Quick Answer

Yes, Bally's Dover Casino Resort (formerly Dover Downs) can hire individuals with conviction records for certain roles, but employment is highly conditional and strictly regulated by Delaware State Gaming Law (29 Del. C. § 4830). Most positions require an Occupational Gaming License from the Delaware Lottery and Division of Gaming Enforcement, creating significant barriers for applicants with felony convictions.

The greatest barriers involve the statutory 10-year mandatory denial period for any felony, gambling offense, or crime of moral turpitude. However, Delaware law provides a rehabilitation pathway: applicants with older felonies (outside the mandatory period) can demonstrate rehabilitation through "clear and convincing evidence." With approximately 700-900 employees across gaming, hotel operations, food and beverage, harness racing, and support functions, Bally's Dover offers diverse opportunities as Delaware's largest hotel-casino. Non-gaming positions in hotel housekeeping, culinary, and maintenance may have lower licensing barriers. Recent hiring of 140 employees in 2024 to support 24/7 operations shows ongoing staffing needs.

Key advantages for second-chance seekers include the property's emphasis on diversity (53% minorities, 50%+ women), regular job fairs, and the company's "You Belong at Bally's" messaging that suggests an inclusive culture for qualified applicants. The most effective strategy is targeting non-gaming hotel and food service positions initially, while building a track record that supports future advancement into gaming roles.

Table of Content

1. Quick Answer

2. Felon-Friendly Scorecard

3. Eligibility Checklist

4. Critical Regulatory Information

5. Company Overview

6. Hiring Policy Analysis

7. Background Check Process

8. Application Strategy

9. Tips for Applicants with Records

10. Benefits Overview

11. Frequently Asked Questions

12. Alternative Second Chance Employers

13. Conclusion

14. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying, honestly assess whether you meet these baseline requirements:

• No Felony Within 10 Years: Delaware law mandates denial of gaming licenses for anyone convicted of any felony within 10 years prior to application. Felonies older than 10 years are subject to discretionary review, not automatic denial.

  
  

• No Gambling/Moral Turpitude Offense Within 10 Years: Gambling offenses and crimes of moral turpitude (fraud, theft, forgery, perjury) within 10 years create an automatic licensing bar.

  
  

• Rehabilitation Evidence Ready: If you have an older felony outside the 10-year mandatory period, you must be prepared to demonstrate rehabilitation by clear and convincing evidence.

  
  

• Fingerprint Submission: Must submit to FBI and Delaware SBI fingerprint-based criminal history checks as required for gaming employee licensing.

  
  

• Complete Honesty: Any deception or omission on the license application is grounds for immediate denial, regardless of the underlying offense.

  
  

• Minimum Age: Must be 21 years old to work in gaming areas. Some hotel, food service, and racing positions may accept applicants 18 and older.

Critical Regulatory Information

Employment at Bally's Dover is legally bound by Delaware Lottery regulations for Video Lottery and Table Games. Understanding these requirements is essential before applying.

Ban-the-Box Laws

Delaware's HB 167 prohibits criminal history inquiry on initial job applications for public employers. While Bally's Dover is a private employer, they generally follow similar practices by delaying criminal history questions until after initial screening. However, the state gaming license application, which occurs before final hiring, requires full criminal history disclosure. The fingerprint-based background check will reveal your complete criminal record regardless of what you disclose voluntarily.

EEOC Guidelines

The EEOC's individualized assessment framework requires employers to consider offense nature, time elapsed, and job relevance before making adverse employment decisions. However, the Delaware Lottery's gaming license standards operate independently with stricter statutory mandates that supersede general EEOC considerations. For offenses outside the mandatory denial categories, the Division of Gaming Enforcement applies an individualized assessment considering rehabilitation factors.

It's important to understand that while federal EEOC guidelines protect against blanket criminal record discrimination, state gaming licensing operates under different legal authority. The Delaware Lottery has specific statutory mandates under 29 Del. C. § 4830 that define mandatory denial grounds. This doesn't mean EEOC principles are irrelevant—they apply to Bally's Dover's initial hiring process for non-gaming positions and inform the rehabilitation assessment for gaming positions.

FCRA Compliance

The Fair Credit Reporting Act governs background check procedures. Applicants receive written disclosure and must provide authorization. If concerning information appears, Bally's Dover must provide pre-adverse action notice including a copy of the report and summary of rights. Applicants have at least five business days to dispute inaccuracies. This is particularly important because fingerprint-based checks access more comprehensive records than standard commercial checks, and errors can occur. Review your report carefully and dispute any inaccuracies through proper channels.

Drug Testing Policy

Bally's Dover conducts pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire. Testing typically uses a 10-panel urine test checking for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, PCP, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, propoxyphene, and quaaludes. Delaware's medical marijuana legalization does not protect employees from employer drug testing policies—casinos maintain strict drug-free workplace policies due to gaming regulations.

Random testing may apply to safety-sensitive positions including security, table games, and any role involving cash handling. Harness racing employees face additional testing requirements under racing commission regulations. If you take prescription medications, be prepared to disclose them with proper documentation from your healthcare provider to avoid false positive issues.

Company Overview

Dover Downs began as a dual-purpose racing facility that opened on November 19, 1969. Governor David P. Buckson, Lt. Governor John W. Rollins, and Melvin L. Joseph developed the facility on the former Thomas Murray farm starting in August 1967. The complex featured a five-eighths mile dirt horse racing track built within the larger one-mile oval of Dover International Speedway. The first NASCAR Grand National Series race was held July 6, 1969, with Richard Petty winning the inaugural Mason-Dixon 300. Thoroughbreds raced from 1969-1974, while harness racing has continued uninterrupted since opening.

The modern casino era began on December 29, 1995, when slots were introduced following the Delaware General Assembly's passage of legislation authorizing slot machines at pari-mutuel facilities in May 1994. In April 2002, Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center opened with 232 rooms, the 18,000 square-foot Rollins Center ballroom (named after Mrs. John Rollins, Sr.), and Michele's gourmet restaurant, transforming the facility into a full-service destination. A major expansion in autumn 2007 added 268 rooms including 52 suites and 11 spa suites for a total of 500 rooms, making it Delaware's largest hotel. Toppers Spa/Salon opened December 29, 2007. Table games were added in 2010 when authorized by the state.

In 2019, Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment completed a reverse merger with Twin River Worldwide Holdings (later Bally's Corporation), a Rhode Island-based company. Dover Downs shareholders received a 7 percent stake in the combined company. In June 2021, Bally's sold the land and buildings to Gaming and Leisure Properties for $144 million in a sale-leaseback arrangement. The property was rebranded as Bally's Dover in 2021. Today, Bally's Dover operates as a AAA Four Diamond property with over 2,200 slot machines, 33+ table games, an 18-table poker room, and full sports betting.

The property features multiple dining venues including Jerry Longo's Meatballs & Martinis, Macau Kitchen, The Royal Prime steakhouse, Sugar Factory, Sweet Perks, and the Best Odds Coffee & Quick Bites cafe. Live harness racing runs November through April with year-round simulcasting. The casino returned to 24/7 operations in 2024 after a COVID-related hiatus, hiring 140 new employees across all departments to support expanded hours. The Race & Sports Book offers betting on harness and thoroughbred racing along with professional and college sports including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and auto racing.

Company Fast Facts

• Founded: November 19, 1969 (harness racing); casino December 1995; hotel April 2002

  
  

• Employees: Approximately 700-900 team members (53% minorities, 50%+ women)

  
  

• Location: 1131 North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901

  
  

• Ownership: Bally's Corporation (NYSE: BALY) - acquired 2019, rebranded 2021

  
  

• Gaming Floor: 2,200+ slots, 33+ table games, 18-table poker room, full sportsbook

  
  

• Industry Position: Delaware's largest hotel (500 rooms); AAA Four Diamond; adjacent to Dover International Speedway (NASCAR)

Hiring Policy Analysis

Official Policy

Bally's Corporation emphasizes diversity and inclusion, with Bally's Dover noting that over 53% of team members are minorities and more than 50% are women. The company's "You Belong at Bally's" messaging suggests an inclusive hiring approach. However, all gaming positions are subject to Delaware state licensing requirements, which create specific barriers for applicants with criminal records. Non-gaming hotel and food service positions may have more flexibility.

Employee reviews indicate high turnover in some departments, which creates ongoing hiring opportunities. The 2024 hiring of 140 employees to support 24/7 operations demonstrates active staffing needs. Bally's Dover regularly holds job fairs and actively recruits for positions in security, table games, food/beverage, finance, cage operations, receiving, and hotel/housekeeping. Anyone 18+ can apply for non-gaming positions, while gaming positions require applicants to be 21+.

Key Regulatory Constraints

• 29 Del. C. § 4830: Delaware statute establishing mandatory licensing standards and grounds for denial

  
  

• 10-Year Mandatory Denial: Director shall deny license for any felony, gambling offense, or crime of moral turpitude within 10 years

  
  

• Clear and Convincing Evidence: Applicants must establish qualifications (good character, honesty, integrity) by this standard

  
  

• Expungement Protection: Pardoned or expunged convictions are not grounds for automatic disqualification but may still be considered

  
  

Factors in Hiring Decisions

For offenses outside the mandatory denial period, the Director considers these rehabilitation factors:

• Time Since Conviction: Whether the conviction occurred more than 5 years from application date

  
  

• Nature and Seriousness: Severity of the offense and circumstances under which it occurred

  
  

• Job Relevance: Nature and duties of the position applied for (distance from cash, gaming)

  
  

• Pattern vs. Isolated: Whether the offense was isolated or part of repeated behavior

  
  

• Evidence of Rehabilitation: Good conduct, successful probation completion, counseling, character references

  
  

Position-Specific Barriers

Available Positions and Pay

Salary data compiled from Glassdoor, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and job postings (December 2025). Actual compensation varies based on experience, shift differentials, and tips.

Career Path Examples

• Culinary Track: Dishwasher → Prep Cook → Line Cook ($17/hr) → Sous Chef ($50K/yr) → Executive Chef ($70K+/yr)

  
  

• Hotel Operations Track: Housekeeper ($14/hr) → EVS Supervisor ($18/hr) → EVS Manager ($45K/yr) → Hotel Operations Manager

  
  

• Table Games Track: Dealer Trainee → Table Games Dealer ($30+/hr) → Dual-Rate Dealer → Pit Boss → Table Games Manager

Background Check Process

What They Check

• Criminal History: FBI fingerprint-based national search, Delaware SBI state records, felonies, misdemeanors, pending charges

  
  

• Financial Background: Credit review for financial instability, gambling addiction indicators, fraud patterns

  
  

• Employment History: Previous employment verification, particularly gaming or cash-handling roles

  
  

• Character Assessment: Division may interview references regarding character, honesty, integrity

  
  

• Drug Screening: 10-panel urine test as condition of employment

  
  

Lookback Period Summary

Timeline

The gaming license process typically takes 4-8 weeks. Initial application and interview takes 1-2 weeks, fingerprinting and FBI/SBI processing requires 2-4 weeks, and Division of Gaming Enforcement review adds 2-4 more weeks. Complex cases requiring rehabilitation review take longer. Employee reviews indicate the hiring process can take 2-3 weeks minimum for straightforward cases.

If your background check reveals concerning information, expect additional time for rehabilitation documentation review. The Division may request supplemental materials and character references. A delay doesn't necessarily indicate denial it often means thorough review of your rehabilitation evidence.

Disqualifying Factors

Automatic Denial (10-Year Bar): Any felony, gambling offense, or crime of moral turpitude within 10 years prior to application. No waiver available during this period.

Absolute Disqualifiers: Dishonesty or omission on license application, regardless of underlying offense. Lack of truthfulness demonstrates lack of integrity.

Discretionary Review (Outside 10 Years): Older felonies, non-mandatory offenses subject to rehabilitation assessment. Clear and convincing evidence required.

Application Strategy

Developing an effective application strategy is crucial for maximizing your chances at Bally's Dover. Follow these steps in order:

1. Know the 10-Year Rule: If your felony is within the last 10 years, you will be denied a gaming license. Focus on non-gaming positions that may not require full licensing, or wait until outside the mandatory period. Calculate the exact date when your conviction will be outside the mandatory denial period.

   
   

2. Check Expungement Eligibility: Under Delaware's Clean Slate Act (effective August 2024), certain convictions qualify for automatic expungement—qualifying misdemeanors after 5 years and certain felonies after 10 years from sentence completion. Expunged records are not grounds for automatic disqualification. Visit cleanslateDE.org for eligibility information and resources.

   
   

3. Target Support Roles: Focus on hotel housekeeping, culinary, maintenance, or other positions not designated as "gaming employee" roles. These may have less stringent licensing requirements and provide an entry point to demonstrate your reliability.

   
   

4. Apply at ballysalc.com/careers: Submit applications for multiple positions that match your skills. Bally's holds regular job fairs at the property and actively recruits for various departments. Apply for both full-time and part-time positions to maximize opportunities.

   
   

5. Be Completely Honest: Do not lie or omit information on your application or during the licensing process. The fingerprint check will reveal your full history, and dishonesty is grounds for immediate denial regardless of the underlying offense. Honesty is viewed more favorably than discovered dishonesty.

   
   

6. Prepare Rehabilitation Documentation: Gather probation completion documents, character references from employers and community leaders, rehabilitation program certificates, evidence of stable employment and housing, and any community service involvement.

   
   

7. Leverage Rehabilitation Opportunity: If outside the 10-year mandatory period, use the Division's review process to present clear and convincing evidence of your rehabilitation. This is your opportunity to tell your story and demonstrate positive change.

Tips for Applicants with Records

These practical tips can significantly improve your chances of success at Bally's Dover:

• Time Your Application Strategically: If your conviction is close to the 10-year mark, consider waiting until it's outside the mandatory denial period. This significantly changes your status from automatic denial to discretionary review with rehabilitation evidence.

  
  

• Attend Job Fairs: Bally's Dover regularly hosts job fairs for security, table games, food/beverage, and hotel positions. These events provide direct access to hiring managers and allow you to make a positive first impression in person.

  
  

• Consider 18+ Positions: Some non-gaming positions (hotel, culinary) accept applicants 18 and older. These typically don't require full gaming employee licensing, which may provide easier entry into the workforce.

  
  

• Build Strong Character References: Strong references from employers, community leaders, religious leaders, and probation officers significantly strengthen rehabilitation cases. Start cultivating these relationships now.

  
  

• Know Your FCRA Rights: Review your background check report for errors. You have at least 5 business days to dispute inaccuracies before adverse action. Fingerprint-based checks can contain errors from similar names or outdated records.

  
  

• Maintain Stable Employment History: Demonstrating stable employment since your conviction shows rehabilitation. Even if jobs were entry-level, consistency and reliability matter to the licensing authority.

  
  

• Be Patient with the Process: The licensing process takes weeks, sometimes longer for complex cases. Delays often indicate thorough review, not denial. Stay in contact with HR and respond promptly to documentation requests. Follow up professionally.

Benefits & Compensation

• Starting Pay: Entry-level positions start at $13-17/hour. Table games dealers earn $17+ base plus tips averaging $30-40/hour total. Security officers earn $15-19/hour.

  
  

• Premium Pay: Night shift and weekend differentials available. Holiday pay provided. Bally's offers "aggressive compensation" per company messaging.

  
  

• Hiring Bonuses: Some positions offer hiring bonuses paid out over months of employment. Check current job postings for specific bonus availability.

  
  

Benefits Package

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance. Employee reviews describe the program as "pretty standard" with reasonable deductibles and co-pays.

  
  

• Retirement: 401(k) retirement plan available. Bally's Corporation provides competitive retirement benefits across properties.

  
  

• Paid Time Off: PTO and vacation time available. Employee feedback varies on PTO policies verify during interview.

  
  

• Additional Benefits: Employee meals/discounts, flexible scheduling, free parking. AAA Four Diamond hotel amenities. Training and development programs.

  
  

Employee Perspectives

• Pros: "Family feel," flexible scheduling, diverse workforce (53% minorities, 50%+ women), new ownership investment, good tips for dealers, "great place to work," employee events with prizes/rewards.

  
  

• Cons: Some management concerns, high turnover in certain departments, required weekend/holiday work, some positions understaffed, compensation may lag nearby competitors like Harrington.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Bally's Dover Casino Resort hire people with felonies?

   Yes, but with significant restrictions. Delaware law requires automatic denial of gaming licenses for any felony within 10 years prior to application. Felonies older than 10 years are subject to discretionary review, and applicants can demonstrate rehabilitation through clear and convincing evidence. Non-gaming hotel and food service positions may have more flexibility, making them better entry points for applicants with older records.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at Bally's Dover?

   The background check is conducted by the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement and includes FBI fingerprint-based national criminal search, Delaware SBI records, financial background review, and employment verification. This is more comprehensive than standard checks. The process takes 4-8 weeks, with complex cases taking longer. All job postings note that applicants must "successfully pass a background check and receive a lottery license from the DE Lottery."

   
   

3. How far back does the background check go—what is the lookback period?

   There is a 10-year mandatory denial period for any felony, gambling offense, or crime of moral turpitude. Felonies older than 10 years are still reviewed but subject to discretionary assessment with rehabilitation evidence. Expunged or pardoned convictions are not grounds for automatic disqualification but underlying conduct may still be considered for character assessment.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at Bally's Dover?

   Any felony within 10 years creates automatic denial for gaming positions. Gambling offenses and crimes of moral turpitude (fraud, theft, forgery, perjury) within 10 years are also automatic bars. Violent felonies and crimes of dishonesty face the highest scrutiny. Most critically, any dishonesty on the application itself results in automatic denial regardless of the underlying offense.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles for applicants with a record?

   Non-gaming positions offer better opportunities: housekeeping ($13-16/hr), line cook ($14-18/hr), dishwasher, EVS, and maintenance. These hotel and culinary roles may not require full gaming employee licensing. Seasonal harness racing positions (November-April) provide additional options. Starting in non-gaming roles can help establish a positive track record with the company.

   
   

6. Does Bally's Dover drug test, and what kind of test?

   Yes, Bally's Dover conducts pre-employment drug screening using a 10-panel urine test. Delaware's medical marijuana legalization does not protect employees from employer testing. Casinos maintain strict drug-free workplace policies. Random testing may apply to certain positions. Disclose prescription medications with proper documentation to avoid issues.

   
   

7. When during hiring will Bally's Dover ask about criminal history?

   The initial application generally delays criminal history inquiry until after preliminary screening. However, the state gaming license application, required before final hiring, demands full criminal history disclosure. The fingerprint-based check will reveal your complete record regardless. Job postings state applicants must pass background check and receive DE Lottery license.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at Bally's Dover with a felony?

   Advancement is possible but requires meeting the same licensing standards, which may include heightened scrutiny for supervisory roles. If you successfully obtain a gaming license demonstrating rehabilitation, there's no formal barrier to advancement. Building a clean track record and demonstrating integrity over time supports promotion opportunities.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take?

   The complete process typically takes 4-8 weeks. Employee reviews indicate 2-3 weeks minimum for straightforward cases. Complex cases requiring rehabilitation review take longer. Initial application and interview scheduling takes 1-2 weeks, fingerprinting and processing requires 2-4 weeks, and Division review adds more time. Delays often indicate thorough review rather than denial.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances?

    If your conviction is within 10 years, target non-gaming positions or wait until outside the mandatory period. Check expungement eligibility under Delaware's Clean Slate Act. Prepare comprehensive rehabilitation documentation. Be completely honest dishonesty is automatic disqualification. Attend Bally's Dover job fairs for direct access to hiring managers. Consider entry-level positions to build a track record.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

If Bally's Dover's gaming license requirements present barriers, consider these alternative employers in Delaware:

Conclusion

Bally's Dover Casino Resort presents significant challenges for job seekers with criminal records due to Delaware's strict gaming license requirements. The 10-year mandatory denial period for felonies is the key barrier to understand. With approximately 700-900 employees, positions ranging from $13/hour entry-level roles to $40+/hour dealer positions, and comprehensive benefits, the employment opportunity is substantial for those who qualify.

Success requires timing and strategy. If your felony is within 10 years, focus on non-gaming hotel and culinary positions that may not require full gaming employee licensing. If outside the mandatory period, prepare comprehensive rehabilitation documentation demonstrating clear and convincing evidence of reform. Complete honesty is essential dishonesty results in automatic denial regardless of the underlying offense. The gaming industry places extraordinary emphasis on integrity.

The most important step is checking expungement eligibility under Delaware's Clean Slate Act, which became effective in August 2024. An expunged record significantly improves your chances by removing it as grounds for automatic disqualification. Bally's Dover's emphasis on diversity (53% minorities, 50%+ women) and "You Belong at Bally's" messaging suggests an inclusive environment for those who clear licensing requirements.

The 2024 hiring of 140 employees to support 24/7 operations demonstrates ongoing staffing needs across all departments. The property's AAA Four Diamond rating creates high hospitality standards that require quality employees. With preparation, patience, and persistence, employment at Delaware's largest hotel-casino is achievable. Remember that many people have successfully navigated this process—thorough preparation and complete honesty are your best assets.

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Information compiled from Bally's Dover career pages, Delaware gaming regulations (29 Del. C. § 4830), Delaware Lottery Office, Glassdoor, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and public sources as of December 2025. Policies and requirements may change. Individual outcomes depend on specific criminal history and rehabilitation evidence. Consult an attorney for legal advice. This guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by Bally's Dover Casino Resort, Bally's Corporation, or the Delaware Lottery.

Apply Now at ballysalc.com/careers/ballys-dover