Delaware Online Casinos
Delaware is surprisingly one of the biggest states in the country when it comes to online gambling. Delaware online gambling is a big part of the small state. The Delaware Lottery oversees three online casinos, three online poker sites, and a robust online lottery. It also has three racinos in the state.
So what is there to know about gambling in The First State? We at PlayUSA are here to help you navigate it all, so read on for more about Delaware gambling.
Play online casino games or slots in Delaware
Is gambling legal in Delaware?
You bet. Within the online gambling system, Delaware’s law actually allows for a quite broad interpretation of what can be offered. The director of the Delaware Department of Gaming Enforcement has, by law, quite a bit of latitude to decide the range of offerings, and the current holder of that position has not been eager to exclude anything.
So, Delaware residents enjoy a favorable set of options for online casino play in Delaware.
The First State has three online casinos, three online poker sites, and a robust online lottery.
How online casino games work in Delaware
Delaware only provides three legal online casino and poker sites in partnership with the three racinos in that state. Online casinos function very easily in Delaware, though initially it can be confusing. It is essentially a single-operator system showcased in three individual online gambling sites. Each of the state’s three racinos, in partnership with BetRivers, provide one branded app apiece.
There is one app each for Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway. Through these apps, customers have access to BetRivers deal with Evolution Gaming, live dealer games.
Delaware taxes online casinos and poker sites at 62.5%.
Other forms of Delaware online gambling
What about online poker in Delaware?
Yes, you can play online poker in Delaware. Online poker was legalized in 2012 and is regulated by the state lottery. All three racinos operated an online poker site alongside their individually branded online casinos, but the changeover from 888 to BetRivers has caused online poker to be temporarily paused. A new platform, BetRivers Poker, has been rumored since 2023, but it remains frustratingly unavailable.
Regardless, Delaware remains part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement. This means poker players in the state can compete against players from Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania – once Delaware reopens online poker.
Social and sweepstakes casino options
There are several Clubs Poker.
Racing
Horse racing is a significant part of Delaware. All three of the state’s racetracks have racebooks and sportsbooks. Delaware Park is a thoroughbred track, while both Harrington Raceway and Dover Downs are harness tracks.
All three also offer off-track betting of simulcast races seven days a week. They are the only authorized OTB locations in the state.
Online horse betting sites also accept customers from Delaware. Some of the more popular include:
- TVG
- BetAmerica
- TwinSpires
Gambling in the state of Delaware
All gambling in the state is regulated by the Delaware Lottery. Online gambling includes internet lottery tickets, online slots, online table games, and online poker. In fact, the DE Lottery contracts with BetRivers. The racinos offer the corresponding brands available in the state.
A brief history of gambling laws in Delaware
Delaware’s move toward land-based gambling has been a gradual progression, rather than a full-bore sprint toward legalization. Dating back to 1933, the state legislature created a racing commission, and through numerous legislative sessions, the state has slowly increased the prominence of gambling and online gambling. In doing so, gambling has become the state’s fourth-largest source of revenue. Here are a few key dates in the transformation of Delaware gambling.
- 2018: Delaware becomes the first state outside Nevada to begin full-scale sports betting. The first bet is made on June 5, just two weeks before New Jersey sports betting kicks into gear.
- 2012: Gov. Jack Markell signs Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act into law allowing the state lottery to offer online gambling options such as lotto tickets, table games, and online slots.
- 2009: Markell makes an initial attempt to expand gambling laws to offer full-scale sports betting. However, the US Supreme Court declines to hear the state’s arguments.
- 1975: The Delaware Lottery is established.
- 1933: The state Legislature creates a racing commission. Over the years, it evolves into two separate commissions that work in tandem: the Delaware Harness Racing Commission and the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission.
Delaware responsible gambling
With such a robust online gambling and racing history, Delaware is no stranger to problem gambling. Thus, the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems seeks to assist Delaware residents with their practice of responsible gambling. The DCGP is available around the clock through its helpline at 888-850-8888.
Nationally, of course, there are two resources available for problem gambling help and advice, each of which offers a Delaware-based service:
- National Council on Problem Gambling: 800-522-4700
- Gamblers Anonymous: 626-960-3500
Finally, if you need to take a more severe approach, you can pursue relief through the Delaware Self-Exclusion Program. This list, which is voluntary to be placed upon, will bar you from any gambling activities in Delaware for a preset amount of time.