written and last updated by
Sam Smith at
15 Oct 2025
Journalist, Editorial Department
The operator of Delaware Park Casino in Wilmington has launched a new outdoor gaming area worth $5 million (approximately ₽393 million). Spanning around 10,000 square feet, the space features over 250 slot machines. A key highlight of this area is that it allows visitors to smoke, in compliance with existing laws.
With this addition, the total number of slot machines at Delaware Park has surpassed 1,900, solidifying its position as the largest casino in the state. The facility is equipped with fans for the summer heat and powerful heaters for winter, enabling year-round operation.
Terry Glebocki, the casino's president and CEO, stated, "This project reflects our commitment to continually updating our entertainment offerings while considering the interests of various customer segments. The outdoor area serves as a compromise between smoking and non-smoking patrons, allowing the former to enjoy gaming while the latter can remain comfortable inside the main hall."
Smoking restrictions in indoor spaces have been in place in Delaware since the early 2000s, including in casinos. The new format allows the gaming establishment to comply with legal requirements while attracting additional clientele.
Originally founded by William DuPont Jr. in 1937 as a racetrack, Delaware Park transitioned into a racino—a combination of casino and horse racing—in the 1990s. Today, it stands as the largest gaming venue in the state, generating approximately $196 million (around ₽15.4 billion) in gross revenue for the 2025 fiscal year.
The creation of the outdoor area is part of a broader renovation initiative that began after the casino was acquired by the Canadian firm Clairvest Equity Partners, led by Thomas Benninger, in 2021. In 2023, the complex underwent a $10 million (approximately ₽786 million) upgrade.
Meanwhile, Bally's Corporation has announced plans to begin construction on a next-generation casino in downtown Las Vegas.
