The annual report from the American Gaming Association shows competition is having an effect on the state’s three “racinos” that combine gaming and horse racing.
Despite the introduction of table games last year, casinos in Maryland and Pennsylvania contributed to a 3.3 percent decline in gaming revenue and a 5.3 percent decrease in gaming taxes compared to 2010 figures, the association reported. The biggest impact on the state might have come from a reported 16 percent drop in employment.
Pennsylvania has been aggressive in building casinos and blunted Delaware’s advantage by offering table games.
Delaware also faces the loss of more Maryland slots players when Maryland Live, one of the nation’s largest slots emporiums opens in that area.
The downturn in gaming has stopped talk of another casino in the Wilmington area and led to calls for the state to lower its tax rate for gaming and make other moves to aid the industry. CLICK HERE FOR FULL GAMING REPORT
