Bally’s Dover Casino Resort is the second casino in Delaware to reopen 24/7 gaming

In another sign that life is finally returning to normal after the pandemic, a second Delaware casino has announced it will reopen for 24-hour gambling.

Bally’s Dover Casino Resort went all out with 24/7 slot machines and some table games starting July 8, after Delaware Park Casino resumed 24-hour gaming in January.

Previous working hours at Bally’s Dover included 24-hour work from 8am Thursday to 4am Monday, then four hours off Monday through Thursday morning from 4am to 8am.

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

The new opening hours include all slot machines and a variety of table games, such as blackjack, craps and roulette, depending on customer requirements.

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

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More than 100 new employees since April

As part of its return to a 24-hour restaurant, Bally’s Dover has made significant staff hires.

“In the second quarter and early July, we hired 140 team members across multiple departments to continue growing our business, including expanded hours,” Polcino said.

This brought the total number of employees to 744 on July 16.

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

News from the food and drink scene: Restaurants in New Delaware offer Caribbean cuisine, upscale barbecue, soul food, and ice cream.

Pandemic led to years of change in casinos

Before the pandemic, Delaware casinos offered 24/7 gambling, but COVID-19 restrictions temporarily closed gambling businesses in March 2020.

When casinos were allowed to reopen about 10 weeks later, capacity was limited to 30%, with no table games, only slots. Slowly, restrictions were eased, but even when casino management wanted to extend hours, it was hard to find employees.

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Four years later, Delaware Park and Bally’s Dover have resumed 24/7 gaming, while a third club has extended hours two days a week.

Harrington Raceway & Casino is open 24 hours a day on 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. You can reach him at [email protected].