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Fight it out with the one-armed bandits

Checking out a few casinos that sit a little closer to home

Rob Kalesse

Metromix
October 13, 2008

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For years we always thought that Delaware's "casinos" were nothing more than rooms full of slot machines where the retired masses went to fritter away their pensions. Then we stopped by Dover Downs and Delaware Park this summer and found quite the opposite.

This week we went to check in on the two gaming giants, as well as Harrington Raceway and Harrah's in Chester, to see some of the new virtual games they've got on hand for the gambler in you, and what other attractions might interest the non-gamer.

What we found was a ton of options, from seasonal harness racing and championship golf to a full-on spa and plenty of good eats.

You could say we hit the jackpot.

Dover Downs Hotel & Casino

1131 N. Du Pont Highway - Dover

800-711-5882

With close to 2,700 machines throughout the casino floor, it's easy to get lost in the lights at Dover Downs. One of their more intriguing new games is the roulette wheel game, which is set up exactly like a slot machine, but allows you to bet on particular numbers, red and black. There are 24 virtual table games, all of which are multi-player, with five seats at each, meaning 120 people can be playing blackjack or poker at a time. The dealers are attractive men and women -- one of which is very scantily clad and asks, "Wanna play with me?"

Delaware Park

777 Delaware Park Blvd - Wilmington

800-41-SLOTS

Delaware Park is the largest casino the state has to offer, with over 3,100 slot machines and 24 virtual tables on the premises, many of which allow gamers to play $5 hands, which you sure can't find in Atlantic City anymore. They're also looking at getting regulation size digital roulette tables in sometime this year, which will allow players to even further enjoy that sense of camaraderie and communal gaming you get at New Jersey and Nevada casinos.

Harrington Raceway & Casino

15 West Rider Road - Harrington

302-398-RACE

There are currently over 1,600 gaming machines at Midway Slots, with 12 virtual blackjack and poker tables. However, they're about to complete $40 million in renovations, which will bring the machine total 2,100. Included in the expansion will be a high roller's room, which will include $5 machines and up. There will be a lounge available only to platinum players, with a fireplace, sofas, chairs and a bar.

Harrah's Chester Casino & Racetrack

777 Harrah's Blvd - Chester

800-480-8020

Their 100,000 square feet of gaming space holds over 2,700 machines, ranging in wagers from 1¢ to $100, with games like Wheel of Fortune, Powerball, Monopoly and Mr. Cashman. Located next to Stir, their sleek bar and grill area, are the video poker games, where you can choose the denomination you'd like to bet, as well as the type of poker game you prefer.