Delaware Park hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony after completing $10M renovation to casino space

Stanton's Delaware Park Casino & Racing has completed $10 million worth of renovations and upgrades to its casino space. To commemorate the milestone, the casino held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday which included guest speakers, mummer's performances, Vegas-style showgirls, and more. 

Included in the first-floor renovation project are a new midi-baccarat and blackjack pit and more pod-style slot machines. Additionally, guests will be able to enjoy extended hours, and the casino is bringing back its popular breakfast.

There is also a new suite of high-roller games and new food options including slow-cooked brisket cheesesteaks and bowls of Vietnamese pho. The renovation also includes late-night "pan-Asian" food from a new casual spot called Foo Noodle.

The renovation launched at the beginning of 2023, after a change in ownership. The Rickman family, which had controlled the racetrack and casino for almost four decades, sold the facility to a joint venture between Rubico Gaming and a private equity firm called Clairvest Group.

Terry Glebocki, Casino President and General Manager, said the upgrades were required to stay competitive. "It's hard to envision the transformation but it has been remarkable. There are some slot machines here you will find in very few places across the country," she stated

Delaware Park and the state's other two casinos are bringing in big dollars after a few years of struggling back during the national financial crisis. The last year was a good sign for the Delaware Lottery, which includes the Casino revenue. 

"We are back without a doubt," Director at Delaware Lottery Helene Keeley told NBC10. "We transferred $240 million to the general fund, that's after expenses. That's pure profit to the state."

Delaware Park Casino celebrated a momentous occasion -the ribbon cutting ceremony for our new casino renovations. Our team members, some of whom have been with us for over 30 years. The journey has been long, but we couldn't have imagined a better way to mark this milestone !💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/d6dg0UtUmi

— Delaware Park Casino (@delawarepark) January 25, 2024

Over a decade ago, Delaware casinos hit hard times because of competition in surrounding states and paying a very high tax rate. A few years ago, the legislature said that if the casinos keep investing heavily then they will help out on the tax rate.

Keeley also said Delaware casinos investing in themselves remains important due to the proliferation of gaming in nearby and bigger states. "We may be small, but we're mighty," she told WDEL.com. "We may not be Pennsylvania, Maryland, or New Jersey, but we have the heart here."