GEORGETOWN, Del.- Developers have placed their bets on Sussex County as Delaware lawmakers consider adding two additional casinos to the First State.
On Monday, Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, introduced the draft of a bill that would allow for one new casino in both Sussex and New Castle counties.
Developers have proposed either a casino
The bill would set up a 5-member panel to decide which location wins the bid in each county. The director of the Delaware Economic Development Office and Secretary of Finance would sit on the panel along with a judicial officer, retired banker and retired law enforcement officer - all chosen by the governor.
In deciding the winning bid, the panel would take into account factors like the financial viability of each proposal, how quickly the developer could build, the impact on the state's existing gaming operations and the impact on the surrounding community, according to the draft bill.
Designers of the Del Pointe Resort & Racino project in Millsboro say their facility would provide 4,000 permanent jobs and millions of dollars in revenue for the town, according to their web site.
"I think it would benefit the community," said Terry Henderson of Oak Orchard. "A lot of stores are closing down because they can't afford the rent."
Delaware's three existing casinos have opposed any additional venues. They argue "three is enough" and further gambling could jeopardize existing gaming jobs.
Some are opposed to gambling in general.
"A lot of people are going and spending their money to live off of at the casinos hoping to win big," said Sebrena Taylor of Millsboro.
A study paid for by the state released last year recommended a new casino in the northern and southern parts of Delaware, Schwartzkopf said. The majority leader said the extra revenue would also help the state's bottom line.
Meanwhile, Sussex County's moratorium on new casino applications has lapsed, Public Information Chief Chip Guy said. The county council will consider a new, 6-month moratorium in late March.
It's unclear when state lawmakers in Dover will vote on the casino bill.
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