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Did you know Delaware was the first state to legalize sports betting when the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018? It’s true. But what’s even crazier is the state didn’t actually launch sports betting until several years later due to bureaucracy and just bad management.
You’re going to want to keep reading because we’re offering the most in-depth breakdown of Delaware’s betting industry, which isn’t your typical market. Let's just say they do things differently in Delaware. Very differently, in fact. Well explain it all in this article so stick with us!
Is Sports Betting Legal in Delaware?
Yes, sports betting became legal in Delaware in 2018, right after PAPSA was stuck down. While we’d love to say Delaware was ahead of the curve, that’s not accurate at all. Before 2018, Delaware actually already had parlay betting legal inside its state. So they had the infrastructure in place and betting language to legalize right out of the gate.
But here’s where Delaware went wrong: instead of creating a free market, they chose sports betting would be run entirely through the existing Delaware Lottery. The lottery would then find a single partner to offer betting statewide — creating a monopoly of sorts. The partner chosen was not a big player like BetMGM or FanDuel, but instead William Hill, a foreign bookie at the time. The thing is Williams Hill never got the platform off the ground due to bad management on their end and a lot of back-and-forth with legislators. The deal ended in 2023 without online betting ever going live.
Now the Delaware Lottery has an exclusive deal with BetRivers, and to the operator’s credit, Delaware has finally come online for sports betting. They went live in December 2023 — more than five years after betting was first legalized in-state as crazy as that sounds.
International Online Sportsbooks Available in Delaware
Delaware has made significant strides in the sports betting arena since legalizing the activity in 2018. However, local sportsbooks come with certain limitations that bettors should be aware of. For instance, political betting and wagers on college sports are not permitted at Delaware's licensed operators. Additionally, options for esports and entertainment bets are often sparse. If you're keen to explore these exciting betting markets, you'll need to look toward international online sportsbooks that can provide these opportunities.
You can place your bets with confidence! We've rigorously tested the international sportsbooks we recommend, ensuring they meet high standards for safety and reliability. These platforms are designed to protect your personal information and financial transactions, allowing you to enjoy a secure betting experience. So, whether you want to place a wager on political events, college sports, video games, or even unique national sports, like Aussie Rules Football, our trusted international partners have got you covered with a wide range of options, making your betting experience more thrilling and diverse.
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Legal Online Sportsbooks Available In Delaware
This is usually where we add a table that lists all the betting apps that work in the state. In Delaware? No need since there's one option — BetRivers. That's it!
Delaware Online Sportsbook Comparison
Here’s the deal: usually, we'd dive into comparing online sportsbooks, picking out the best ones based on things like bonuses, betting options, and live wagering features. But, in Delaware, that's not an option. There's only one game in town — BetRivers. They control the whole sports betting scene here so you won’t be shopping around for different sportsbooks.
In BetRivers, Delaware bettors have a so-so app. BetRivers is available in many different states too, though it hasn’t been able to stand out — not against fierce competition like DraftKings or Fanatics. Still, the online sportsbook itself isn’t bad by any means.
The betting menu is well-stocked. All the major sports and leagues will be available, plus smaller and obscure sports too. The odds are in line with what you'd expect from most bookmakers. So it’s not like folks in Delaware will be missing much in terms of gambling options.
The lack of competition is really only apparent with promotions. When it’s a free market, apps try to outdo one another in the bonus department. Here? There’s no need since bettors can’t use anything outside of BetRivers. Yes, they do offer some bonus bet promos, but it’s nothing to write home about.
Delaware Quick Facts
| Fact | Delaware |
|---|---|
| Launch date: | 2018 |
| Legal age: | 21 Years Old |
| Online sports betting | ? Yes |
| Number of licenses | 1 |
| Remote registration | ? Yes |
| Retail sportsbooks | ? Yes |
| Retail casinos | ? Yes |
| Online casino sites | ? Yes |
| Online poker | ? Yes |
| Betting on college sports | ? Yes |
| Betting on esports | ? Yes |
| State population | 1 million |
| State regulator | The Delaware Lottery |
| Last verified | ? September 10 |
What You Can’t Bet On In Delaware?
Alright, enough about the state’s single-operator model. Let’s talk about actually betting itself, specifically what things are off-limits in the state. Here’s what BetRivers won’t be offering in its sportsbook:
College player props: Betting on individual college player performances is not allowed in Delaware — and really, most states. This goes nationally too, not just local area teams. So you won’t be able to bet on Alabama’s quarterback performance here, as an example.
Non-sports events: Wouldn’t it be fun to bet money on who wins the presidential election or at the Grammys? It would but it’s not allowed by regulators. These don’t fall under the state’s definition of “sports” betting.
If you’re looking to place bets in these prohibited markets while in Delaware, offshore sportsbooks might offer those options. Heck, these offshore sites have BetRivers beat in a number of ways, not just betting markets. But that’s a topic for another day.
Who Can Legally Bet in Delaware?
When it comes to sports betting in Delaware, the rules are straightforward and go as follows:
Legal age: In Delaware, you must be at least 21 years old to place a legal sports bet. This is the norm with most states across the country.
Mobile betting: Yes, as we’ve said, BetRivers app is live and taking sports bets from anywhere in the state.
Retail sportsbooks: Sports bets can also be made in person at one of the three licensed casinos in the state — Delaware Park, Dover Downs, or Harrington Raceway. BetRivers also heads up these operations so it’s the same things you’d find in the mobile app.
Remote registration: Signing up to bet online in Delaware can be entirely done through the BetRivers app — no need to do it in person. App registration takes minutes.
Online casino: Delaware is one of the few states where online casino gaming is legal. You can play slots, poker, table games, and more, all from the comfort of your home. Delaware was one of the pioneers in legalizing iGaming back in 2012 so they actually have been at the forefront of this.
Taxable winnings: Like other states, gambling winnings in Delaware are subject to both federal and state taxes. Both count it as income tax. Uncle Sam always covers the spread, didn’t ya know?
Delaware Casinos
There are currently three land-based casinos (they are more racinos than anything else) that local bettors can get action at. Here's a look at all three:
Delaware Park Casino
Delaware Park is located in Wilmington and is situated trackside so sports bettors can watch the races while betting on sports or horses. They offer a variety of sports including auto racing, baseball, basketball, boxing/MMA, football, golf, hockey, and soccer. They also offer parlay cards for professional and college football. Sports bettors are able to sign up for their Player Rewards Card, which allows for special promotions, and big events at the sportsbook.
Dover Downs Casino
Dover Downs Hotel and Casino is located in Dover and is using the Sports Pick software owned by the Delaware Lottery to place wagers. You can place single bets or football parlays, the same as listed above for Delaware Park.
Harrington Raceway and Casino
Harrington Raceway and Casino in Harrington, Delaware offers professional and college football, MLB, professional and college basketball, NHL, golf, auto racing, and soccer. They offer the same standard sports betting experience as the other casinos, with single-game bets and parlay options.
When will sports betting apps or state-run online gambling launch? Likely soon, but there is no word from the state regarding a timeline. They have no active bills that would be aimed toward mobile sports betting in Delaware, and while online casino games exist in the state, it wouldn’t be hard to get the green light for that kind of legislation.
Delaware Sports Betting Timeline
As we said, Delaware was early to the legal sports betting party. Here's how that all transpired:
Parlay betting in Delaware back in 2009
Delaware has had parlay sports betting since 2009 when the Delaware Lottery received permission to offer multi-game bets from the state. They were grandfathered in when the PASPA ruling began, allowing the same deal that Nevada had, but Delaware never acted on single-game wagers.
Delaware has some of the most complicated and confusing betting laws of all of the 50 states. They can be so progressive, while also being restrictive, and also ban some gambling channels, while also allowing others.
What do we mean by that? Well, for instance, Tribal casinos are illegal in Delaware, while regular, commercial casinos are legal. Most states operate the other way around. It could be due to the few tribes within the state, with no interest in starting one. All betting functions are held and regulated by the Delaware Lottery.
Fast-forward to 2019
So, how has sports betting legalization helped Delaware as a state? As of September 2019, with just under a year and a half of legalized sports betting under their belts, the state of Delaware collected over $6.7 million in sports betting tax alone — all from in-person betting, none from online.
Latest Delaware Betting News
Latest Delaware Legal Betting Updates
Nov 19, 2024 10:29 AM
BetRivers has launched sports betting in Delaware, providing residents and visitors with a diverse range of betting options and a state-of-the-art platform.
A Brief Timeline of the Legality of Delaware Sports Betting
How To Bet On Sports In Delaware
Delaware is dead center between a bevy of sports in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Washington DC. So you better believe the sports those states love so do Delawareans. Here are the biggest betting markets you’ll find at BetRivers:
How To Bet On Football In Delaware
Football, unsurprisingly, is the king of sports betting in Delaware (it’s the same for every state). The NFL and college football seasons attract a massive amount of betting action from September through the Super Bowl in February. This is where Delaware’s nearness to so many major teams pays off cause betting opportunities are seemingly always there for the taking.
How To Bet On Basketball In Delaware
If you haven’t tried live betting yet, basketball is the ideal sport to give it a crack. With its fast-paced action and constant back-and-forth scoring, every game offers frequent shifts in momentum. These rapid changes create a dynamic betting experience, where in-play odds can swing wildly on the BetRivers app. We encourage Delaware bettors to give it a go for either NBA or NCAA betting.
How To Bet On Baseball In Delaware
If you’re a fan of betting every day, baseball is the sport for you. With MLB's 162 regular-season games per team, plus the playoffs, baseball offers more betting opportunities than any other league — and no sport comes remotely close either. From daily moneyline bets to prop bets and futures, baseball’s long season makes it a consistent favorite among the most opportunistic Delaware bettors.
How To Bet On Fighting In Delaware
Delaware also offers betting on combat sports such as UFC and boxing. With fight cards almost every weekend, this is a growing market that gives bettors the chance to wager on everything from undercard fights to high-profile matchups featuring stars like Conor McGregor or Canelo Alvarez. Keep an eye out for under-the-radar fights though, as these can often provide excellent betting value. You just have to research enough to uncover that value.
Betting on Delaware Teams
There is no professional team in Delaware. But of course, that doesn’t stop locals and bettors from having rooting interests nearby. Delaware locals have allegiances to sports teams from Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, and even New York City. So what you end up with is a hodgepodge of favorite teams across the state. As a result, BetRivers caters to this demand and offers the full gamut of bets for all these teams.
Betting on Delaware NCAA Teams
If there is one “home” team, it might be the University of Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens. If anything, they have a nickname that’s hard to root (and sometimes bet) against. The Blue Hene have a reputable football program that can stir betting interest if the right matchup presents itself — like when they play in-state rivals, Delaware State. It’s dubbed the “Route 1 Rivalry” or “Battle for the First State”, and is one of the land’s most-bet attractions besides the obvious ones (Super Bowl and March Madness).
Delaware Betting Revenue Statistics
It’s rough to level-set Delaware sports betting revenues. Year-by-year comparisons aren’t perfect because in the past, only retail betting was allowed. Plus, the state has a tiny population which means it’ll never do massive numbers like neighboring states.
But even then, early figures show locals are embracing the online betting launch. In January 2024 — the first month that the state had online betting from start to finish — Delaware did $17.1 million in revenue. That’s double of January 2023 when only retail betting was a thing. Off this volume, the state fetched $1.1 million in tax revenue.
It’s really going to take one full year of having online sports betting up to gauge where Delaware’s sports betting market is. We’ll have updates when that day comes so check back from time to time.
Other Types of Betting in Delaware
We’ve touched on it briefly, but it bears repeating: casino gaming is a pretty big deal in Delaware. Most of the volume comes from online betting (iGaming), which predates legalized sports betting. However, the state also has some “racinos” in Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway. All three are race tracks that’ve added casino experiences like machines and even table games:
Based on those three tracks; you have to know horse racing is fully legal stateside too. Bettors can place wagers directly at the track or online — a double-whammy of convenience.
Then there’s the Delaware Lottery. Beyond controlling the sports betting scene, they offer their own lottery games like the Powers Ball, Mega Millions, or instant games like scratch tickets.
Sports Betting Rules In Each State
Delaware isn’t the only state we’ve zoomed in on for betting. We’ve done the same thing for all other 49 states (and some cities). Below are our guides, from coast to coast;
Responsible Gaming in Delaware
We’ve spent this entire page advocating for betting because we think it’s fun and “spices up” watching sports. But we also have to warn about the risks of gambling gone wrong — financial difficulties, strained relationships, and even addiction.
One of the smartest moves you can do right now is to set up a strict betting budget. Figure out how much you’re willing to spend — this should be extra money, not cash you need for essentials like rent or food. Sticking to that budget can be challenging, especially when the temptation to “win back” losses kicks in. But, keeping discipline is key to enjoying betting responsibly. If you can get this part right, you have a high chance of not succumbing to the dangers of betting.
Then again, if betting ever does become overbearing in your life, just know external help is out there. Don’t hesitate to reach out to these local resources:
Delaware Council on Gambling Problems (https://www.deproblemgambling.org/)
Provides free, confidential help for anyone dealing with problem gambling. Reach their 24/7 helpline at 1-888-850-8888.
Gamblers Anonymous Delaware (http://www.gamblersanonymous.org)
This peer-led support group offers meetings across the state for anyone looking for help managing their gambling habits. Visit their website for more information on meetings and locations.
Delaware Problem Gambling Helpline
- Call: 888-850-8888
- Text: 302-438-8888 (M-F, 9-5)
National resources are also out there. Try these out first:
Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/)
A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/)
The International Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.
24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/)
A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.