Delaware’s Governor Says to Opposition

Governor Jack Markell replied to the opposition concerning his proposal to allow sports betting in the state of Delaware by saying that even the NFL promotes indirect gambling through television networks by allowing sports commentators to discuss point spreads and offer predictions about game results.

However, strong opposition to Markell’s idea came from the racinos (horse or greyhound race tracks that also allow some casino gambling activities like slots machines and popular table games like poker, blackjack and roulette) who appeared to be concerned about the threats that sports betting will impinge on their business viability. This is because there are also plans afoot to put up three new land-based casinos within the state that are expected to further cut into their commercial earnings.

The racinos signified their antagonism by busing in local residents and letting them demonstrate and speak at a meeting held for that purpose. Most local newspapers carried news stories about discussions regarding the ill effects of the governor’s proposed gambling expansion.

Interestingly, the same news stories noted many of the demonstration signs appeared to be uniform in their appearance and slogans used. One racino, the Harrington Raceway, admitted to buying the signs and giving them to the crowd to be used during the rally.