In an effort to compete with casino-crazy states like New Jersey and Connecticut, Delaware authorities allowed the Delaware Park Casino in Wilmington to install table games, including poker, blackjack, roulette and craps. The former slots parlor launched their table games on Friday to an enthusiastic audience.

 

The occasion marks the second time a Delaware casino has initiated table-game play for its customers. The first time was three weeks ago at the Harrington Raceway and Casino, a facility that previously housed horse racing and slot machine play. A third facility, Dover Downs, will start their around-the-clock table gaming this Friday.

 

Casino competition in the area is growing at a furious rate. In addition to the established casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and in Connecticut, other states in the region are either instituting or expanding their casino gambling programs.

 

Massachusetts and Rhode Island are both debating new casino laws, and nine Pennsylvania casinos will add table games next month.

 

The table games program is expected to bring in up to US$40 million in additional tax revenue to the state. The idea behind the effort is to keep Delawarean gambling dollars in the state, rather than see them move across state lines to the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City or Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.