Strong Start To 2026 For Delaware Casinos But Storm Clouds Loom

At the beginning of 2026, Delaware’s land-based casino sector experienced a modest increase in activity, as the state’s three racetrack casinos generated $33.5m in gaming revenue for January. 

That marks a 1.9% increase compared to the same period last year.

Delaware Lottery figures show that VLTs remain the primary source of revenue for the state’s retail gaming sector. VLT revenue rose 2.5% year over year to $29.7m, while table games revenue fell 3.1% to $3.7m. 

It’s another sign of Delaware’s mature casino market, where VLTs continue to deliver steady returns compared to the monthly volatility of table game revenue.

Harrington Raceway & Casino posted the strongest performance in January, generating $8.3m in revenue, up 8.4% from a year earlier. 

Both major segments recorded gains, with table games revenue rising 8.7% to $724,189 and VLT revenue climbing 8.4% to $7.6m. 

The growth suggests the smallest of the state’s three casinos is benefiting from consistent regional demand and improved gaming volumes early in the year.

Delaware Park led the state in total revenue at $14.3m in January, 1.3% higher than last year. VLT slots once again drove growth, increasing 3.8% to $12.4m. 

However, table games revenue declined 12.9% to $1.9m. 

The divide between the two segments mirrors broader industry trends, as some players increasingly divide their budgets between retail properties and the best online casinos.

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Bally’s Dover was the only property to report an overall decline, with total revenue falling 1.9% to $10.9m. 

Table games revenue increased 10.5% to $1.1m, but VLT revenue dropped 3.1% to $9.8m, pulling overall performance lower for the month.

Delaware’s gaming results were uneven at the end of 2025, with monthly revenue fluctuations across its casinos. 

As a mature retail market, analysts expect future gains to come gradually and in small increments compared to newer jurisdictions, particularly as more players explore the best online slots alongside traditional casino floors.

While land-based casinos posted modest gains in January, Delaware’s broader gaming landscape continues to evolve as digital options expand. 

Retail casinos remain a key part of the state’s regulated gambling framework, benefiting from steady regional traffic and a long-standing lottery-managed system.

Analysts will be watching closely to see whether January’s retail momentum carries further into 2026 or whether shifting consumer behavior continues to reshape the state’s gaming revenue mix. 

For now, the year has begun with steady - if measured - growth for Delaware’s land-based operators.