Looking For Feedback On Dover Downs Hotel and Casino

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 3:34 am

While I was looking for hotel space for the NFFC this year, I ran across the feud between Delaware and the NFL over sports gambling. Delaware came up with a creative way to offset state deficits and wanted to provide sports betting on NFL games. I believe they were one of four states that could have been grandfathered because it offered parlay bets before a federal law against sports gambling was enacted in the 1970s.

Dover, Delaware was all set to be the East Coast version of Las Vegas until the Federal Court of Appeals blocked their plans in August. Instead, Delaware is allowed to host parlay NFL bets and nothing else.

Still, I've talked to some folks in Delaware and the general manager of the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino said that even with the limited NFL betting Sunday's are a hopping time there. Here's an article to back up that claim:

http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/09/21/for- ... -sure-bet/

Delaware can only take NFL parlay sports bets right now, but the state is taking up its case in December to allow more games of choice, possibly even NCAA basketball games. It was that thought in mind that I inquired about space there for our March 19-20 events and Dover Downs is more than willing to accommodate us.

We are still considering Atlantic City for that first weekend, but I'm interested in hearing if any of our NFBC members have gone to a Delaware casino on Sunday's this football season or what you're hearing and seeing about this topic. And would Dover make for a viable NFBC draft location some day or is that too remote for our first weekend of activities? I'm just inquiring as I juggle final proposals from other hotels.

Thanks for any feedback on this. Interesting times indeed.

By the way, with our federal deficit where it is now, what's wrong with legalizing some games of chance and taxing them??? Oops, I think I opened a can of worms there.

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 4:14 am

Greg, as you attempt to grow out the events (auction championship, ME, Sunday's online live etc) you don't want to lose sight of the fact that nothing compares to the metro area's proximity to a vast population of possible day draft players. Players that will drive in because it's an hour or so away, draft, then go home. The risk you take hosting it in some remote location could hinder the player who just wanted to do the auction, or ME, but don't want to spend 6 hours round trip in the car to do so.

[ October 21, 2009, 10:15 AM: Message edited by: Quahogs ]

Schwartzstops · Post by **Schwartzstops** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 5:56 am

As a New York drafter, Dover would be a problem for me. AC would be a lot better. NYC would be even better still.

751542 · Post by **751542** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 7:47 am

i would love it because its 30 minutes due north...lock it in greg!!! but i am just as happy with ac...except for the ferry ride across the delaware river..a total of about an hour and a half...dover...dover...dover!!!!!

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 9:22 am

Thanks for the feedback. I hear ya on all of this. I'm just doing my homework, that's all. Remember, I'm not an East Coast guy, so I need a GPS from my folks out there.

So is Bally's Atlantic City a better option for March 19-20?

If we found the right Long Island location, would that be ideal? Would that interest folks?? I've called every one of them and they've all turned me down, but you never know. Is that the type of location folks would request for the 20th?

Keep pointing me in the right direction!!

I'm getting closer to a decision.

Bags · Post by **Bags** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 9:30 am

Bally's works! Decent poker room.

Red Sox Nation · Post by **Red Sox Nation** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 10:13 am

Greg is the following weekend East Coast draft going to be in NYC? Thanks

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 10:59 am

Originally posted by Red Sox Nation:

Greg is the following weekend East Coast draft going to be in NYC? Thanks We sure hope so. Closing in on this now.

billywaz · Post by **billywaz** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 12:28 pm

Greg,

While I don't have the experience of many on this thread in baseball, I think anywhere outside of NYC for the FIRST weekend is a wise choice.

If someone is doing BOTH weekends, that would add up to TWO VERY expensive weekends due to the costs in NYC. Having a less expensive, "relaxing" (casinos are relaxing

) option for the first week is a good idea.

I think Dover (never been there, but heard it is nice) OR A.C would be good choices, and I am sure Tom would love to see what the area Hooters has to offer!

Glenneration X · Post by **Glenneration X** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 1:39 pm

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

Thanks for the feedback. I hear ya on all of this. I'm just doing my homework, that's all. Remember, I'm not an East Coast guy, so I need a GPS from my folks out there.

So is Bally's Atlantic City a better option for March 19-20?

If we found the right Long Island location, would that be ideal? Would that interest folks?? I've called every one of them and they've all turned me down, but you never know. Is that the type of location folks would request for the 20th?

Keep pointing me in the right direction!!

I'm getting closer to a decision. AC one weekend, Long Island the next, or visa versa....

I think that would work out great for everybody.....

.

NYC would be a second choice to replace Long Island.

Dover....yuck.

Glenn

Latham · Post by **Latham** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 3:14 pm

I would think AC would be a good option here. The only selling point for Dover would be their limited sports betting (3+ team parlay only). No real close airport to Dover Downs leaving anyone flying to have to rent a car in Philly and drive rest of the way. Anybody looking for sports betting that weekend will go to Vegas anyway. If you want Delaware, how about a restaurant in Lewes??

I would think AC would be a much better option.

mlbbug · Post by **mlbbug** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 6:14 pm

Hi Greg!

I did a little research on transportation to and from Atlantic City for those who don't want to drive.There are several lines of rail service from both Philadelphia(30 st. station) and new York(Penn Station). NJ Transit runs service from Philly to AC for just $8 each way.There is also express service from New York to AC for as little as $29 each way.This service is provided by "ACES"(no gambling pun intended). "ACES" stands for Atlantic City Express Service....they provide service Friday,Saturday and Sunday with 9 round trips total on those days.They also offer first class service upgrades for an extra $20 each way.

This would provide assistance for those traveling from both northern(New England) and southern areas(Baltimore and D.C.) as well as more local areas near Philly and New York.You can get more info on these trains at these sites:

acestrain.com or njtransit.com

Rich McCormick

Astoria,NY

TOXIC ASSETS · Post by **TOXIC ASSETS** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 10:41 pm

Since I'm centrally located between both Delaware and AC, I have to chime in here.

AC would be a much better option. You'll be able to get a lot of NYC folks to drive or take the train from NYC. You mentioned Bally's...they have an excellent poker room and they are near the AC convention center and the train station.

Mlbbug mentioned the train runs from Philly to AC. That is defniitely an option but be warned that they will hammer you for parking in Philly. I take the train to AC also but usually drive into Jersey (Hammonton, a nice area), park the car for free and then take the train in. Call me cheap if you will...LOL

JBLADE · Post by **JBLADE** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 3:00 am

Without a doubt AC is the way to go!!!!! Only 2 hours from Nyc; can even get there by bus or train if unable to drive...I can see a lot of Nyers traveling down to AC, but I can't say that would be the case for Delaware...AC is on the up and up they've built a bunch of new shopping outlets and restaurants which would be walking distance from Bally's...Which is perfect if guys want to turn it into a family trip...Also they have a casino called the Borgata which is as close as you can get to a Vegas casino.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 3:54 am

Originally posted by mlbbug:

Hi Greg!

I did a little research on transportation to and from Atlantic City for those who don't want to drive.There are several lines of rail service from both Philadelphia(30 st. station) and new York(Penn Station). NJ Transit runs service from Philly to AC for just $8 each way.There is also express service from New York to AC for as little as $29 each way.This service is provided by "ACES"(no gambling pun intended). "ACES" stands for Atlantic City Express Service....they provide service Friday,Saturday and Sunday with 9 round trips total on those days.They also offer first class service upgrades for an extra $20 each way.

This would provide assistance for those traveling from both northern(New England) and southern areas(Baltimore and D.C.) as well as more local areas near Philly and New York.You can get more info on these trains at these sites:

acestrain.com or njtransit.com

Rich McCormick

Astoria,NY Rich, this is EXTREMELY helpful. Thanks much.

We do have a nice contract at Bally's that I am seriously considering for the March 19-20 weekend. It would allow us to offer the Double Play Live event, the auction championship and the main event on that Friday and Saturday, giving folks who can't make the March 26-27 weekend or folks who want to also draft this weekend a viable option.

Bally's is the best option we have in Atlantic City as Caesar's is booked for slots tourneys and the other hotels don't offer the space we need. Would Bally's work for East Coast folks? Let me know what you think and we'll plan accordingly. Thanks all.

We can secure space at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago and provide food and beverages for each event there. We are looking elsewhere, but this option is available to us and we can make it work better. So stay tuned and we'll finalize things soon. Thanks all.

Raiders · Post by **Raiders** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 7:34 am

As a New York City resident, I unfortunately won't be able to travel to Atlantic City. Due to personal circumstances, I can't stay overnight and traveling to Atlantic City for the day doesn't work. I would like to participate both weekends but I understand that you have to make the best decision for all involved.

Based on the responses thus far, do you think you will have a good turnout in Atlantic City?

CC's Desperados · Post by **CC's Desperados** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 7:38 am

Originally posted by Raiders:

As a New York City resident, I unfortunately won't be able to travel to Atlantic City. Due to personal circumstances, I can't stay overnight and traveling to Atlantic City for the day doesn't work. I would like to participate both weekends but I understand that you have to make the best decision for all involved.

Based on the responses thus far, do you think you will have a good turnout in Atlantic City? So you are going from no teams to all in?

Raiders · Post by **Raiders** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:19 am

I still will be participating the second week in a number of leagues. I have participated in the NFBC since the beginning.

I would have added a number of leagues the first week but probably won't be able to.

bigdaddyk · Post by **bigdaddyk** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 10:45 am

My friend and i drove directly to AC right after this year's baseball draft so i think Bally's is a great first week venue.As far as March Madness wagering goes do you really believe a player who needs action won't be able to put a bet in even if he isn't in Vegas?

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 11:14 am

Originally posted by bigdaddyk:

My friend and i drove directly to AC right after this year's baseball draft so i think Bally's is a great first week venue.As far as March Madness wagering goes do you really believe a player who needs action won't be able to put a bet in even if he isn't in Vegas?

Glenneration X · Post by **Glenneration X** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 1:08 pm

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

quote:Originally posted by bigdaddyk:

My friend and i drove directly to AC right after this year's baseball draft so i think Bally's is a great first week venue.As far as March Madness wagering goes do you really believe a player who needs action won't be able to put a bet in even if he isn't in Vegas?

[/QUOTE]Caesars would be better, but Bally's would still be great......

What's the game plan for the 2nd weekend?

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 2:39 pm

Originally posted by Glenneration X:

quote:Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

quote:Originally posted by bigdaddyk:

My friend and i drove directly to AC right after this year's baseball draft so i think Bally's is a great first week venue.As far as March Madness wagering goes do you really believe a player who needs action won't be able to put a bet in even if he isn't in Vegas?

[/QUOTE]Caesars would be better, but Bally's would still be great......

What's the game plan for the 2nd weekend? [/QUOTE]We're working on it. I think we have a pleasant surprise coming, a changeup in New York. The situation dictated it, but it could be fun. Same with Chicago. Two good things are happening that could turn out good. Stay tuned.