cutting-edge variety of fresh features and high-energy gameplay.

The casino celebrated the unveiling of its revamped gaming area with a colourful opening ceremony featuring showgirls and VIP guests, aiming to inject a slice of Las Vegas and Atlantic City into the gaming scene of northern Delaware. This renovation involved a complete overhaul, transforming the once drab atmosphere into a vibrant and inviting space with new layouts replacing the previous long rows of slot machines.

What’s New?

• The new Delaware Park boasts 1,500 sophisticated slot machines, alongside around 400 older, classic games that continue to attract a loyal following.
• A special “Link Lounge” area has been introduced, showcasing 49 popular titles from Aristocrat Gaming, such as Buffalo Link, Dragon Link, and Lightning Dollar Link.
• A high-limit slot room is also available for those after bigger thrills.
• Table games have expanded from 28 to 34, introducing a high-limit table pit featuring midi baccarat, EZ baccarat, and blackjack options.
• Modern three-pod slot bases are designed for maximum player comfort, enhancing the gaming experience.

At the heart of the casino’s renovation lies a new rewards club, where loyalty members can easily check offers and engage with various programmes.

Casino Modernization Strategy

Owned by the Canadian private equity group Clairvest and Rubico Gaming, Delaware Park underwent this major investment following its acquisition for $90 million in late 2021. The initiative has been a transformative effort over the year, aiming to elevate the casino into a premier gaming destination.

“We’re bringing a bit of Las Vegas to right here in Delaware,” said Terry Glebocki, the casino’s president and general manager. “The antiques are gone. It’s glitz and glamour now.”

Delaware Park is one of three casinos in the state, alongside Bally’s Dover and Harrington Raceway & Casino. Notably, the gaming machines here are considered video lottery terminals (VLTs) operated on behalf of the Delaware Lottery.

Financial Insights

The financial model of racinos like Delaware Park is quite interesting:

• Approximately 43% of each VLT machine’s gross revenue is retained by the racinos.
• The lottery receives around 38% of the gross revenue.
• 11% is dedicated to horse racing purses, and 8% goes towards vendor fees.
• In the recent fiscal year (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023), the three casinos collectively won around $414.3 million on slots and $53.7 million on table games.
• Delaware Park emerged as the highest earner, with $163.2 million from slots and $24.5 million from table games.

Enhanced Dining Options

The renovation has also brought delightful dining options:

• Foo Noodle: A pan-Asian noodle bar offering quick service for those on the go.
• R Bar: Offers an upscale setting for hand-crafted cocktails and bar-top slots.
• Rooney’s: An upgraded dining experience, now featuring a highly popular brisket cheesesteak that has already surpassed 1,000 orders within its first month.

Delaware Park is set to become a leading gaming venue in the region, offering an exciting blend of modern gaming experiences paired with exquisite dining. The renovation signifies a commitment to enhancing customer satisfaction and attracting a broader audience.

Summary

The $10 million renovation of Delaware Park Casino has transformed it into a magical playground for gamers. With its modern amenities, a multitude of gaming options, and fantastic dining experiences, the casino is poised to be a favourite destination for both locals and tourists alike, mirroring the vibrant casino scenes of Las Vegas and Atlantic City.