Press Release
Dec. 15, 2009
Majority of Delawareans oppose idea of adding more casinos to the state’s saturated gaming landscape
DOVER, Del. – Delaware voters and analysts agree: There’s no need to add more casinos to the state of Delaware. A recent statewide poll found that the majority of voters in Delaware oppose expanding the number of gaming locations in the state, while an independent study confirmed that the state’s gaming market is saturated and likely to shrink.
Fifty-nine percent of voters in the state of Delaware oppose expanding the number of gaming locations, while 52% agree that three is the right amount. Only 25% favor adding more casinos.
The Delaware Gaming & Racing Industry, including Delaware Park, Dover Downs, Harrington Raceway & Casino, the Delaware Standardbred Owners Association and the Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, enlisted the services of Deloitte & Touche LLP to analyze the current market in Delaware for gaming and racing. This included assessing the current state of the industry and the potential for future growth. Momentum Analysis also issued a statewide poll and conducted four focus groups concerning the issue.
“There is not sufficient demand within the state of Delaware to support three existing casinos at current levels,” reported Deloitte & Touche. “Additionally, there is not sufficient realizable demand to support the casinos … Adding new casino sites in the state will only further cannibalize a decreasing market and add significant pressure to the financial health of the existing casinos.”
Momentum Analysis’ report mirrored Deloitte & Touche’s. “Voters don’t see more (casino) locations as a way out of the state’s fiscal problems. A majority (54%) find it unlikely that more locations would mean ‘the state budget would be balanced.’”
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