Delaware may be an unlikely state for a lot of things but we can assure you that online gambling is not one of them. DE is a little state that has a big fight in it and has been making strides in the efforts to legalize gambling for years. Because of these attempts, whether successful or not, Delaware has set itself up perfectly to be the first state to launch (outside of Nevada) legal ventures whenever new laws are enacted or existing laws are lifted. All states have different rules, so make sure you pay attention.
In this DE state legal gambling review, we will explore the options of casinos, online casinos, and sports betting within the state.
DE Legal Gambling History
Gambling in the state of Delaware is ingrained into its fiber. Horse betting has been legal before Delaware was even a state, and as early as 1937 the first race tracks received their licenses and legal gambling was officially born.
Delaware seems to always be at the forefront. It’s often the first state, or the first state outside of Nevada–which is still a big reason to boast—to legalize forms of gambling. DE was also one of four states to allow NFL parlays to be wagered on during PASPA’s federal sports betting ban throughout the ’90s until it was lifted in 2018.
Delaware has had legal online gambling in the state since 2012. While this has been some time already, there doesn’t seem to be very many gambling websites. There is a good reason for this. Delaware’s gambling industry is regulated by the state lottery commission. So while you are choosing between three casino sites, they are all essentially the same umbrella company. Licensing in the state of DE is strictly regulated.
Delaware became the first state outside of Nevada to launch online sports betting after the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was overturned in 2018 at the federal level. This is thanks to its attempts to overturn the law previously, making DE ready before it happened.
DE Legal Gambling Status
Players who are at least 21 years of age or older and located within the state of Delaware can legally gamble at casino properties, online casinos, and sportsbooks. Horse racing, motor racing, daily fantasy sports, and the state lottery require that players are at least 18 years of age to participate.
DE Retail Casinos and Sportsbooks
The state of Delaware currently has 3 racetrack casinos. These properties are:
Each casino property provides a home to a sportsbook.
DE Online Casinos and Mobile Apps
Delaware has only 3 online casinos. This isn’t many, considering online gambling has been legal in the state since 2013. The reason for this is DE’s state lottery strictly controls the entire industry which allows only for the existing casinos to hold operating licenses. This is done through the lottery commission in partnership with 888 Holdings and Scientific Games.
Through each one of DE’s 3 existing casinos, players online are granted access to poker, slots, and table games; such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.
DE Online Poker
A perk that Delaware gamblers have had for years is the pleasure of accessing interstate gaming online. This is thanks to the 2014 Interstate Player Gaming Agreement that was signed by both the governess of Delaware and Nevada. This allows for players in both states to access online poker sites and to sit at the table together with much larger pools involved. It only got better in 2017 when New Jersey’s governor Chris Christie signed the agreement as well.
DE poker sites are operated by the states 3 casinos and are:
- Delawarepark.com
- Doverdowns.com
- Harringtonraceway.com
DE Online Sports Betting and Sportsbooks
Players in DE can wager on all major American sports and international at each one of the state’s casinos online sportsbooks.
DE Legal Gambling FAQ’s
What can I and what can’t I bet on legally in the state of Delaware?
In the state of Delaware the following options are legal: casino gambling, online casino gambling, sports betting, daily fantasy sports, race betting, and the state lottery. Sites like FanDuel and DraftKings have not come online yet in DE.
What are the requirements for legal gambling in the state of Delaware?
Players at casinos, both online and physical, must be at least 21 years of age. Players betting on sports must also be at least 21.
In the state of DE, those that are 18 and up can bet on racing (horse and motor), fantasy sports, and play the state’s lottery.
Anyone gambling legally at Delaware websites must be located within the state in order to do so.
