Delaware has been at the forefront of legal sports betting in the United States. In 2018, Governor John Carney signed a bill that allowed sports betting to be legalized in the state. Since then, Delaware has become one of the most progressive states in the US for legal gambling.
Delaware was the first state to embrace legal sports betting outside of Nevada. The state has three retail sportsbooks that can be found at brick-and-mortar casinos. These sportsbooks include Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway. In order to place a bet in Delaware, one has to travel to one of these physical casinos within the state and place a bet live and in person.
Online sports betting is not yet legal in Delaware, as betting sites have little incentive to launch in such a small state. However, Delaware’s early entry into the sports betting market has paid off with solid tax dollars for the state. This guide to Delaware sports betting will provide an overview of the state’s sports betting laws, the types of bets available, and where to place bets in person.
History of Delaware Sports Betting
Pre-PASPA Era
Delaware has a long history of gambling dating back to 1933 when they formed a racing commission. In 1976, Delaware attempted to legalize sports betting but failed. Despite this setback, Delaware continued to offer NFL parlay betting from 1976 to 1992, when the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was enacted.
PASPA and the First State
Under PASPA, Delaware was one of four states that were grandfathered in and allowed to offer limited forms of sports betting. In 2009, Delaware attempted to expand its sports betting offerings to include single-game wagering, but the move was challenged by the major sports leagues and ultimately struck down by the courts.
Post-PASPA Era
On May 14, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down PASPA in the case Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association. This decision opened the doors for states to legalize and regulate sports betting. Delaware was quick to act and became the first state to offer legal sports betting outside of Nevada.
Today, Delaware has three casinos that offer retail sports betting: Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway. These casinos also offer a racetrack, table games, and over 2,000 slot machines. However, online sports betting is not allowed in the state off the premises of the authorized gaming locations.
In conclusion, Delaware has a rich history of gambling and was the first state to offer legal sports betting outside of Nevada. Despite some setbacks, Delaware has continued to adapt and evolve its sports betting offerings to meet the needs of its residents and visitors.
Land-Based Sports Betting in Delaware
Delaware is one of the few states in the US that allows sports betting in land-based casinos. There are currently three casinos in the state where sports bettors can legally place their bets: Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway and Casino. The Delaware Lottery runs, oversees and regulates sports betting in these casinos.
Delaware Park
Delaware Park is a popular destination for sports bettors in the state. It is located in Wilmington, Delaware and offers a variety of sports betting options. The sportsbook at Delaware Park features a large video wall, multiple betting windows, and self-service kiosks. The sportsbook is open seven days a week, from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Dover Downs
Dover Downs is another popular destination for sports bettors in Delaware. It is located in Dover, Delaware and features a state-of-the-art sportsbook. The sportsbook at Dover Downs features a large video wall, multiple betting windows, and self-service kiosks. The sportsbook is open seven days a week, from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Harrington Raceway and Casino
Harrington Raceway and Casino is located in Harrington, Delaware and offers a sportsbook for sports bettors in the state. The sportsbook at Harrington Raceway and Casino features a large video wall, multiple betting windows, and self-service kiosks. The sportsbook is open seven days a week, from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Overall, Delaware’s land-based casinos offer a variety of sports betting options for sports bettors in the state. The sportsbooks at Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway and Casino are all well-equipped and offer a large selection of betting options.
Online Sports Betting in Delaware
Delaware was one of the first states to legalize sports betting after the Supreme Court overturned a federal ban on sports betting in 2018. Since then, online sports betting has become increasingly popular in the state, with several online sportsbooks available to Delaware residents.
Infrastructure and Partnerships
Delaware has a well-established infrastructure for sports betting, with three racinos (racetrack casinos) offering sports betting in the state. These racinos are Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway. Each of these racinos has a retail sportsbook where players can place bets in person.
In terms of partnerships, Delaware has partnered with several online sportsbook providers to offer online sports betting to residents. These providers include:
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- BetMGM
- William Hill
- PointsBet
These partnerships allow Delaware residents to place bets online through these providers’ websites or mobile apps.
Delaware Sportsbooks
Delaware offers several online sportsbooks for residents to choose from. These sportsbooks offer a range of sports and betting options, including:
- Football
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Hockey
- Golf
- Tennis
- MMA
- Boxing
In addition to traditional sports betting, some sportsbooks also offer other betting options, such as:
- Live betting
- Parlays
- Futures
- Prop bets
Some of the most popular online sportsbooks in Delaware include:
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- William Hill Sportsbook
- PointsBet Sportsbook
Each of these sportsbooks has its own unique features and promotions, so it’s important for players to do their research and choose the sportsbook that best fits their needs.
Overall, online sports betting in Delaware has become a popular pastime for residents, with several options available for both retail and online betting.
Daily Fantasy Sports and Sports Betting Sites in Delaware
Delaware has been a pioneer in the sports betting industry since it became the first state outside of Nevada to offer single-game wagering in June 2018. Since then, Delaware has continued to expand its sports betting offerings, and it has also legalized daily fantasy sports (DFS).
Daily Fantasy Sports
In 2017, Delaware legalized DFS, making it one of the first states to do so. The Delaware Department of Justice regulates DFS in the state, and it requires all DFS operators to obtain a license to operate in Delaware.
Two of the biggest DFS operators, FanDuel and DraftKings, are available to Delaware residents. Both sites were required to pay a $50,000 licensing fee and pay upwards of 15.5% in DFS taxes to re-enter the Delaware market. Since then, both sites have been accepting customers from Delaware once again.
Sports Betting Sites
Delaware has a few sports betting sites available to residents and visitors. Here are some of the top sports betting sites in Delaware:
- BetUS Sports: This site offers a 125% bonus up to $3,125 for new customers. It accepts various payment options, including BTC, LTC, and ETH.
- DraftKings Sportsbook: DraftKings is one of the biggest names in sports betting, and it is available in Delaware. The site offers various promotions and bonuses, including a $50 free bet for new customers.
- FanDuel Sportsbook: FanDuel is another big name in sports betting, and it is also available in Delaware. The site offers a risk-free bet of up to $1,000 for new customers.
These are just a few of the sports betting sites available in Delaware. It is important to note that all sports betting sites must be licensed by the Delaware Lottery to operate in the state.
DraftKings and FanDuel
Both DraftKings and FanDuel are available in Delaware for both daily fantasy sports and sports betting. DraftKings was the first to launch its sports betting app in Delaware in August 2018, followed closely by FanDuel.
Both sites offer a seamless transition between daily fantasy sports and sports betting, making it easy for users to switch between the two. They also offer various promotions and bonuses for users, including free bets and risk-free bets.
Overall, Delaware offers a variety of daily fantasy sports and sports betting options for residents and visitors alike. Whether you prefer DFS or sports betting, there are plenty of options to choose from in the First State.
Future of Delaware Sports Betting
Delaware has been at the forefront of legal sports betting in the United States, and the future of sports betting in the state looks promising. Governor John Carney signed a bill legalizing sports betting in June 2018, and since then, the state has seen a steady increase in sports betting revenue.
Legalization of Online Sports Betting
Currently, Delaware offers sports betting at three retail locations, but the state lottery reportedly intends on issuing a request for proposal from vendors who could provide online sports betting as well as online poker and casino gaming. The state’s exclusive contract with 888 Holdings (William Hill) is set to expire in 2023. If the state legalizes online sports betting, it could potentially lead to an increase in revenue and attract more sports bettors.
Governor’s Support for Sports Betting
Governor John Carney has been a strong supporter of sports betting in Delaware. He signed the bill legalizing sports betting in the state and has been vocal about his support for the industry. In a statement, he said, “Sports gaming is a critical revenue generator for Delaware, and we are committed to offering our customers a safe, fun, and convenient way to place their bets.”
Super Bowl Betting
The Super Bowl is one of the biggest sporting events in the United States, and Delaware has been no stranger to the excitement surrounding the game. In 2022, Delaware saw a dip in sports betting handle during the Super Bowl compared to the previous year. However, with the potential legalization of online sports betting and continued support from the governor, Delaware could see an increase in Super Bowl betting in the future.
In conclusion, the future of sports betting in Delaware looks promising, with the potential legalization of online sports betting and continued support from the governor. The state has been a pioneer in legal sports betting, and it will be interesting to see how the industry evolves in the coming years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Delaware has been at the forefront of legal sports betting since the repeal of PASPA in 2018. With three casinos offering both retail and online sports betting, Delaware residents and visitors have easy access to legal sports gambling.
The state’s unique location on the East Coast has also made it a popular destination for sports bettors from surrounding states, who can easily cross state lines to place their bets.
Delaware’s legal sports betting industry has also created jobs and generated revenue for the state, which has been used to fund education and other important programs.
Overall, Delaware’s comprehensive guide to sports betting, combined with its convenient location and strong industry, make it a great destination for both casual and serious sports bettors.
