A federal appellate court gave Atlantic City a huge break earlier this week when it ruled that Delaware may not open Vegas-style sports books in its racinos. Delaware, which was grandfathered into a 1992 federal law forbidding sports betting, had planned to open the books next month, just in time for football season. The court ruled that the only thing the racinos can offer are the parlay bets some places ran before 1992.

   No word yet as to whether Delaware will appeal that ruling to the Supremes, but that could take a while if they do.

   In the meantime, Atlantic City breathes a huge sigh of relief. Already hurting from slot parlors in Pennsylvania, full-blown sports betting in nearby Delaware could have devastated the New Jersey gaming halls.

   But just about every gaming jurisdiction is hurting. Also this week, Foxwoods reported declining revenues and sent a letter out to tribe members that their standard of living may have to be cut. Vegas is seeing double-digit gaming income declines. I’m getting some amazing room offers from Las Vegas Strip casinos, including free nights at one place where I never even gambled. 

   Even the state lottery isn’t selling as many tickets. Except maybe today, when the Mega Millions jackpot is $325 million. I bought a ticket, but let’s just say, I haven’t given notice to my boss.

   Even though the stock market is doing well, times are still tough for a lot of Americans. Gambling is one luxury many people just can’t afford right now.

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