Delaware Park to be sold to investment group, gaming company

Posted: Nov. 6, 2021

Delaware Park, which opened in 1937 and has been owned by the Rickman family since 1983, will be sold to Clairvest Group Inc. of Canada and Rubico Gaming, which recently acquired Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.

The closing of the transaction is subject to regulatory and other approvals. The parties expect the closing to occur by the end of 2021. No financial terms were released by Clairvest, Rubico or Delaware Park.

According to the Associated Press, Delaware Park President said he isn’t aware of any immediate operational changes that may be planned by the prospective owners.

Delaware Park began operating video lottery terminals in late 1995 under a 1994 law that authorized video gaming at three racetracks in the state. They later added table games and sports betting under other legislation. All gaming falls under the Delaware Lottery Corp.

The late William Rickman Sr., a Maryland-based real estate developer, purchased the track after it closed following the 1982 racing season. It reopened in 1984 and has continually operated live Thoroughbred meets since that time.

The Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission on the agenda for its Nov. 17 meeting lists a presentation by the “new ownership” of Delaware Park as well as application for simulcasting and live racing dates for 2022.