Welcome to your ultimate guide for Delaware sports betting! In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the state’s sports betting laws and regulations, the top sportsbooks and betting sites, and much more! Join us as we navigate the exciting world of Delaware sports betting and equip you with the knowledge and information you’ll need to set yourself up for success. Now, let’s dive right in!
Is Sports Betting Legal in Delaware?
Less than one month after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional & Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018, Delaware became the first state (other than Nevada) to launch sports betting within its borders.
Sports wagering was actually legalized in Delaware in 2009 after HB 100 passed in both the state’s House of Representatives and Senate, but no action was taken until the federal ban on sports betting was lifted.
Today, sports betting is legal at Delaware’s three racinos: Bally’s Dover Casino Resort, Delaware Park Casino & Racing, and Harrington Raceway and Casino. The Delaware Lottery oversees operations at each of the retail sportsbooks, with William Hill acting as the risk manager. Despite the state’s in-person wagering options, online sports betting remains unavailable in Delaware.
It remains unclear exactly when the mobile wagering will launch in the First State. However, the approval of the formation of the Internet Sports Lottery Legislative Working Group by the Delaware General Assembly in January 2023 was a good sign, as they were tasked with evaluating Delaware’s sports betting framework and examining the mobile sports betting markets in nearby states.
As a result, there is reason for sports betting enthusiasts across the state to be optimistic with the Delaware Lottery and state legislators seemingly both working to make the dream of online sports betting a reality in the not-so-distant future.
Delaware Sports Betting Rules & Regulations
The sports betting rules and regulations in the state of Delaware are fairly simple, and we have provided a general summary below.
- In-person wagering on sporting events is legal at each of Delaware’s licensed retail sportsbooks at the following Delaware casinos and race tracks: Bally’s Dover Casino Resort, Delaware Park Casino & Racing, and Harrington Raceway and Casino.
- Sports betting operations across the state are regulated by the Delaware Lottery.
- Only those who are 21 years or older may bet on sports in the state of Delaware. Valid identification will be required at all of the state’s retail sportsbooks to verify your age.
- Placing wagers on in-state college teams (e.g., University of Delaware Blue Hens) is strictly prohibited. However, bets may be placed on college sporting events involving out-of-state programs.
- Betting on political events or elections is banned by the state of Delaware.
What Are the Best Delaware Sportsbooks & Betting Sites?
There are currently no mobile sportsbooks operating in the state of Delaware. However, many of the industry leaders would likely look to enter the state if and when they are given an opportunity. Some of the top candidates to launch their platform in Delaware in the upcoming years are discussed below.
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook is widely available across the Northeast and likely to enter the Delaware sports betting market once mobile sports betting becomes available in the Blue Hen State. With a top-tier mobile app and excellent customer loyalty program, DraftKings has established itself as one of the top options for sports bettors across the country.
Caesars Sportsbook
Another likely candidate is Caesars Sportsbook. One of the biggest names in the sports betting industry, Caesars offers wagers on a wide range of sports and leagues from all over the world while also providing a user-friendly website and mobile app to all customers. Attractive promotions and competitive odds are a few of the other benefits offered to bettors on the platform.
BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers is a trusted and reliable sportsbook that would be an excellent option for Delaware bettors. Its intuitive interface ensures a seamless betting experience, while its fast and secure payment system allows for hassle-free transactions. Additionally, BetRivers Sportsbook stands out with its generous promotions and loyalty program, rewarding customers with exclusive perks and bonuses.
SuperBook Sportsbook
Last but not least, SuperBook Sportsbook would certainly make waves in the Delaware market if given the chance. Known for its extensive coverage of sports and leagues, SuperBook offers a comprehensive selection of betting options to cater to every sports fan. With its reputation for providing competitive odds and attentive customer service, SuperBook ensures that all bettors will have a satisfying and enjoyable betting experience.
How Can I Bet on Sports in Delaware?
Although online and mobile sports betting is not yet available in the First State, Delaware residents have plenty of different options to get in on the action. Here are a few of the opportunities offered:
Retail Sportsbooks
Delaware bettors can visit any of the state’s three retail sportsbooks (Bally’s Dover Race & Sports Book, Sports Book at Delaware Park, or Murphy’s Race and Sports Book at Harrington Raceway & Casino) and place wagers on both college and professional sporting events, with games involving in-state college programs being the only exception.
Visit Neighboring States
If you’re interested in placing wagers online or exploring other retail sportsbooks, you always have the option to visit neighboring states that have previously launched sports betting within their borders. New Jersey is the epicenter of sports betting on the East Coast and provides countless mobile and retail betting options to anyone physically located in the state. Pennsylvania and Maryland both also offer online and in-person wagering and present a great opportunity to Delaware bettors.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Delaware is one of the few U.S. states to have officially legalized daily fantasy sports (DFS). The options are somewhat limited in Delaware, as all DFS operators are required to pay the state an annual fee of $50,000 as well as 15% of all revenue. Nevertheless, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Yahoo are all available and allow anyone who is 18 years or older to sign up, enter a wide range of contests, and compete for their share of huge prize pools.
Horse Racing
Horse racing fans in Delaware will have the opportunity to visit any of the state’s racinos, which host live horse racing events and simulcast races from around the country, to place bets. In addition, online racebooks (e.g., AmWager and TwinSpires) are legal and can be used from anywhere in the state to place wagers on all the biggest races and events.
Offshore Sportsbooks
Offshore sportsbooks can be an alternative option for Delaware bettors looking to expand their choices. These sportsbooks operate online and are based in jurisdictions outside the United States. While they may offer a wider range of betting markets and potentially better odds, it’s important for bettors to exercise caution and research the reputation and reliability of offshore sportsbooks before engaging with them.
Where Can I Bet on Sports in Delaware?
You can currently place sports bets in person at each of Delaware’s three licensed casinos: Bally’s Dover Casino Resort, Delaware Park Casino & Racing, and Harrington Raceway and Casino. Further information about the state’s three retail sportsbooks is provided below.
Bally’s Dover Casino Resort
- Retail Sportsbook: Bally’s Dover Race & Sports Book
- Address: 1131 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901
- Phone Number: (302) 674-4600
Bally’s Dover Casino Resort, formerly Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, offers a fantastic in-person sports betting experience. Plenty of big-screen TVs, odds boards, and parlay cards every week during football season are just a taste of what Bally’s Dover Race & Sports Book has to offer.
Wagers are offered on college football, college basketball, NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, F1, Bundesliga, EPL, and plenty of other popular leagues in the world of sports. You’ll also have access to the Bally’s Dover Sports Book Bar on the weekends, which offers all your game-day favorites (e.g., pizza, nachos, and hot dogs) as well as a fully-stocked bar.
Delaware Park Casino & Racing
- Retail Sportsbook: Sports Book at Delaware Park
- Address: 777 Delaware Park Blvd., Wilmington, DE 19804
- Phone Number: (302) 994-2521
Retail sports betting is also available at Delaware Park Casino & Racing, which is conveniently located minutes south of Wilmington and the Delaware Memorial Bridge. The Sports Book at Delaware Park offers an authentic, Vegas-style wagering experience, and you’ll get to choose from a wide range of bet types, including straight bets, parlays, teasers, round robins, futures, and more!
Sports tellers and self-service betting terminals are available to accept bets on all your favorite players, teams, and leagues from around the world. Additionally, sports bettors at Delaware Park Casino & Racing can sign up for a Player Rewards Card to start earning exclusive benefits, such as access to special promotions, entries into sweepstakes and giveaways, birthday offers, and free food and drinks.
Harrington Raceway and Casino
- Retail Sportsbook: Murphy’s Race and Sports Book at Harrington Raceway & Casino
- Address: 18500 S. DuPont Highway, Harrington, DE 19952
- Phone Number: (302) 398-4920
Murphy’s Race and Sports Book at Harrington Raceway & Casino began accepting in-person bets on sporting events on June 5, 2018 and remains a fantastic option for sports bettors in southern Delaware to this day.
Visitors will be able to bet on basketball, football, baseball, soccer, golf hockey, horse racing, auto racing, and plenty of other sports, and they will also get to enjoy 50+ TVs and an extensive dining menu in Murphy’s Sports Bar while watching their bets play out.
How To Sign Up & Start Betting in Delaware
Time needed: 5 minutes
Are you ready to start placing bets on all your favorite teams and leagues? Just follow the six steps outlined below to get started.
- Choose a Retail Sportsbook
Research and select a retail sportsbook that is conveniently located and aligns with your unique betting needs.
- Visit the Location
Once you’ve chosen a retail sportsbook, physically visit the designated location. Check the operating hours and plan your visit accordingly.
- Sign Up for an Account
Approach the registration counter or designated area within the sportsbook to sign up for an account. Provide the necessary information, which typically includes your name, address, date of birth, and contact information.
- Verify Your Identity
In order to comply with legal requirements and prevent fraud, the sportsbook may request additional documents for identity verification. Cooperate with the sportsbook staff and follow their instructions to complete the verification process.
- Agree to the Terms & Conditions
Review and agree to the terms and conditions presented by the sportsbook. This typically involves acknowledging the rules and regulations, responsible gambling policies, and any specific terms related to the use of the sportsbook’s services.
- Start Placing Bets
Once your account is set up and verified, you can start placing bets at the retail sportsbook. Browse through the available betting options, which may include various sports, leagues, and types of bets. Approach a betting counter or use self-service kiosks if available.
What Teams Can I Bet on in Delaware?
Delaware offers several opportunities for sports betting enthusiasts to engage in their favorite pastime. Whether you’re a fan of college or professional sports, there are various teams and events on which you can place your bets. Here is a brief overview of the betting options available for some of the most popular teams among Delaware sports fans:
Delaware Blue Hens
The Delaware Blue Hens are the athletic teams representing the University of Delaware. They compete in NCAA Division I and have a strong following among Delaware sports fans. Unfortunately, you cannot bet on the Blue Hens or any other in-state programs in Delaware. However, you can visit neighboring states to place wagers on the University of Delaware’s games in basketball, football, and several other sports.
Villanova Wildcats
Although Villanova University is located in Pennsylvania, its close proximity to Delaware has earned it a dedicated fan base in the state. The Villanova Wildcats’ men’s basketball team is especially popular, and Delaware sports fans appreciate the team’s consistent competitiveness and exciting style of play. Since Villanova University is an out-of-state school, Delaware residents can place in-person wagers on the Wildcats all season long.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are an NFL team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Despite not having a professional football team of their own, many Delaware sports fans rally behind the Eagles. With passionate support and a strong regional connection, the Eagles have captured the hearts of Delaware residents. You can bet on Jalen Hurts and the Eagles throughout the season by visiting any of the state’s racinos.
Philadelphia 76ers
Delaware sports fans who follow basketball often show their support for the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers. The team’s dynamic playstyle, star players, and exciting playoff runs have endeared them to Delaware residents, making them a popular choice for NBA fandom in the state. Spreads, moneylines, totals, player props, and many other types of bets are offered by Delaware retail sportsbooks for all 76ers’ games.
Strategies & Tips for Delaware Sports Bettors
If you’re looking for some general advice or specific strategies you can use to increase your chances of success and maximize your potential winnings, you’ve come to the right place. Listed below are a few tips and tricks for Delaware sports bettors.
- Stay Informed: Stay updated with the latest news, team developments, injuries, and other factors that can influence the outcome of a game. Follow reputable sports news sources, team announcements, and expert analysis to gain an informational edge.
- Keep Your Emotions in Check: Avoid making impulsive bets based on personal biases or emotions. Stay objective and make rational decisions based on data and analysis rather than letting emotions cloud your judgment.
- Explore Different Types of Bets: Explore various types of bets such as point spreads, totals (over/under), parlays, teasers, or futures. Each bet type has its own advantages and considerations. Familiarize yourself with them and diversify your betting options.
- Be Selective With Your Wagers: Avoid the temptation to bet on every available game. Instead, focus on games where you have a strong analysis and a higher level of confidence. Quality over quantity is key.
- Trust Your Research: Once you’ve done your analysis and made your decision, trust your research and stick to your chosen bet. Avoid second-guessing yourself based on external opinions or last-minute changes.
- Avoid Chasing Losses: It’s natural to want to recoup losses quickly, but chasing losses can lead to impulsive and irrational betting decisions. Stick to your bankroll management plan and avoid increasing your stakes out of frustration.
Delaware Sports Betting FAQ
Yes, sports betting is legal in the state of Delaware. However, it is currently a retail-only state, meaning all wagers will need to be placed in person at licensed retail sportsbooks.
The legal betting age in the state of Delaware is 21 years old.
Yes! You can bet on both college and professional sporting events in Delaware, but wagering on in-state schools (e.g., the University of Delaware) is prohibited.
There are currently three retail sports betting locations in the state of Delaware: Bally’s Dover Casino Resort, Delaware Park Casino & Racing, and Harrington Raceway and Casino.
There are currently no mobile sportsbooks authorized to operate in the state of Delaware. However, DraftKings, Caesars, BetRivers, and SuperBook are a few of the top U.S. betting sites and likely candidates to enter the Delaware market if an opportunity should ever arise.
