Legal Betting in Delaware

Introduction

When it comes to the U.S. sports betting sector, Delaware has been something of a pioneer, becoming one of the first states to lift the prohibition on sports betting that was in place until 2018 when PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) was repealed. This piece looks at the legal landscape of betting in Delaware, profiles some of the most commonly used betting companies, where offline betting can be found, the types of betting permitted, and the laws that govern the market. It also delivers a deep dive into the betting market, with additional news coverage to round out the Delaware betting scene.

Delaware Gambling Laws

Delaware has legal sports betting up and running since 2018 when the state took the opportunity to use the SCOTUS ruling to overturn PASPA. Delaware was ready, having passed a law in 2009, signed by Governor Jack Markell, which allowed sports betting at the Delaware Lottery on a limited basis. This structure permitted single-game betting and made DE one of the leaders in the post-PASPA world. Sports betting is managed by the Delaware Lottery, and the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement ensures that regulations are followed. There are also retail sportsbooks and, last summer, the state’s first online platform launched. All bettors must be 21 or older, and so-called mobile betting is restricted to licensed properties or the awm's official online partner, and such wagers require the use of geolocation technology.

Top Betting Companies and Their Physical Shops

Delaware’s retail betting market is dominated by three key establishments, Delaware Park Casino, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino and Harrington Raceway & Casino. The venues are casino venues that are currently providing a wider range of sports betting services along with casino gaming and entertainment and are regulated by the Delaware Lottery. Wilmington’s Delaware Park is not only a pleasant place to spend an afternoon, but is also famous for its huge sportsbook lounge where you can sit in comfort and watch the games on massive display screens. Dover Downs and Harrington Raceway have similar facilities, appealing to locals as well as visitors. The Delaware Lottery and Rush Street Interactive provide the platform for the state’s first online sportsbook, which functions under the Bet365 banner, providing customers with a single, comprehensive digital betting experience.

Types of Bets Available

Delaware’s sports betting market offers a diverse range of betting options to accommodate various preferences. Common bet types include:

• Moneyline Bets: Wagering on the outright winner of a game or event.
• Point Spread Bets: Betting on the margin of victory or defeat in a game.
• Over/Under Bets: Predicting whether the total points scored in a game will exceed or fall below a specified number.
• Parlay Bets: Combining multiple bets into a single wager for higher potential payouts, contingent on all selections winning.
• Prop Bets: Betting on specific outcomes within a game, such as a player’s performance or particular events.
• Futures Bets: Wagering on long-term outcomes, such as the winner of a championship.

These options are available at retail sportsbooks and the Bet365 online platform, providing flexibility for bettors.

Key Information About Delaware’s Betting Sphere

• Legal betting age: 21
• Primary online sportsbook: Bet365
• Number of retail sportsbooks: 3
• Responsible gambling resources: Available through the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement
• Taxation: Betting revenue subject to state taxes, supporting public services

Table: Delaware Betting Overview

Delaware is the only state to allow betting across three categories: sports, casino, and lottery games.

Here, you can easily visit a casino without having to go that far across the border. These three main locations — Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway — have more to offer than simply sportsbooks and provide a broad entertainment offering that includes dining, live entertainment, and gaming (slots and tables). The sound-and-light-filled room is lively, especially during major sporting events, when bettors cram in to watch games on high-definition screens. The compact geography of the state that means none of its residents are too far from a bet outlet means it has built up a community of passionate sports fans. A more modern day twist, online betting on Bet365 supports the atmosphere by offering bets from anywhere within the state’s borders, as long as the bettor is of age and the bettor’s device can prove it is located within the state.

Regulatons and Protection of Consumers

The Department of the Lottery and the Division of Gaming Enforcement are working together to ensure the integrity of the market. The Lottery oversees operations, whereas the Division is responsible for enforcing licensing, ensuring compliance and protecting consumers. Legally binding rules also require responsible gaming efforts, such as self-exclusion schemes and limits on advertising to vulnerable groups. Betting revenue is taxed, and the money goes back into public services including the education system and infrastructure. This combination of free market and consumer protection based regulation ensure a fair betting environment for bettors.

Economic Benefits of Betting in Delaware

Delaware – How did you like sports betting revenue prior to legalization? Retail and online sportsbook revenue benefits local communities, in particular the hospitality and tourism sectors. The three casino properties have seen their floors become busier, leading to upticks in complementary offerings such as dining and accommodations. The state has cashed in on betting money to the tune of millions of dollars. Delaware’s market is smaller than those in states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania, but its early rollout and smooth operation have made it something of a blueprint for smaller states seeking to put legal sports betting in place.

Challenges and Perspectives

Delaware has some downsides in the betting market, most notably the fact that there’s only going to be a single provider of the online sportsbook, which will limit competition and potential innovation. There have been discussions in recent legislative talks about furthering options for mobile betting to allow more consumer flexibility. Going forward, Delaware could explore other potential partners or betting offerings, including esports betting, to appeal to younger age groups. The ability of the state to respond to the changes of the market could be key for it to maintain its position as the leader in legal sports betting.

Conclusion

The state of sports betting in Delaware serves as a microcosm for an ideal model that law makers from all other U.S. states should take heed of as it reflects strong legislation, oversight and a very accessible industry to consumers. Catering to both serious and casual bettors, it ensures that you find something to stake on in Delaware through various types of bets and your go-to online place. The cross-selling of sportsbooks into casinos is a force multiplier, but even with tight regulations, the economy benefits and individuals are protected. Solving challenges such as the lack of online competition will be crucial to ensuring growth continues. Delaware, which was the first US state to offer full legal sports betting, has done an admirable job so far of setting a standard for this industry, showing what is possible for a robust yet balanced sports betting market.