Delaware, Casinos Bicker Over Revenue Left After NFL Debacle
Just three months ago, gambling in Delaware seemed a panacea for the state, as projected sports betting numbers had both the licensed casinos and state coffers receiving a mountain of new revenue. But, after, a stunning defeat in court to a lawsuit by the NFL and other sports leagues, the remainders aren't enough to satisfy Delaware's government and support the casinos.While casino operators say the parlay gambling left after the loss of single game betting was refused by the court breaks even, but it does not give the lift for which the state had hoped. Meanwhile, table games are taxed at an inordinately high rate which was agreed to when sports betting was expected in full.
The new formula for figuring tax has casinos paying more while taking in less. Dover Downs reported its third quarter profit down 50 percent from the previous year to $2.5 million. But a track representative says the racino paid $3.6 million more to the state this year than the same quarter last year.
Even those who do visit for sports betting are not spending money at the other casino gambling games. Sports gambling was designed as a lure to bring players to fill the more lucrative slot machines, but the crossover hasn't happened.
Casino officials want to renegotiate terms to fit the realistic figures with which they are forced to deal, but Delaware lawmakers aren't keen on the subject.
"As far as I know, we're going to move forward with the stated agreement," said Representative Pete Schwartkopf to Delmarvanow.com. "I think it would be very difficult to amend."
