Quick Answer

Yes, Delaware Park Casino & Racing can hire individuals with criminal records, but employment is highly conditional and strictly regulated by Delaware State Gaming Law (29 Del. C. § 4830). Nearly all positions require an Occupational Gaming License from the Delaware Lottery and Division of Gaming Enforcement, creating significant barriers for applicants with conviction histories.

The greatest barrier is the statutory requirement that the Director of the Lottery shall deny a license to any applicant convicted of any felony, or a crime of moral turpitude or gambling offense within 10 years. However, Delaware law provides a pathway: applicants can overcome denial by demonstrating rehabilitation through "clear and convincing evidence." With approximately 500-700 employees, success requires understanding the regulatory framework and presenting a compelling rehabilitation case.

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 Mandatory Bar Offenses: You must NOT have been convicted of a gambling offense or crime of moral turpitude within 10 years of the application date. These create an automatic bar under Delaware law.

  
  

• Felony Disclosure Readiness: Any felony conviction, regardless of age, is grounds for license denial but can be overcome with proof of rehabilitation. Be prepared to document your rehabilitation journey.

  
  

• Fingerprint Submission: You must be willing to submit to fingerprinting for mandatory FBI and Delaware State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) criminal history record checks.

  
  

• Financial Background: The Division of Gaming Enforcement reviews financial history for signs of gambling addiction, fraud, or financial instability that could indicate risk.

  
  

• Delaware Ban-the-Box Awareness: The initial job application will not ask about your criminal record (HB 167), but you must be fully truthful on the state gaming license application.

  
  

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

Critical Regulatory Information

The casino industry is one of the most heavily regulated sectors for employment. Understanding these requirements is essential before applying to Delaware Park Casino & Racing.

Ban-the-Box Laws

Delaware's HB 167 (effective 2014) prohibits public employers and their contractors from inquiring about criminal history on initial job applications. While Delaware Park is a private employer, they follow similar practices by delaying criminal history inquiry until after initial screening. However, this protection is limited in gaming because the state licensing process, which occurs before final hiring, requires full criminal history disclosure. The timing protection helps applicants get through initial interviews before records are reviewed, but ultimately all convictions will be discovered during the mandatory fingerprint-based background check.

EEOC Guidelines

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's individualized assessment framework applies to Delaware Park's internal hiring decisions, requiring consideration of offense nature, time elapsed, and job relevance. However, the Delaware Lottery's gaming license standards operate independently with stricter statutory mandates. While EEOC principles may influence internal evaluations, the ultimate licensing decision rests with the Division of Gaming Enforcement under Delaware Code.

FCRA Compliance

The Fair Credit Reporting Act governs how Delaware Park obtains and uses background check information. Applicants must receive written disclosure and provide authorization before checks are conducted. If the background check reveals concerning information, Delaware Park must provide pre-adverse action notice including a copy of the report and a summary of rights. Applicants then have at least five business days to dispute inaccuracies before final adverse action. This is especially important in gaming because fingerprint-based checks access more comprehensive records than standard commercial background checks, and errors can occur. Always review your report carefully and dispute any inaccuracies through proper channels.

Drug Testing Policy

Delaware Park Casino & Racing conducts pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire. Testing typically uses a 10-panel urine test that screens for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, PCP, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, propoxyphene, and quaaludes. Delaware law permits employers to test for marijuana despite medical marijuana legalization, and casinos particularly enforce strict drug-free workplace policies. Random testing may occur for safety-sensitive positions. Racing division employees handling horses may face additional testing requirements. Prescription medications should be disclosed with documentation to avoid positive results being misinterpreted.

Company Overview

Delaware Park Casino & Racing opened on June 26, 1937, as the first pari-mutuel racetrack in Delaware history. Founded by William duPont Jr., a prominent member of the Delaware du Pont family who designed 23 race courses across the Mid-Atlantic region, the facility was built on a large tract of land in Stanton near Wilmington. The original Delaware Park featured a 7,500-seat grandstand, a tiered clubhouse and turf club, a one-mile dirt oval track, and stables for over 1,200 horses. The facility was briefly closed during World War II but reopened in 1944 and became profitable with over $23 million in handle from nearly 300,000 customers that season.

After decades of fluctuating success and increased competition from other regional racetracks, Delaware Park closed in September 1982. William Rickman Sr., a Rockville, Maryland real estate developer, purchased the facility in late 1983 and reopened it in spring 1984. The Rickman family sought to revitalize the property through diversification, and their efforts culminated with the passage of the Horse Racing Redevelopment Act in June 1994, which legalized slot machines at Delaware racetracks. The slot facility opened December 29, 1995, transforming Delaware Park into a "racino." Table games were added in 2010, followed by sports betting in 2009, making it a full-service gaming destination.

In November 2021, the Rickman family sold Delaware Park to Clairvest Group Inc., a Canadian-based private equity firm, and Rubico Gaming LLC for $90 million. Under new leadership with President and General Manager Terry Glebocki, the property has undergone a $10 million renovation and opened a $5 million outdoor smoking slots patio in October 2025. Today, Delaware Park features over 1,900 slot machines, more than 40 table games, a 25-table poker room, sports betting, 10 food and beverage venues including 1937 Brewing Company, seasonal thoroughbred racing, and the White Clay Creek Country Club golf course.

Company Fast Facts

• Founded: June 26, 1937 in Stanton, Delaware

• Employees: Approximately 500-700 associates

• Location: 777 Delaware Park Blvd, Wilmington, DE 19804

• Ownership: Clairvest Group Inc. and Rubico Gaming LLC (acquired November 2021 for $90 million)

• Gaming Floor: 100,000+ sq ft with 1,900+ slots and 40+ table games

• Industry Position: Delaware's largest gaming facility; only thoroughbred racetrack in the state; FY2025 GGR of $169.6 million from slots

Hiring Policy Analysis

Official Policy

Delaware Park Casino & Racing does not have a formal "second chance" or "fair chance" hiring program. The company's employment decisions for gaming positions are heavily constrained by Delaware state gaming regulations, which mandate licensing through the Division of Gaming Enforcement. While Delaware Park makes internal employment decisions following its equal opportunity policy, the ultimate determination of whether an applicant with a criminal record can work in gaming positions rests with the state licensing authority.

Employee reports indicate that non-gaming positions such as food service, housekeeping, and maintenance may have somewhat more flexibility, though these positions still require some level of background verification. The high turnover common in the hospitality industry creates ongoing opportunities, and applicants with older, non-gaming-related offenses who can demonstrate rehabilitation have reported success. The new ownership since 2021 has emphasized employee development and flexible scheduling, which may benefit second-chance applicants seeking to rebuild their careers.

Key Regulatory Constraints

• 29 Del. C. § 4830: The Delaware Code statute establishing mandatory standards for gaming license issuance and the grounds for denial or revocation

  
  

• Division of Gaming Enforcement: State agency responsible for conducting background investigations and making licensing recommendations

  
  

• FBI/SBI Fingerprint Checks: Mandatory federal and state criminal history records checks through fingerprinting for all gaming employees

  
  

• Delaware Lottery Oversight: The Director of the Delaware Lottery has final authority over gaming license approvals and denials

  
  

Factors in Hiring Decisions

Under 29 Del. C. § 4830(d), the Director considers these factors when determining if an applicant has established rehabilitation:

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

  
  

• Nature and Duties of Position: Whether the position involves cash handling, gaming operations, or security responsibilities

  
  

• Nature and Seriousness of Offense: Whether the offense was violent, involved fraud, or related to gambling

  
  

• Circumstances of the Offense: Mitigating factors such as age, peer pressure, or extreme circumstances

  
  

• Age at Time of Offense: Younger offenders may receive more consideration for youthful indiscretion

  
  

• Isolated vs. Repeated Incidents: Single offenses versus patterns of criminal behavior

  
  

• Evidence of Rehabilitation: Good conduct in community, completion of probation, employment history, character references

  
  

Position-Specific Barriers

Available Positions and Pay

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

Career Path Examples

• Food & Beverage Track: Dishwasher ($13/hr) → Prep Cook ($15/hr) → Line Cook ($17/hr) → Sous Chef ($45K/yr) → Outlet Chef ($55K/yr)

  
  

• Gaming Operations Track: Slot Attendant ($16/hr) → Slot Technician ($20/hr) → Slot Supervisor ($45K/yr) → Slot Manager ($60K/yr)

  
  

• Table Games Track: Dealer Trainee → Table Games Dealer ($30/hr) → Dual-Rate Dealer ($36/hr) → Pit Boss ($50K/yr) → Table Games Manager ($70K/yr)

Background Check Process

What They Check

• Criminal History: FBI fingerprint-based national criminal search, Delaware SBI state records, all felony and misdemeanor convictions, pending charges, and arrests

  
  

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

  
  

• Employment Verification: Previous employment history, particularly in gaming or cash-handling positions

  
  

• Character References: The Division of Gaming Enforcement may interview references regarding your character, honesty, and integrity

  
  

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

  
  

Lookback Period Summary

Timeline

The gaming license application process takes 4-8 weeks from application to license approval. Initial application review and scheduling takes 1-2 weeks, fingerprinting and FBI/SBI processing requires 2-4 weeks, and the Division of Gaming Enforcement investigation adds another 2-4 weeks. Complex cases involving rehabilitation demonstrations may take longer.

If your background check reveals concerning information, expect additional delays for rehabilitation review. You may need to provide supplemental documentation and character references. A delay in the process does not necessarily mean denial—it often indicates the Division is conducting a thorough review of your rehabilitation evidence.

Disqualifying Factors

High Risk (Likely Denial): Any gambling offense or crime of moral turpitude within the past 10 years faces automatic statutory denial with no waiver available. Recent violent felonies, sex offenses, crimes against children, and any dishonesty on the license application result in virtually certain denial.

Moderate Risk (Possible with Rehabilitation): Older felonies (5+ years), non-violent drug offenses, theft convictions outside the 10-year window, and misdemeanor convictions may be overcome with clear and convincing evidence of rehabilitation.

Lower Risk (Generally Acceptable): Expunged convictions (though underlying conduct may be considered), very old non-violent misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and convictions unrelated to integrity or financial trust.

Application Strategy

1. Review Delaware Clean Slate Act Eligibility: Before applying, check if your conviction qualifies for expungement under Delaware's Clean Slate Act (effective August 2024). Automatic expungement applies to qualifying misdemeanors after 5 years and certain felonies after 10 years. An expunged record significantly improves your chances. Visit cleanslateDE.org for eligibility determination.

   
   

2. Apply Online at delawareparkcareers.com: The online application does not ask about criminal history initially. Apply for multiple positions across departments—food service, maintenance, and housekeeping often have more flexibility than gaming floor positions.

   
   

3. Target Non-Gaming Positions Initially: Non-gaming roles like cook, general laborer, or housekeeper may have less stringent licensing requirements. Working in a non-gaming role first can establish a track record supporting future gaming position applications.

   
   

4. Be Completely Honest About Your Record: Provide complete and accurate information during the licensing process. Dishonesty is an absolute bar to licensure. The fingerprint-based background check will reveal your full history regardless.

   
   

5. Prepare Your Rehabilitation Package: Gather comprehensive documentation: rehabilitation program certificates, letters from probation officers, character references from employers and community leaders, evidence of volunteer work, and educational achievements since conviction.

   
   

6. Document the Seven Rehabilitation Factors: Prepare a written statement addressing time since conviction, position duties, offense nature and circumstances, your age at the time, whether isolated or repeated, and all rehabilitation evidence.

   
   

7. Understand the Appeals Process: If denied, you have 30 days to demand a hearing before the Lottery Commission. Consider consulting an attorney experienced in gaming law to maximize your chances.

Tips for Applicants with Records

• Time Your Application Strategically: Apply when your conviction is beyond the 5-year threshold mentioned in the rehabilitation factors. If you're at 4 years, consider waiting for the additional time that significantly strengthens your case. Delaware Park hires year-round, with increased seasonal hiring for racing season (May-October) and holidays.

  
  

• Highlight Transferable Skills: Focus your application on relevant skills rather than just explaining your record. Experience in customer service, cash handling (in non-gaming contexts), hospitality, or any licensed professional role demonstrates your capability and trustworthiness.

  
  

• Consider Free Dealer Training: Delaware Park periodically offers free table games training classes for potential dealer positions. Completing training before formal application shows initiative and provides a specific skill set. However, remember that dealer positions have higher licensing barriers, so this is better for applicants with older, non-disqualifying records.

  
  

• Build a Strong Support Network: Character references are crucial in the rehabilitation determination. Cultivate relationships with community leaders, faith leaders, employers, and others who can attest to your reformed character. Multiple strong character references significantly strengthen your case.

  
  

• Know Your FCRA Rights: If you receive a pre-adverse action notice based on background check results, carefully review the report for errors. You have at least 5 business days to dispute inaccuracies. FBI records sometimes contain errors from data entry mistakes or records from individuals with similar names. Errors in your report could unfairly damage your application.

  
  

• Be Patient and Persistent: The gaming license process is lengthy and rigorous. Delays don't necessarily mean denial they often indicate thorough review. Stay in contact with HR, provide any requested documentation promptly, and maintain a positive attitude throughout the process.

Benefits Overview

• Starting Pay: Entry-level non-gaming positions start at $13-17/hour. Gaming positions with tips (dealers, servers) often earn $25-36/hour total. Delaware minimum wage is $13.25/hour (2024), so Delaware Park positions are generally at or above market rate.

  
  

• Premium Pay: Night shift and weekend positions may offer shift differentials. Holiday pay is provided for major holidays. Overtime is available based on business needs.

  
  

• ay Increases: Annual performance reviews determine merit increases. Internal promotion opportunities are available across departments. New ownership since 2021 has emphasized competitive compensation.

  
  

Benefits Package

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance available for eligible employees. Coverage options are described as "affordable" by current employees, with family coverage options available.

  
  

• Retirement: 401(k) retirement plan with company matching at 50% on the dollar up to 6% of compensation. Employees can begin contributing immediately upon eligibility.

  
  

• Paid Time Off: PTO accrual based on tenure, with great accrual rates noted by employees. Paid sick leave and holiday pay provided.

  
  

• Additional Benefits: Free life insurance for eligible employees. Food discounts at on-site restaurants. Flexible scheduling including evenings, weekends, and part-time options. Training and development programs. Free parking.

  
  

Employee Perspectives

• Pros: "True family feel at Delaware Park," "employees are a priority," flexible scheduling, new ownership investing in the property, "incredible atmosphere" with room for growth, fast cash on good days (tipped positions), "great PTO accrual," diverse customer base.

  
  

• Cons: Some reports of management inconsistency, fast-paced environment can be stressful, weekend and holiday work required, some positions offer only discounted (not free) meals, security positions noted as "low pay" for the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Delaware Park Casino & Racing hire people with felonies?

   Yes, but with significant restrictions. Delaware state gaming law (29 Del. C. § 4830) requires that any felony conviction is grounds for license denial. However, the law explicitly provides that no license should be denied if the applicant demonstrates rehabilitation by "clear and convincing evidence." This means applicants with felony records can be approved if they successfully prove their rehabilitation through documentation, character references, and evidence of reformed conduct. Non-gaming positions may have somewhat more flexibility, making them better entry points for applicants with records.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at Delaware Park Casino & Racing?

   The background check is conducted by the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement and includes FBI fingerprint-based national criminal history search, Delaware SBI state records check, financial background review, and employment verification. This is far more comprehensive than standard commercial background checks. The fingerprint-based search accesses complete criminal records including sealed records that might not appear on standard checks. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks from application to final determination, though complex cases requiring rehabilitation review may take longer.

   
   

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

   There is no time limit for felony convictions—they are reviewed indefinitely. Gambling offenses and crimes of moral turpitude (fraud, theft, perjury) have a 10-year mandatory disqualification period with no waiver possible. For other offenses, the rehabilitation analysis considers whether the conviction occurred more than 5 years from the application date as a favorable factor. Expunged or pardoned convictions are not grounds for automatic disqualification but the underlying conduct may still be considered by the Director.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at Delaware Park?

   The most problematic convictions are gambling offenses and crimes of moral turpitude (fraud, theft, forgery, perjury) within the past 10 years—these create an automatic statutory bar. Any felony conviction, regardless of age, is grounds for denial but can potentially be overcome with rehabilitation evidence. Violent felonies, sex offenses, and crimes against children face the highest barriers. Dishonesty on the application itself is an absolute disqualifier. Financial crimes are particularly concerning given the cash-intensive nature of casino operations.

   
   

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

   Non-gaming positions typically offer the best opportunities: general laborer ($14-17/hr), housekeeping ($13-16/hr), and cook ($15-18/hr). These positions may have less stringent licensing requirements than gaming floor positions. Seasonal positions in racing operations (May-October) and food service provide additional opportunities. Starting in a non-gaming role can help establish a positive employment history with Delaware Park, potentially supporting future applications for licensed gaming positions.

   
   

6. Does Delaware Park Casino drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, Delaware Park conducts pre-employment drug screening using a 10-panel urine test. This screens for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, PCP, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, propoxyphene, and quaaludes. Note that Delaware's medical marijuana legalization does not protect employees from employer drug testing policies. Casinos maintain strict drug-free workplace policies. Random testing may apply to certain positions. Prescription medications should be disclosed with proper documentation to avoid issues with positive results.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will Delaware Park ask about criminal history?

   The initial job application does not ask about criminal history, consistent with ban-the-box practices. Criminal history inquiry occurs during the state gaming license application process, which happens after initial screening and conditional job offer but before final hiring. At this stage, you must provide complete and accurate information—the fingerprint-based background check will reveal your full history regardless. Dishonesty or omission on the license application is grounds for automatic denial and demonstrates the lack of integrity the gaming commission seeks to exclude.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at Delaware Park if they have a felony?

   Advancement is possible but challenging. The same licensing requirements apply to supervisory positions, and management roles often receive heightened scrutiny. However, if you successfully obtain a gaming license demonstrating rehabilitation, there is no formal barrier to advancement. Delaware Park has noted "room for growth" as a positive aspect, and new ownership has emphasized employee development. Building a positive track record within the company, maintaining a clean record, and continuing to demonstrate integrity can support advancement over time.

   
   

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

   The complete process typically takes 4-8 weeks from application to final determination. Initial application review and interview scheduling takes 1-2 weeks. Fingerprinting and FBI/SBI processing requires 2-4 weeks. The Division of Gaming Enforcement investigation adds another 2-4 weeks. Cases requiring rehabilitation review may take longer as additional documentation is gathered and reviewed. Some applicants have reported 2-3 months for complex cases. A delay doesn't necessarily indicate denial—it often means thorough review of your rehabilitation evidence.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at Delaware Park?

    First, check eligibility for expungement under Delaware's Clean Slate Act—an expunged record significantly improves your chances. Apply for non-gaming positions initially if your record is concerning. Time your application when your conviction is beyond 5 years if possible. Prepare comprehensive rehabilitation documentation including program certificates, character references, and evidence of community involvement. Be completely honest throughout the process. Understand that dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier. Consider consulting an attorney experienced in gaming law if your case is complex.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

Conclusion

Delaware Park Casino & Racing presents significant but not insurmountable challenges for job seekers with criminal records. With approximately 500-700 employees, positions ranging from $13/hour entry-level roles to $36/hour dealer positions, and comprehensive benefits including health insurance and 401(k) matching, the employment opportunity is substantial. However, the mandatory state gaming license requirements under 29 Del. C. § 4830 create higher barriers than typical employers, particularly for gaming floor positions.

Success requires understanding that this is a regulated industry with specific statutory requirements. The key is demonstrating rehabilitation by "clear and convincing evidence." This means gathering comprehensive documentation, obtaining strong character references, and presenting a compelling narrative of personal growth and reform. Timing matters—waiting until your conviction is more than 5 years old significantly strengthens your case under the statutory factors. Targeting non-gaming positions initially can establish a track record with the company while avoiding the highest licensing barriers.

The most important factor is complete honesty throughout the process. Dishonesty or omission on the license application is an absolute disqualifier and confirms the very integrity concerns the gaming commission seeks to identify. Be prepared for a longer process than typical employment—4-8 weeks or more—and understand that delays often indicate thorough review rather than denial. If your initial application is denied, the appeals process provides another opportunity to present your rehabilitation evidence before the Lottery Commission.

Before applying, investigate expungement eligibility under Delaware's Clean Slate Act. An expunged record is not grounds for automatic disqualification and significantly improves your chances. If gaming industry barriers prove too high, the alternative employers listed above offer pathways to stable employment while you continue building your rehabilitation record. With preparation, patience, and persistence, employment at Delaware Park Casino & Racing remains possible for those who can demonstrate genuine rehabilitation.

Disclaimer

This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Information was compiled from Delaware Park Casino & Racing career pages, Delaware state gaming regulations (29 Del. C. § 4830), the Delaware Lottery Office, Glassdoor, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and other public sources as of December 2025. Hiring policies, salary ranges, and licensing requirements may change without notice. Individual outcomes depend on specific criminal history, position applied for, and rehabilitation evidence presented. Consult with an attorney experienced in gaming law for advice on your specific situation. This guide is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Delaware Park Casino & Racing, the Delaware Lottery, or any other entity mentioned herein.

Apply Now at delawareparkcareers.com