The Casino at Delaware Park is a unique gambling destination with a deep history, a mix of offerings, and a local feel that differs from larger casinos in Atlantic City or Las Vegas. Located in Wilmington, Delaware, this racino (a casino with a racetrack) provides horse racing, table games, slot machines, a poker room, a sportsbook, and even a well-maintained golf course.
For those who are considering visiting, it’s important to know what to expect. Delaware Park isn’t a luxury casino filled with high-rollers and extravagant amenities—it’s a blue-collar, straightforward gaming venue. The experience here is more about honest gambling than glitz and glamour. While there are some great aspects of the casino, there are also some downsides.
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The History of Delaware Park
Delaware Park has been a fixture in the gambling and horse racing world since 1937, making it one of the older racetracks in the country. Originally opened as a horse racing venue, it expanded into a casino following Delaware’s legalization of slot machines and table games.
The casino has changed ownership over the years but remains under independent family ownership rather than being controlled by a major casino corporation. This independence gives Delaware Park a different feel compared to corporate-owned casinos, which often feature high-end branding, luxury hotels, and international dining options.
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Major Races and the Golf Course at the Casino at Delaware Park
One of the biggest draws of the casino at Delaware Park is its horse racing scene. The track hosts several prestigious races throughout the year, attracting serious bettors and racing fans.
- Delaware Handicap (Del ‘Cap) – One of the most historic and prestigious races for fillies and mares in the United States.
- Delaware Oaks – A race that has featured many top-class horses over the years.
- Endurance Series – A set of competitive races that often see large fields and strong betting action.
Outside of the gambling scene, Delaware Park Golf Course is another hidden gem. The course is known for its:
- Scenic fairways with beautiful greenery.
- Well-maintained greens that offer a smooth playing experience.
- Affordable rates compared to other golf courses in the region.
For those looking for a mix of gambling and outdoor recreation, the golf course is a great way to take a break from the casino floor.
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The Casino at Delaware Park Experience: What to Expect
First Impressions and Atmosphere
When walking into Delaware Park, the first thing you’ll notice is the state police presence at the entrance. Unlike many other casinos that create a flashy and inviting atmosphere, Delaware Park takes a more serious, security-first approach.
After getting past security, you’re immediately greeted by slot machines in a relatively dated environment. The carpet and overall décor are somewhat old-fashioned, and the casino lacks the high-energy, party-like atmosphere of places like Atlantic City. However, for those who prefer a quieter, more local-friendly casino, it might be a welcome change.
Table Games In High Limit:
Table games at Delaware Park are mostly found on the first floor, offering a mix of:
- Low-limit games start at just $1 for casual gamblers.
- A small high-limit section with:
- Blackjack ($50 minimums)
- Baccarat ($50 minimums)
- Roulette – ($1-$25 minimums)
One of the most notable aspects of the casino is that its highest-value chips are only $500. For high-rollers, this signals that Delaware Park is not a big-money casino. You won’t find the kind of high-stakes action or VIP treatment that bigger casinos offer. Instead, the focus is on accessible, everyday gambling.
The Poker Room: A Close-Knit Community
The poker room is located on the second floor and was once home to regular tournaments, but those have since been discontinued. Now, the focus is entirely on cash games, with a mix of:
- $1/$2 $1/3 and sometimes $2/$5 No-Limit Hold’em (NLH) – The most common game in the room.
- Occasional $2/$2 and $5/$5 PLO – Higher stakes but not frequently available. Extremely tough game to beat with the caliber of players there.
The poker room is well-run, and the staff and dealers are some of the best in the casino. However, one important thing to note is that most of the players are regulars. This means:
- A tight-knit community where everyone knows each other.
- Newcomers may feel like outsiders at first.
- Serious players who understand the game well.
For experienced poker players, this can be an interesting challenge, but for casual players, the social dynamic can be intimidating.
For those who enjoy sports betting, Delaware Park’s sportsbook offers a functional and straightforward experience. Unlike the massive, high-tech sportsbooks you’d find in Las Vegas or Atlantic City, this one is designed for practicality rather than entertainment.
While it might not have the glitz and glam of larger casino sportsbooks, Delaware Park’s sportsbook caters to serious bettors who prioritize bet placement, odds tracking, and watching games without distractions.
What to Expect at the Delaware Park Sportsbook
Betting Options and Markets
Delaware Park’s sportsbook covers all major sports, giving bettors plenty of options to wager on:
- NFL – A major draw, especially during football season when local fans bet heavily on the Eagles and Ravens.
- NBA – A popular market with spreads, moneylines, and live betting.
- MLB – Full-season betting, in-game wagers, and prop bets.
- NHL – Pre-game and in-play betting for hockey enthusiasts.
- College Sports (NCAA Football & Basketball) – Limited betting on in-state college teams, but all major national games are available.
- Soccer – Coverage of European leagues, MLS, and international tournaments.
- MMA & Boxing – Popular fight nights bring in a decent crowd.
- Tennis & Golf – A smaller portion of bets but still available year-round.
They offer:
- Moneyline, spread, and total bets.
- Live in-game betting with real-time odds adjustments.
- Prop bets, futures, and parlays.
- Same-game parlays for added flexibility.
The odds are powered by Caesars Sportsbook, meaning bettors get competitive lines and reliable pricing, similar to what’s offered at larger sportsbooks.
Seating & Viewing Experience
One of the biggest differences between Delaware Park’s sportsbook and those in larger casinos is the seating and overall atmosphere.
- Limited lounge-style seating. Unlike the luxury sportsbooks in major gambling hubs, there’s no sprawling, high-end seating area with reclining chairs and drink service.
- Several large TVs for viewing. While the screens are decent in size and clarity, they aren’t the massive, wall-to-wall video boards you’ll see in Vegas-style sportsbooks.
- No loud, energetic atmosphere. The sportsbook here is quieter and more reserved, making it better for focused bettors who don’t want excessive noise or distractions.
If you’re looking for a sportsbook that doubles as a sports bar, this isn’t it. Delaware Park’s sportsbook is built for bettors first, not casual fans looking for a party atmosphere.
How Busy Does It Get?
Delaware Park’s sportsbook can see big crowds during peak times, especially:
- NFL Sundays – Football season is when the sportsbook is at its busiest.
- March Madness – College basketball betting brings in a flood of action.
- Major events like the Super Bowl & Kentucky Derby.
On a typical weekday, the sportsbook is quiet, and you won’t have trouble finding a seat. On weekends and major sporting days, however, it fills up fast.
Other Features and Amenities
Parking and Accessibility
One of the biggest positives of Delaware Park is its parking situation:
- Free self-parking for all guests.
- Valet parking available for just $5, which is quick and efficient.
This is a significant advantage over casinos in larger cities, where parking can be costly and inconvenient.
Service and Staff
One of the strongest aspects of Delaware Park is the customer service. The staff, from dealers to floor managers to cocktail waitresses, are friendly, professional, and efficient. The service is genuine, making up for some of the shortcomings in the casino’s overall appeal.
Who is This Casino For?
Delaware Park is not for high-rollers or those looking for a luxury casino experience. Instead, it serves a very specific type of gambler:
- Casual gamblers who enjoy low-limit table games.
- Locals who prefer a laid-back, non-touristy casino.
- Poker players who like a tight-knit, regular-heavy environment.
- Horse racing fans who enjoy live betting.
Pros of Delaware Park Casino:
- Low-limit table games make it accessible for all budgets.
- A well-run poker room with experienced dealers.
- A long-standing horse racing tradition with major annual events.
- A beautiful golf course as an added attraction.
- Friendly and helpful staff.
- Free parking and affordable valet.
Cons of Delaware Park Casino:
- Dated atmosphere with an old-school casino feel.
- A small high-limit section with relatively low betting caps.
- No major luxury amenities like high-end restaurants or entertainment.
- A poker room dominated by regulars, which can be intimidating for new players.
- Limited sports betting experience compared to larger casinos.
For those looking for a simple, no-frills gambling experience, Delaware Park delivers exactly that. If you go in with the right expectations, you’ll find an honest casino that caters to everyday players rather than big spenders.