On 20 January 2009 a report from the Delaware Video Lottery Advisory Council (VLAC) was sent to the state’s Secretary of Finance with the submission that ‘In light of the current unfavorable economic climate and its negative impact on Delaware’s revenue projections, the VLAC believes that the recommendations included in the attached report would be beneficial to the State. Implementation of Lottery controlled sports betting and table games will help to protect video lottery contributions to the General Fund, as well as provide hundreds of much needed jobs for Delaware citizens.’

In November 2008 Maryland voters approved the authorisation of 15,000 slot machines, which was estimated to have a negative annual impact of US$140 million on the Delaware VLT industry. The previous year VLT facilities in West Virginia initiated table games operations, giving them a competitive advantage over Delaware. Ongoing expansion of slots venues in Pennsylvania further impact Delaware’s gambling revenues. Atlantic City casinos also have the advantage of low gaming tax, allowing them to spend more in promotional activities.

The VLAC strongly recommended that in light of the recent expansion of gaming in all neighbouring states, sports betting in Delaware should be immediately considered by the State. Yesterday the House Gaming and Pari-mutuels Committee voted 5-4 to release a bill that would reauthorize sports betting in Delaware. However, the bill also calls for higher gaming taxation and only permits sports betting at three existing slot machine venues, not at up to 16 locations as proposed in former legislation and supported by the gaming industry. (E-04.08.09)

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