No Relief in Delaware

Delaware’s Dover Downs (l.) predicted more cost-cutting measures, possibly including layoffs, after state lawmakers adjourned without passing any financial aid measures.

The Delaware General Assembly adjourned for the summer without addressing the growing financial crisis of the state’s three racinos. Lawmakers ignored appeals from the casinos and two reports from a blue-ribbon government panel that recommended lowering the stifling table-game tax, returning the slot revenue tax to pre-2009 levels and eliminating onerous fees.

After a meeting of the Video Lottery Advisory Council, a government/industry panel that has repeatedly recommended the legislative help, Dover Downs CEO Ed Sutor predicted more “adjustment to operations” as a result of the lawmakers’ failure to pass a new aid package. Dover Downs announced in May that the casino will eliminate 24 positions and suspend table game operations during early morning weekday hours after continuing revenue drops.