DE HB135

Authorizes two new video lottery casinos—one in New Castle County and one in Sussex County—to be selected through a competitive application process conducted by a nine-member Lottery Economic Development Committee.

Establishes the Lottery Economic Development Committee with members appointed by the Governor, Senate President Pro Tempore, and House Speaker (three each, politically balanced) to evaluate applications based on state revenue, employment, infrastructure costs, community impact, and local business participation.

Increases minimum harness racing days from 80 to 120 days (or 60 to 100 days for smaller tracks) and allows newly-licensed video lottery casinos to reduce this obligation; prevents authorization of new video lottery agents from triggering racing day reductions for existing licensees.

Modifies the definition of "investor" to exclude any person or entity with ownership interests in casinos within 100 miles of Dover, Delaware.

Directs the Secretary of Finance to propose legislation within 120 days establishing one-time and ongoing license fees for video lottery casinos to create competitive parity with existing video lottery agents that operate racing facilities.