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A second Delaware casino returns to 24/7 gambling after adding more than 100 employees

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A second Delaware casino returns to 24/7 gambling after adding more than 100 employees

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In another sign that life is finally getting back to normal after the pandemic, a second Delaware casino has announced a return to daily 24-hour gambling.

Bally’s Dover Casino Resort went all-in with 24/7 slots and select table games July 8 following Delaware Park Casino, which restarted round-the-clock gaming in January.

Previous hours at Bally’s Dover included 24-hour operations from Thursday at 8 a.m. through Monday at 4 a.m., and then four hours off each Monday through Thursday morning from 4-8 a.m.

“We are thrilled to bring back the convenience and flexibility with our 24/7 table game operating hours,” said Nicholas Polcino, vice president and general manager of Bally’s Dover. “This change reflects our dedication to enhancing the guest experience and meeting the needs of our diverse and vibrant community.”

Included in the new hours are all slot machines along with a variety of table games such as blackjack, craps and roulette, depending on customer requests.

“All table games are open based on demand,” Polcino said.

More on changes at Delaware Park: $10 million renovation boosts Delaware Park casino. Here’s what’s new.

More than 100 new employees since April

As part of the return to round-the-clock operations, Bally’s Dover has been on a roll adding staff.

“Over the second quarter and early July, we’ve hired 140 team members in various areas to continue to grow our business including the extended hours of operation,” said Polcino.

That brings the total number of staff members to 744 as of July 16.

The casino resort includes a hotel, restaurants like Royal Prime Steakhouse and the Sugar Factory, bars with live music and the Rollins Center which hosts nationally known performers like comedian Mike Epps in August and singer LeAnn Rimes in November.

News about food & drink scene: New Delaware restaurants include Caribbean, upscale barbecue, soul food, ice cream

Pandemic led to years of change at casinos

Before the pandemic, casinos offered 24/7 gaming in Delaware, but COVID restrictions temporarily shut down the gambling businesses in March 2020.

When was the casinos were allowed to reopen about 10 weeks later, capacity was restricted to 30% with no table games, only slots. Slowly, the restrictions eased, but even if the casino management wanted to extend hours, finding employees was difficult.

Looking back on pandemic restrictions: Delaware Park tests casino employees, preparing to reopen Monday

Four years later, Delaware Park and Bally’s Dover have returned to round-the-clock gaming seven days a week, while a third has extended hours two days a week.

Harrington Raceway & Casino operates 24 hours a day Fridays and Saturdays and from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays. Before the pandemic, the casino was open 24/7, said Matt Sparacino, director of public relations.

Reporter Ben Mace covers real estate, development and business news. Reach him at rmace@gannett.com.

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