Online Sports Betting in Delaware

Delaware was one of the first states outside Nevada to introduce legal sports betting, but the state has yet to launch online sports betting — making it difficult for the state’s sports betting industry to compete with nearby states.

While there aren’t currently any online betting options, this may change in the future as the state continues to evaluate its options.

Here’s everything you need to know about online sports betting in Delaware.

Details About Sports Betting in Delaware

• Delaware was the first state in the country outside Nevada to legalize and launch sports betting after the end of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).
• Delaware’s three casinos began taking sports bets in 2018, though none of these casinos offer an online platform for sports betting.
• Delaware passed a law in 2009 that gave the state lottery permission to expand its parlay product, but federal law prohibited this from being implemented for several months.
• While online sports betting is legal in Delaware, there are currently no online sportsbooks or apps available because the state has deemed online sports betting too expensive to launch.
• Without access to online sports betting platforms, Delaware residents who want to bet on sports will have to visit one of the state’s three casinos.
• William Hill currently provides sports betting at Delaware’s three casinos via an agreement with the Delaware Lottery.

Recent Sports Betting News in Delaware

Compared to other states with legal sports betting, Delaware’s sports betting industry is relatively small. This is likely because of the lack of online sports betting options and is made worse by the fact that mobile sports betting is available in nearby states such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Here are some of the most recent updates regarding the Delaware sports betting industry:

• May 16, 2022: The Delaware iGaming industry reports taking in a record $1.2 million in revenue for the month of April, marking a 39.8% increase from $874,012 in revenue in April 2021.
• May 6, 2022: Delaware’s sports betting handle dropped to its lowest in nine months in April, totaling $4.2 million for the month. This is down 23.6% from $5.5 million in April 2021.
• May 4, 2022: Delaware sportsbooks report taking in a total of $5.2 million in bets during March, leading to $553,465 in revenue. March’s handle is down over $1 million from March 2021.
• April 5, 2022: Delaware sports betting revenue decreases from $765,092 in January to $98,135 in February, marking a 7% month-to-month drop. Players won a total of $5.1 million during the month.
• April 2, 2022: Delaware’s iGaming handle for February was $24.4 million, down 16.4% from January’s $29.2 million handle. This handle led to a total of $843,247 in revenue, down from January’s $1.1 million.
• Jan. 6, 2022: After taking a major hit in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Delaware’s sports betting industry rebounded in 2021, taking in a total of $121,288,658 in bets for the year, marking a 34.4% increase from 2020.

Online Sports Betting Apps Available in Delaware

Online sports betting is technically legal in Delaware, but the state has yet to launch any online sports betting apps. The state has refrained from implementing online sports betting due to the high costs associated with it, and currently there is no timeline for online sports betting in Delaware. However, online horse race betting is available via operators like BetAmerica, TVG, and TwinSpires.

Delaware residents who want to bet on sports online need to travel to a nearby state that offers legal online sports betting, like Pennsylvania or New Jersey. Otherwise, residents’ betting options are limited to retail sportsbooks located at the state’s three casinos.

However, this could change in the future as Delaware continues to reevaluate its gaming industry. Delaware Lottery Director Vernon Kirk stated that many aspects of the state’s gaming industry may need a fresh look after the COVID-19 pandemic, including mobile and online sports betting.

As there are currently no licensed online sportsbooks in Delaware, bettors should beware any apps or websites that claim to operate legally in the state. Betting on these platforms may leave players vulnerable to fraud, scams, and other issues.

Are Daily Fantasy Sports Apps Legal in Delaware?

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) apps are a popular alternative to mobile sports betting apps, as they allow users to utilize their sports knowledge to create teams and compete against other users in daily contests for cash and other prizes. Since the outcomes of these games are often dependent on the player’s knowledge, some states consider them games of skill, while others view them as gambling and ban DFS games under their gambling laws.

Delaware Gov. John Carney signed daily fantasy sports regulations into law in 2017, paving the way for platforms like DraftKings, Yahoo, and FanDuel to launch in the state. Anyone 18 or older can register with one of these platforms to participate in these contests.

How to Place Responsible Sports Bets in Delaware

Anyone 21 or older within Delaware state lines can bet at any of the state’s three retail sportsbooks at its three casinos. You can also bet on horse races at one of the state’s two horse racing tracks or online with BetAmerica, TVG, or TwinSpires.

If you plan to bet on sports in Delaware, it’s important to follow responsible gambling practices to avoid developing a problematic gambling habit.

Responsible gambling practices include:

• Setting a budget to avoid betting more than you can afford to lose
• Never betting while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Taking breaks or quitting completely if you notice gambling is impacting your personal life or career
• Setting time limits to avoid spending too much time at the casino, which can lead to problem gambling
• Avoiding sportsbooks that claim to operate legally in the state, as Delaware has yet to license any online sports betting apps

Gambling addiction is a serious issue that can impact anybody. Problem gambling can have a major impact on your well-being, relationships, personal life, and career. If you believe you may be addicted to gambling, you can contact the National Council on Problem Gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 for assistance.

Delaware Sports Betting FAQs

Editor’s Note: Information accurate as of June 2022.