Best casino in delaware
Discovering Delaware’s Premier Casino Gaming and Entertainment Hub
For a premier gaming experience in the region, Bally's Dover stands out as the immediate recommendation. This establishment offers a sprawling 165,000-square-foot gaming floor, housing over 2,300 slot machines. Beyond slots, players find a dedicated 18-table poker room featuring regular tournaments and promotions like the High Hand Jackpot. Table game enthusiasts have access to more than 40 tables, including classics like Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, and Baccarat.
What sets Bally's Dover apart is its integration of entertainment options directly with the gaming floor. The facility includes the Dover Downs Hotel, offering nearly 500 rooms and suites, providing immediate access for overnight guests. Furthermore, it is directly connected to the Dover International Speedway, creating a unique destination for both gaming and motorsports fans. This combination of extensive gaming options and major entertainment venues makes it a primary choice.
For visitors seeking a different atmosphere, Harrington Raceway & Gaming provides a compelling alternative. It features over 1,800 video lottery machines and a diverse selection of table games. https://wazamba-gr.casino is the live harness racing track, offering simulcast wagering from major tracks across the country. The establishment also hosts regular live music and events at its Bonz Lounge and Murphy's Race/Sportsbook & Grill, creating a lively social environment alongside its gaming offerings.
Finding the Best Casino in Delaware: A Player's Guide
Bally's Dover Downs Hotel & Raceway offers the most extensive selection of slot machines in the state, with over 1,600 video lottery terminals and classic reel games. For table game enthusiasts, Harrington Raceway & Gaming features a dedicated 14-table poker room, operating daily with regular No-Limit Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha tournaments. If your preference is a broader gaming experience, Delaware Park Racetrack & Slots combines live thoroughbred racing from May through October with a gaming floor that includes both electronic games and live tables such as Blackjack, Craps, and Roulette.
When selecting your destination, evaluate the player rewards programs. The Capital Club at Bally's Dover provides tiered benefits that escalate with play, offering complimentary stays, dining credits, and exclusive event invitations. Harrington's Players Club card accumulates points redeemable for free play, food, or merchandise. At Delaware Park, the Player Rewards card is integrated across their racing and gaming operations, allowing points earned on slots to be used for wagering on horse races. Check each establishment's website for current promotional schedules, as these often include point multipliers on specific days or for certain games, significantly accelerating reward accumulation.
For dining and entertainment, your choice depends on your preferences. Bally's Dover presents a wider array of upscale dining options, including Michele's Steakhouse. Harrington focuses on casual eateries like the Onion Kreek Deli, suitable for quick meals between gaming sessions. Delaware Park provides a mix, from the Legends Restaurant with trackside views to quick-service food court options. Each venue also hosts live music and events, so reviewing their entertainment calendars is a practical step in planning your visit.
Comparing Slot Machine Payouts and Variety at Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway
Dover Downs Hotel & Casino offers the highest theoretical return-to-player (RTP) percentages on its slot machines, according to mandated reports from the state Lottery. For players prioritizing payout rates, this establishment provides a statistical advantage, particularly on higher denomination machines.
Payout Percentage Breakdown by Establishment
State regulations require a minimum theoretical payout of 87%. However, competitive pressures push actual figures higher. The following data reflects averages reported over recent fiscal periods:
- Dover Downs Hotel & Casino: Consistently reports the highest aggregate RTP, often averaging between 92.1% and 92.5%. Their $5 and $25 denomination slots show the most favorable returns, sometimes exceeding 94%.
- Harrington Raceway & Casino: Typically follows closely, with aggregate RTPs in the 91.8% to 92.2% range. Penny slots here have payouts comparable to other venues, but mid-range ($1) machines perform competitively.
- Delaware Park Racetrack & Slots: Reports an average RTP slightly lower, generally between 91.5% and 92.0%. While the difference is marginal, it is statistically present across thousands of plays.
Slot Machine Variety and Game Selection
Your choice may depend on the specific type of game you prefer, as each location cultivates a unique gaming floor.
- Delaware Park Racetrack & Slots: Boasts the largest number of machines, exceeding 2,200 units. Its strength lies in sheer volume and a focus on classic reel slots and video poker. Players seeking traditional titles from IGT and WMS will find the widest selection here. The floor is also known for its extensive collection of progressive jackpot machines like Wheel of Fortune.
- Dover Downs Hotel & Casino: With approximately 2,000 machines, this gaming center emphasizes newer, multi-media rich video slots. It frequently introduces the latest titles from manufacturers like Aristocrat (e.g., Dragon Link, Lightning Link) and Konami. This is the prime spot for players who want the most current gaming technology and themed experiences.
- Harrington Raceway & Casino: Houses around 1,400 slot terminals. Harrington creates a niche by offering a balanced mix. It has a dedicated high-limit slot area that is well-regarded. The floor features a solid representation of both modern video slots and classic reel games, making it a good middle-ground option without the larger crowds of the other two properties.
Specific Recommendations
- For highest potential payouts on dollar slots and above: Focus on Dover Downs.
- For the most extensive selection of traditional reel slots and video poker: Go to Delaware Park.
- For the newest video slot titles and branded games: Dover Downs is your destination.
- For a balanced floor with a well-curated high-limit room: Harrington Raceway provides a solid experience.
Evaluating Table Game Options: Minimum Bets, Poker Room Quality, and Available Game Types
For table game enthusiasts, Harrington Raceway & Gaming provides the most accessible entry point with blackjack and craps minimums frequently at $15. Bally's Dover Downs often sets its minimums at $25, particularly during peak hours, catering to a higher-stakes clientele. Delaware Park maintains a middle ground, with $15 to $25 tables being the standard.
Poker players should focus on Delaware Park, which operates the largest and most active poker room in the state. It consistently runs No-Limit Hold'em cash games at $1/$2 and $2/$5 stakes, along with a regular schedule of weekly tournaments. Harrington's poker room is smaller, offering primarily $1/$2 No-Limit Hold'em on weekends. Bally's Dover Downs has a limited poker operation, often seasonal or tied to specific events.
Regarding game variety, all three establishments offer staples like Blackjack, Craps, and Roulette. For more niche options, Delaware Park stands out by providing Pai Gow Poker, Mississippi Stud, and Three Card Poker. Harrington focuses on core offerings but occasionally spreads games like Cajun Stud. Bally's Dover Downs features Baccarat and Spanish 21 more reliably than the other venues.
Analyzing Player Rewards Programs and Amenities: Comps, Dining, and Entertainment Calendars
Dover Downs Hotel & Gaming's Capital Club provides the most direct path to tangible rewards for consistent slot and table game players. Points convert directly to free play, dining credits, or hotel stays. For example, 1,000 points typically equate to $1 in comps, a clear metric for tracking value. Their system tiers–Classic, Gold, Platinum, and Elite–offer escalating benefits. Platinum members, for instance, gain priority access to restaurant reservations at Jerry Longo's Italian restaurant and exclusive invitations to high-limit tournaments. Their entertainment calendar is anchored by the Rollins Center, featuring national touring acts and tribute bands, with schedules published quarterly online for advance planning.
Harrington Raceway & Gaming's Players Club focuses heavily on immediate gratification through free slot play promotions. Members receive monthly mailers with specific offers, such as "$10 in free play for every 100 points earned" on designated days. This structure appeals to visitors who prefer predictable, short-term benefits over accumulating points for larger redemptions. Dining options center on casual eateries like the Clubhouse, where Players Club points can be used for a straightforward discount on the bill. The entertainment schedule here is more localized, featuring regional bands at Bonz Patio & Lounge, with dates posted weekly on their social media channels.
Delaware Park's Player Rewards program integrates horse racing and slot play, a unique feature. Points earned at slot machines can be redeemed for racing programs, pari-mutuel vouchers, or food at the Rooneys' and On A Roll Deli. The redemption rate for dining is competitive, with points often covering the full cost of a meal after moderate play. The venue’s main attraction is live thoroughbred racing from May through October, a built-in entertainment calendar. For non-racing events, the White Clay Creek Country Club hosts seasonal wine dinners and brunch events, requiring separate reservations but often offering discounts to Player Rewards members.