According to a recent report, Delaware three slots racetracks, such as Harrington Raceway, have experienced a significant increase in revenues, since slot machines were legalized in the 1990’s. Delaware gaming authorities allowed slots operation in order to revive the state's racing industry.
A spokesman for the Harrington track, Matt Sparacino, was reported as saying that before slots were legalized, the track raced for only a few weeks each year and on a much smaller scale than the 15 horses that have run in each racing event in 2005.
Members of Delaware racing industry fear the potential competition from Pennsylvania and Maryland, where slots are expected to be operated in the future. According to expert estimates, slots facilities in Maryland would decrease Delaware’s revenues by $80 to $85 million, and in Pennsylvania, by $30-35 million.
However, there are also opponents to gambling expansion across the state. Gov. Ruth Ann Minner refuses to pass proposals into law, requesting new slots casinos in Wilmington and Georgetown.
