Twin River sets targets with Dover Downs merger

The executive chairman of Twin River has claimed that a proposed merger with rival casino operator Dover Downs in the US will allow the combined entity to fix its spotlight on online gaming sector opportunities, as well as sports betting.

John Taylor Jr. was speaking after the deal was announced, pending regulatory approvals, with Twin River set to switch from being a privately-held entity to a publicly-traded company on the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq.

Under the deal, Twin River – which already has a presence in the south, west and north-east of the US through venues in Mississippi, Colorado and Rhode Island, respectively – would take control of Dover Downs Hotel & Casino in Delaware, expanding the operator’s portfolio into the mid-Atlantic region.

“We’re excited about the many benefits we believe we will realise from the combination,” Taylor said.

“Dover Downs and its team are experienced in not only brick and mortar casino operations, but in sports betting, which we think will be helpful as we introduce that amenity at our properties, and in the online gaming sector which continues to evolve nationwide.”

Dover Downs’ president and CEO, Denis McGlynn, added: “We believe this transaction will help us grow our business, invest in our people and our facilities and compete more effectively given changes in gaming on the horizon. We expect to see many positive benefits for the state, the Delaware Lottery and our employees and stockholders.”

Dover Downs was one of Delaware’s three casinos to start offering full-scale sports betting in the state in June after the Supreme Court overturned the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May.

GVC Holdings-owner Stadium Technology Group’s propriety sports betting platform is supporting the sportsbooks across Delaware’s casinos.