Delaware became the first state Thursday to launch what officials call a full suite of Internet gambling, an effort the governor and casino operators hope will revive revenues from an industry hit hard because of competition from border states. Twenty-five to 75 players who have registered online at sites maintained by Delaware's three racetrack casinos will be permitted to play during a week of testing of the system. By Nov. 8, anybody registered and physically in Delaware will be able to play blackjack, poker, roulette and slots for money, officials said. In recent weeks, people have been allowed to play for fun, with no money exchanged, and can continue doing so.

While government leaders and casino executives don't expect a major financial windfall this fiscal year ¡ª just $5 million ¡ª they do expect online gambling to attract adults ages 28 to 35 who don't normally go to the casinos, where the average gambler is in his or her late 50s.

Any revenues will add to the $176 million the casinos are expected to bring in to the state treasury in the fiscal year that ends June 30. That figure has dropped in recent years from a high of $241 million in 2010.

"This is another chapter in Delaware's history of staying competitive in the gaming industry," said Thomas Cook, Delaware's finance secretary. "It is something that has to grow, but we're in a fiercely competitive environment here. This is just one more opportunity for entertainment."

Cook stressed that the goal is to generate new customers, not to see people who patronize the casinos gamble from their homes.

If that happens, "then we have taken a step back because it's taking away business from the bricks and mortar where people are employed," he said.
 

By: DocMemory
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