Delaware

Slots, showgirls and baccarat. Delaware Park casino unveils $10 million renovation

Published

2 years ago

January 25, 2024

Slots, showgirls and baccarat. Delaware Park casino unveils million renovation

Were there showgirls? Yes, there were showgirls, glitteringly bedazzled in costumes that were otherwise a blizzard of white, festooned like swans with snowy feathers.

There was confetti. There was a broad ribbon that existed only to be cut. And then there were the Mummers, large men buried beneath unconvincing orange wigs and dressed like Christmas trees or technicolor jesters, with maybe a back-pack made from a stand-up bass.

The assembled press stood gamely by, as did officials from the Delaware Lottery.

And if this all seemed festive for 9 a.m. on a Thursday, maybe there was good reason.

Jan. 25 was grand reopening day for the Delaware Park casino. After a year and $10 million in renovations, a Stanton casino formerly known for its dark carpets, its orange light and long banks of slot machines, had fully leaped into the new millennium with a first-floor renovation inspired by the glamour of modern Sin City.

“We’re bringing Vegas inspiration right here in Delaware,” announced Terry Glebocki, president and general manager of Delaware Park Casino & Racing, which was first founded as a racetrack in 1937.

The recent renovation began at the beginning of 2023, a little over a year after Delaware Park changed ownership. The Rickman family, which had controlled the racetrack and casino for almost four decades, sold the facility to a joint venture between Rubico Gaming and a private equity firm called Clairvest Group.

Last year: $10 million renovation boosts Delaware Park casino. Here’s what’s new.

Now, finally, the renovation is almost complete.

Glebocki, standing in front of a bank of slot machines, said the space where she stood was once an ill-used and mostly vacant room reserved for back-of-house staff.

“We stored some scissor lifts in it,” she said, inspiring laughter. Now, she said, the slot machines they’ve added here are premium machines that would be the envy of other casinos.

“On social media they’d say ‘If you know, you know,’” she said. “People love these machines. Nobody can compete with the amount of premium slot product we have right here on our floor.”

New Delaware Park Casino has bright lights, baccarat, pan-Asian food and hundreds of premium slots

What does a Vegas-inspired renovation in Delaware mean?

In part, it means glitzy carpets busy enough to stress out a bee. It means brighter lights, and bright bar surfaces with slot machines embedded inside. It means brighter everything. There’s a glass menagerie of chandeliers, and about 1,500 new gaming machines spread out across an expanded and opened-out floor space

There’s a new suite of high-roller games and a mess of new food that includes slow-cooked brisket cheesesteaks and bowls of Vietnamese pho.

There’s a bank of baccarat tables — a game wildly popular in China and across Southeast Asia, especially in gambling-fueled Macau. There’s late night “pan-Asian” food from a new late-night fast-casual spot called Foo Noodle.

Delaware Park is also newly open on Christmas, a popular day for Asian Americans to drop everything and hit the slots.

The casino offers blackjack tables, of course: the kind where you touch the cards and turn them over. But there are also video blackjack tables with a televised female robo-host who offers a reasonable facsimile of looking bored when no players are present. She looks nervously from side to side before smiling and asking, perhaps too suggestively, “Don’t you want to play with me?”

And there are bank after bank of what slots manager Andrew Gomeringer assures us are the most in-demand slot machines in the country. Lightning Buffalo Link slots. NFL slots. Dragon Link and Monopoly slots. If you know, you know.

These are slots you won’t find as easily in neighboring New Jersey or Maryland or pretty much anywhere in the country, said Gomeringer — the result of a privilege, or quirk, of Delaware. In Delaware, casinos pay much more in taxes to the state than in neighboring states like New Jersey. But they don’t pay direct fees on premium slots.

In other states, casinos might pay slot machine vendors a daily usage fee or a percentage of revenue for each machine. This means premium slots cost a lot more, and casino operators have an incentive to bring in fewer of them. But in Delaware, vendors get their cut through agreements with the Delaware Lottery, not with an individual casino.

And so Delaware Park has every reason to get the best slots, the most premium slots.

An entire lounge is devoted only to the games of premium slot maker Aristocrat, filled with human-high slots themed for dragons or adorned with drawings of broad-chested men. There are slots themed for bygone days of China, and slots that look like a computerized rainbow is exploding.

Gosh, it’s loud: This is what winning sounds like in 2024. It’s what losing sounds like, too.

The new, spacious layout at Delaware Park incorporates the lessons of the pandemic

But though the casino has added more than 200 “premium” slots on its first floor, the casino is more spacious than it was previously, said slots manager Gomeringer.

During the pandemic, casino staff noticed that customers enjoyed having more room and more privacy, Gomeringer said.

The old-school casino wisdom, he said, is to cram as many slot machines as you can together in a line — thus maximizing earnings potential. But customers don’t like feeling cramped, he said. One previous room, which consisted of two tight banks of machines jammed closely together in an X, was barely used.

Now, the same space has slot machines spaced out in shorter rows, or arranged in a circular “carousel.”

This does mean fewer slots per square feet, Gomeringer said. But to make up for this, the casino opened out more floor space by removing a boutique store and a cafe that weren’t needed. Delaware Park also opened out a lot of space that was formerly used by back-of house staff, and opened these out to slots as well.

The result is an airier space, but still enough slots that seats are rarely more than 75% occupied — a happy ratio that means customers won’t have to fight to find a slot machine.

The in-house brewery, 1937, has expanded its options. So has the deli, called Rooney’s, which now offers a brisket cheesesteak whose meat is roasted slow-and-low overnight in an electric oven. Head chef Steve Demilio says the steak has already ballooned into the most popular food item in the entire casino. A thousand brisket cheesesteaks went out the door in the first month alone, he said.

We did order one of those cheesesteaks on our way out. And we’ll admit: We thought its slow-cooked meat resembled pot roast more than steak.

But that cheesesteak, like much at Delaware Park Casino, is new. The chandeliers, once treasured antiques, are now new. The premium slots, the high-stakes tables, the baccarat, the noodles — all are new.

“The antiques are gone,” said Globecki, “It’s glitz and glamour now.”

Matthew Korfhage is business and development reporter in the Delaware region covering all the things that touch land and money, and the many corporations that call the First State home. A longtime food writer, he also tends to turn up with stories about tacos, oysters and beer. Send tips and insults to mkorfhage@gannett.com.

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Delaware

Want to make Delaware schools better? Do it yourself – with First State Educate’s help

Published

14 hours ago

October 22, 2025

Press Room

Want to make Delaware schools better? Do it yourself – with First State Educate’s help

The more Patty Maull thought about running for a seat on her school board, the more she realized it was the right thing to do. It was her chance to stand up and lead the push for better Cape Henlopen schools, much as she’d always advocated for her daughters’ education.

She sensed she could win, but in those early days she wondered: How does a hair stylist from Rehoboth learn what it takes to be a school board member? Where can a passionate parent go for a crash course in endlessly complex school systems?

“There were so many times I was like, ‘Oh, what am I doing?’” Maull said. “I felt like it was crazy to run.”

FOR MORE INFO

Thinking about running for school board? If you’re ready to step up, First State Educate will provide the tools, training, and support needed to run and to serve with confidence from day one.

She found answers to those initial questions she had – and new ones that she didn’t even know she had – with First State Educate, which has been supporting aspiring school board candidates through the process since 2020.

“They were always available to answer my questions, which was such a huge help,” said Maull, who would go on to beat out two rivals in her race for the Cape Henlopen board in May 2025.

First State Educate’s strong conviction underlies their mission: That Delaware’s students deserve the best leaders, and that those leaders achieve the best outcomes when they are prepared, confident and committed.

“We’re empowering the community and building systems and processes where they can stand up and be part of the movement to make Delaware public schools some of the best in the nation,” said Julia Keleher, executive director of First State Educate. “We’re just facilitating success.”

From 2023 to 2025, First State Educate trained or supported nearly a third of Delaware’s school board members, in 16 of the state’s 19 districts.

Children motivated Patty Maull to run for the school board, and First State Educate made sure she arrived prepared.

“In a way, we’re working to bring the public back into public education,” added Yvonne Johnson, a school board consultant for First State Educate.

And the public has a standing invitation to share in First State Educate’s resources, whether they’re running for a seat or not. Online discussion groups that are part of First State Educate’s “Knowledge Hub” let parents and community members stay abreast of such hot button issues as school taxes and safety.

It’s designed to keep Delawareans informed about their schools – but also to inspire deeper engagement and action.

“We encourage anyone who is considering running for their school board to take that chance,” Keleher said. “Just raise your hand, and we will be there to support you.”

Inside the Knowledge Hub, aspiring candidates can take online courses that give them a solid grounding in the complex world of school budgets to financial audits. There’s an entire section devoted to “onboarding” newly elected board members, smoothing their post-election transition, and giving them a boost of confidence and some critical knowledge.

“Working with First State Educate has allowed me to cut the learning curve substantially,” said Brandywine school board member Brian Jordan.

“Working with First State Educate has allowed me to cut the learning curve substantially,” said recently elected Brandywine school board member Brian Jordan. “That’s important, because the community has invested its trust and tax dollars to our care.”

The learning doesn’t stop once election results are in. The Knowledge Hub is open to everyone invested in Delaware’s schools — parents, educators, community advocates, and board candidates alike. Each digital badge or micro-credential recognizes real learning and leadership growth, offering flexible ways to showcase expertise and readiness to make an impact.

Each month, “Board Matters” sessions dive deep into the school system’s inner workings. And every Thursday morning, experts examine topics in depth on the “Leading Together” podcast.

With help from First State Educate, Susan Sander won a seat on the Red Clay Consolidated board, and is now vice president.

“The Knowledge Hub is a great place for learning through fellowship, and sharing new ideas,” said Susan Sander, who earned a seat on the Red Clay Consolidated board in May, and is already its vice president. “There is just so much to learn about the workings of a district, and the roles of a board member.”

Maull can second that notion – and vouch for First State Educate’s reliable support system. “Being able to pick their brains was great,” she said. “‘And it’s nice to have so much available through the Knowledge Hub, so I can go back if I’m confused about something, and find a course that helps.”

Even entire school boards are benefitting from First State Educate’s expertise and commitment. Mini-grants awarded by the organization are focused on giving boards the resources to strengthen governance, test new ideas, and model effective practices. FSE scholarships open the door for board members to get advanced training, and explore opportunities to mentor others.

“It’s all done to ensure that Delaware benefits from strong, informed, and representative leadership,” Keleher said. “When boards govern well, districts perform better. Better district performance leads to higher student achievement. And that’s what it’s all really about, our children and their futures.”

Delaware

Delaware Lottery Mega Millions, Play 3 Day winning numbers for Oct. 21, 2025

Published

1 day ago

October 22, 2025

Press Room

Delaware Lottery Mega Millions, Play 3 Day winning numbers for Oct. 21, 2025

The Delaware Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025 results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from Oct. 21 drawing

02-18-27-34-59, Mega Ball: 18

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 3 numbers from Oct. 21 drawing

Day: 1-4-4

Night: 7-2-1

Check Play 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 4 numbers from Oct. 21 drawing

Day: 0-4-8-7

Night: 0-1-1-4

Check Play 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Multi-Win Lotto numbers from Oct. 21 drawing

02-04-07-24-25-33

Check Multi-Win Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Oct. 21 drawing

08-09-15-31-32, Lucky Ball: 12

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 5 numbers from Oct. 21 drawing

Day: 5-2-8-2-5

Night: 9-2-8-4-7

Check Play 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Sign the Ticket: Establish legal ownership by signing the back of your ticket with an ink pen.
Prizes up to $599: Claim at any Delaware Lottery Retailer, in person at the Delaware Lottery Office, or mail your signed ticket and claim form; print your name/address on the ticket’s back and keep a copy/photo for records. By mail, send original tickets and documentation to: Delaware Lottery, 1575 McKee Road, Suite 102, Dover, DE 19904.
Prizes up to $2,500: Claim in person at Delaware Lottery Retailer Claim Centers throughout Kent, Sussex and New Castle Counties.
Prizes of $5,001 or more: Claim in person at the Delaware Lottery Office (business days 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with a photo ID and Social Security card.
For all prize claims, directions to the Delaware Lottery Office are available online or via mapquest.com for a map.

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Delaware Lottery.

Can I claim a jackpot prize anonymously in Delaware?

Fortunately for First State residents, the Delaware Lottery allows winners remain anonymous. Unlike many other states that require a prize be over a certain jackpot, Delawareans can remain anonymous no matter how much, or how little, they win.

How long do I have to claim my prize in Delaware?

Tickets are valid for up to one year past the drawing date for drawing game prizes or within one year of the announced end of sales for Instant Games, according to delottery.com.

When are the Delaware Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
Play 3, 4: Daily at 1:58 p.m. and 7:57 p.m., except Sunday afternoon.
Multi-Win Lotto: 7:57 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Lucky for Life: Daily at 10:38 p.m.
Lotto America: 11:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Delaware Online digital operations manager. You can send feedback using this form.

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Delaware

DeSean Jackson, Hornets relish chance to be better as MEAC football begins

Published

2 days ago

October 21, 2025

Press Room

DeSean Jackson, Hornets relish chance to be better as MEAC football begins

Delaware State has already shown considerable improvement on the football field under new coach DeSean Jackson, the former NFL standout.

Starting this week, the true measure of the Hornets’ progress can be charted.

DSU (4-3) plays the first of its five Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference games that will close the season.

And it’s a tough one, as Oct. 25 foe North Carolina Central won 27 games the last three years. The Eagles are 4-2 this season and have won five straight over DSU, including 52-10 last year.

But this is not the same DSU team, as Jackson’s hiring and his hustle have allowed the Hornets to build a deeper, better roster of players who’ve benefitted from the coaching staff’s direction.

“When we do things good, we gotta do them better,” Jackson said. “When we do things great, we gotta do them greater.”

Kickoff is at 1 p.m. at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium in Durham, North Carolina, where the Eagles will be celebrating homecoming.

“Delaware State has improved,” said NCCU coach Trey Oliver. “That makes the whole conference better . . . And I think that they’re a very well-coached football team. He’s done a great job putting a staff together and I’ve been impressed with them.”

These are six ways the Hornets can compete for their first MEAC title since 2007 when they begin league play.

Keep pounding the football

Delaware State is by far the leading rushing team nationally in FCS, averaging 327 yards per game, more than 60 yards ahead of anyone.

Two of the Hornets’ four wins have come against Division II schools, including the record-smashing romp over Southern Connecticut State Oct. 11. But they’ve run the football well against everybody, including getting 200 yards against FBS Delaware, which has only allowed more than that once in six games.

“This is probably the most efficient running team I’ve seen in my coaching career,” Oliver said. “They’re averaging over seven yards a carry. That’s almost a first down every time they run the ball.”

Milford High grad Marquis Gillis is 11^th nationally with 105.9 yards per game and James Jones is 18^th with 91.3. Jayden Jenkins (8.4 yards per carry) and Kobe Boykin (9.1) give the Hornets other potential breakaway threats, and Kaiden Bennett is the leading rusher among MEAC quarterbacks.

This is a hard offense to stop, and has benefitted from stellar play up front that should actually improve as players return from injuries.

But Jackson feels the run game can be better.

“We feel like we’re leaving stuff on the table,” said Jackson, adding that missed reads are among areas where DSU could improve.

Improve the passing game

DSU has the fewest pass completions in the league and just a 56.5 completion percentage.

Certainly, the run game’s effectiveness means less need for the passing game.

But because opposing defenses have to bear down so much to thwart that vaunted running attack, it should create opportunities that the Hornets and proven quarterback Bennett need to take better advantage of.

Defend the pass better

DSU has allowed a MEAC high 277.6 passing yards per game. While the Hornets also have by far the most passes against, the 66.3 completion percentage of opposing quarterbacks is way too high.

That’s not just a back-end issue. The Hornets have just 12 sacks on the year, so better pressure on the quarterback would translate to better coverage deep.

MEAC STANDINGS: Conference play set to start

Keep doing this

DSU has been better defensively in the red zone than any MEAC team, limiting foes to 16 touchdowns and three field goals on 28 trips inside the 20. That has included the Hornets getting four takeaways.

Playing that well all over the field would be beneficial.

Cut down on penalties

Jackson recognized and mentioned early that his team sometimes lacks discipline and it carries over onto the field.

Sure enough, DelState has committed more penalties (72) than any FCS school except Merrimack but its 678 yards penalized are the most nationally.

“We’ve stressed that all year,” he said. “I think in the beginning of the year we dealt with it a little more. We’ve cleaned it up a lot.”

Embrace the opportunity

Delaware State has never played in the Celebration Bowl, which has matched the champions of the MEAC and SWAC – the two Division I leagues made up of Historically Black Colleges and Universities – since 2015.

The game has become a cultural phenomenon and cherished competitive target, with crowds of roughly 40,000 packing Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The Hornets have been greatly motivated by the lack of preseason appreciation they received, though being picked last in the MEAC wasn’t a surprise after back-to-back winless league seasons.

DSU is better than it’s been and the league appears potentially balanced enough for the Hornets to dream big.

Contact Kevin Tresolini at ktresolini@delawareonline.com and follow on Twitter @kevintresolini. Support local journalism by subscribing to delawareonline.com and our DE Game Day newsletter.

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