Online Sports Betting in Delaware
Published: | Updated:Sports betting in Delaware, while legal, is limited to in-person betting options only. Delaware has an unusual situation, as online sports betting is also legal, but there are no online betting sites available in the state. If you’re confused, worry not, we’re here to help sort things out for you.
The first official state of the original 13 states to ratify the US Constitution, Delaware is known as “The First State.” It is the second smallest and least populated of the states in the US. It also has an average altitude of merely 60 ft. above sea level, making it the lowest state as well. It’s a popular location for businesses and corporate entities. There are, in fact, more corporate entities in Delaware than residents! As a matter of fact, over 65% of Fortune 500 companies are also entities here.
Even with one of the smaller state populations in America, Delaware is home to or the birthplace of many notable celebrities. At one point, actress Aubrey Plaza, President Joe Biden, and musician Stephen Marley (son of Bob Marley) were all residents of Delaware!
Despite Delaware law permitting online sports betting, no online sportsbooks are live and available in the state. Delawareans are limited to in-person options at this time. You can currently bet in person at any of the state’s three retail gambling locations. As the state has only three total counties, they’re not too difficult to find.
While the Delaware Lottery is the overseer for the trio of sportsbooks, it’s William Hill who has assumed the role of ‘risk manager.’ Despite that, the casinos and properties have three different owners. The Delaware State Fair owns Harrington Raceway and Casino, Bally’s Corp owns Bally’s Dover, and a Canadian PE firm is the majority owner of Delaware Park.
All three offers the same rough collection of betting options. Bettors can wager on professional and college football and basketball, MLB and NHL, horse racing, NASCAR/F1, international soccer and more. Like most states, bettors cannot wager on in-state collegiate programs.
What are some of the key points of Delaware’s sports betting legislation?
- The state taxes sports betting revenues at at a rate of 50%
- All of the casinos share an annual $4.5M license fee. That fee covers everything, not just sports betting.
- Sports betting is legal at all three casinos.
Popular Sports in Delaware:
Delaware, unsurprisingly, is not home to any major pro sports teams as one of the smallest states in America. However, there are a number of nearby teams in neighboring states. Those teams provide fans with an organization for whom they can root. Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia are all close by.
The majority of Delaware’s residents live in New Castle County, which is closest to Philadelphia. As a result, many fans in Delaware lean towards rooting for Philly teams.
The most popular options are:
- Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
- Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
- Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
- Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
- Baltimore Ravens (NFL)
- Baltimore Orioles (MLB)
- Washington Commanders (NFL)
- Washington Capitals (NHL)
- Washington Wizards (NBA)
- Washington Nationals (MLB)
The University of Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens also has a loyal following for its football and basketball programs. They’ve produced NFL talent as well, like Baltimore Ravens QB and Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco. However, bettors cannot wager on in-state college teams, as per Delaware law.
Responsible Gambling in Delaware
If you are based in Delaware and your gambling is out of control, you can call the National Problem Gambling Hotline at 1-800-522-4700. The call is anonymous, and the phone hotline is available 24/7/365. You can also text the number 1-800-522-4700 or enter the website chat here. Help is always possible from NCPG, even if you have played at an illegal site.
Want to learn more about online casinos and sports gambling? Follow our Online Gamblers Academy to learn how to have fun responsibly!
Yes, sports betting is legal in Delaware and has been since June 2018.
You can place bets on sports in Delaware at any of the state’s three licensed casinos.
You can bet on a wide range of sports in Delaware, including professional and college football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, tennis, golf, and more.
Yes, mobile sports betting is available in Delaware through licensed online sportsbook operators.
The minimum age to place a sports bet in Delaware is 21 years old.
