Delaware Sports Betting in 2023 - Best Legal Sportsbooks
Nicknamed “The First State,” Delaware was the second U.S. jurisdiction to begin accepting legal single-game sports bets. Delaware has operated an “in-person only” betting model since 2018. While online sports betting is legal, there is no timetable for the best sports betting sites to do business in Delaware.
Our Delaware sports betting guide will keep you up to date on all the latest news and updates.
- Population: 1 million
- Legal age for sports betting: 21
- Online sports betting: No
- Retail sportsbooks: Yes
Delaware sports betting updates
Delaware sports betting dates back to the mid-seventies, but 2018 marked the arrival of legal single-game sports betting.
Here’s a glimpse into Delaware’s sports betting rearview mirror:
June 5, 2018: Delaware’s three racinos — Dover Downs Hotel & Casino (now Bally's Dover Race & Sports Book), Moneyline Sports Bar & Lounge, and Murphy’s Race and Sports Book — launch the first retail Delaware sportsbooks.
May 14, 2018: The Supreme Court deems the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) unconstitutional, opening the door for Delaware to offer legal single-game sports betting.
July 26, 2017: Governor John Carney signs the Delaware Interactive Fantasy Contest Act, legalizing daily fantasy sports contests in Delaware.
Aug. 24, 2009: A U.S. Court of Appeals rules against Delaware sports betting, confirming the state violated federal law (PASPA) by attempting to offer single-game sports betting. Delaware is permitted to offer parlay betting only.
July 24, 2009: The NBA, NCAA, NFL, NHL, and MLB sue Delaware, claiming the state is in direct violation of The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act.
May 14, 2009: Gov. Jack Markell signs a sports betting bill into law. The new law would bring single-game sports betting to Delaware.
Oct. 28, 1992: The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act outlaws sports betting in the U.S. Delaware is one of four exempt states due to its previous parlay offering.
1976: The Delaware Lottery operates a football parlay game. The short-lived lottery product would eventually give Delaware partial exempt status from U.S. sports gambling prohibition in 1992.
Legal Delaware sportsbooks
Retail sports betting, supplied by Scientific Games, is available at each of Delaware’s three racinos — Bally’s Dover Casino Resort, Casino at Delaware Park, and Harrington Raceway and Casino.
Land-based Delaware sportsbooks
| Sportsbook | Venue | Address | Phone Number | Odds Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bally's Dover Race & Sports Book | Bally's Dover Casino Resort | 1131 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901 | 302-674-4600 | Scientific Games |
| Moneyline Sports Bar & Lounge | Casino at Delaware Park | 777 Delaware Park Blvd, Wilmington, DE 19804 | 302-994-2521 | Scientific Games |
| Murphy’s Race and Sports Book | Harrington Raceway & Casino | 18500 S Dupont Hwy, Harrington, DE 19952 | 302-398-4920 | Scientific Games |
How to start betting in Delaware
Getting started at a Delaware sportsbook is as easy as one, two, three: Visit one of three retail locations, and you'll be sweating bets in no time.
Alternatively, over 100 retail outlets accept parlay bets on NFL and college football.
Select a sportsbook
Delaware sports bettors are limited to just three retail sportsbooks. Consider your proximity to each location and read some reviews before departing for the casino.
Check out our sports betting site reviews to learn more about potential future Delaware sports betting sites.
Register in person
With no legal online wagering, all sports bets go through a Delaware racino. Head to Bally's Dover Race & Sports Book, Moneyline Sports Bar & Lounge, or Murphy’s Race and Sports Book to get in on the action.
Claim a bonus
The most common sportsbook sign-up bonuses are typically reserved for new online sportsbook users. It’s not unheard of to encounter a welcome offer when visiting a retail location, but these promos are few and far between.
Deposit funds
Accepting payment methods may vary at each of Delaware’s retail sports betting facilities. We recommend calling ahead to confirm your preferred method is supported.
If online Delaware sports betting comes to town, expect to see a plethora of payment options available. The best sportsbook deposit and withdrawal methods include credit cards, debit cards, w-wallets, electronic money transfers, and more.
Choose your bet types
Delaware bettors can find all the popular bet types when visiting a retail sportsbook, including point spreads, Over/Unders (totals), moneylines, parlays, futures, and more.
Start betting
Once you’ve settled on your bets, confirm them with a teller or use a self-serve betting kiosk to lock in your selections.
Withdraw funds
Visit the casino cage to access your winnings. Be aware that there may be minimum and maximum withdrawal limits.
Reading the odds
Delaware sportsbooks use American odds to display betting odds. These odds use minus signs (-) and plus signs (+) to represent favorites (-) and underdogs (+).
For example, if the Philadelphia Eagles (-270) are hosting the New York Giants (+220). The -270 odds represent the $270 you would have to wager on the Eagles to win $100. On the other hand, +220 odds tell you a $100 bet on New York would net you a tidy $220 profit if you win. Betting on underdogs can result in a much larger payday, but there’s more certainly with a wager on a favorite.
Check out our odds calculator to cycle between American odds, fractional odds, and decimal odds and view potential payouts.
Latest US betting news
Crossing state lines: Nearby betting sites in 2023
Delawareans yearning for online sports betting have plenty of legal options in nearby states. New Jersey and Pennsylvania stand as the top sports betting destinations, with popular online sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, and BetMGM headlining a long list of legal platforms.
Who can bet on sports in Delaware?
Delaware residents and visitors can visit one of three brick-and-mortar sports betting locations. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect in DE:
Legal age
Adults 21 and older can place legal sports wagers at Delaware sportsbooks.
Mobile betting
Online sports betting is legal in DE. However, the state has yet to license Delaware sports betting sites, and it doesn't look like the best sports betting apps will be arriving anytime soon.
Remote registration
If online sports betting does become a reality, Delaware gamblers will likely be able to register, claim sign-up bonuses, and place bets on their mobile devices from anywhere in Delaware.
Within state borders
As retail sportsbooks are the only game in town, you must be physically located in one of three locations to place a legal sports bet. Should mobile betting arrive in the future, online sportsbooks will use geofencing software to ensure all bettors are located in Delaware.
Retail sportsbooks
Retail sports betting is legal in Delaware. Scientific Games supplies its sportsbook solution to three Delaware racinos: Bally's Dover Race & Sports Book, Moneyline Sports Bar & Lounge, and Murphy’s Race and Sports Book.
Taxable winnings
Delaware sports betting winnings are not taxed at the state level. A federal tax still applies to all sports bet winnings, however, as this money is considered income.
The pros and cons of Delaware sports betting
There's not much to write home about when it comes to Delaware sports betting. The door is still open for legal online sportsbooks to enter the fray, but there seems to be little appetite for online sports betting in DE.
No active Delaware betting sitesJust three retail sportsbooksNo in-state college sports bettingWhat you can't bet on in Delaware
Delaware sports betting is limited to in-person wagers, but most bet types are available when betting at a brick-and-mortar sportsbook. Here are some exceptions:
Politics
You cannot wager on political events in Delaware, such as federal elections.
esports
Delaware’s retail sportsbooks do not offer esports betting markets.
What about college sports?
You may wager on professional sports and college athletics in Delaware, assuming no Delaware-based team is involved. Events involving Delaware college teams are off-limits.
Home team advantage: Delaware sports
Putting allegiances on the back burner is best practice when your bankroll is on the line. If you must wager on your favorite team or player, ensure your bets are backed by thorough research.
Check out our how-to bet guides to get started.
Other types of gambling
In addition to sports betting, Delaware’s gambling industry consists of a state lottery — the Delaware Lottery — three racinos, three online casinos, three online poker sites, and pari-mutuel horse race betting.
Casino
Delaware's three racetrack casinos feature table games and VLTs. Slot machines are prohibited.
Real-money online casino gambling is legal in Delaware, but only via the Delaware Lottery. Each of the state's three racinos offers branded online gaming on the same platform, which is powered by 888 Holdings.
Poker
You can only play poker at a Delaware racino. There are no standalone card rooms in the state.
Horse racing
Delaware horse betting enthusiasts can place pari-mutuel wagers on live and simulcast events at Bally's Dover Casino Resort, Delaware Park, and Harrington Raceway.
Daily fantasy sports
Governor John Carney signed the Delaware Interactive Fantasy Contest Act on July 26th, 2017. FanDuel, DraftKings, and Yahoo Fantasy Sports have registered in Delaware and are authorized to provide DFS contests.
Quick facts: Delaware sports betting
| Retail launch date | June 5. 2018 |
| Legal age for betting | 21 |
| Online sports betting | No ❌ |
| Number of betting licenses | N/A |
| Number of betting sites | 0 |
| Remote registration | No ❌ |
| Retail sportsbooks | Yes ✅ |
| Online casino sites | Yes ✅ |
| Online poker | Yes ✅ |
| Retail casinos | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on college sports | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on esports | No ❌ |
| State population | 1 million |
| Total handle | $501 million |
| Tax rate | 50% |
| State regulator | The Delaware Lottery |
Responsible gaming in Delaware
Delaware’s problem gambling initiatives closely mirror those found in neighboring states. From toll-free helplines and voluntary self-exclusion lists to responsible gambling tools and counseling, the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement ensures helpful resources are readily available to those in need.
Legal U.S. sports betting markets
The following U.S. jurisdictions have legalized or now offer some form of sports betting:
Upcoming legal U.S. sports betting launches
On Nov. 23, 2022, Marylanders were granted access to seven of the top betting platforms in the U.S. Legal Maryland sports betting sites include DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars Sportsbook.
Jan. 1, 2023, marked the launch of online Ohio sportsbooks. Retail locations opened on this day as well.
Sports bettors in one other state will soon be able to place online sports bets and cash out winnings from anywhere in their jurisdiction.
Massachusetts is planning to introduce retail sportsbooks in January. MA online sports betting will follow, with an expected March 2023 launch.
Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets
There are more than a handful of states moving toward legal sports betting in 2023 and beyond:
Sportsbooks to avoid in Delaware
See all blacklisted sportsbooks
Betting with offshore sportsbooks can be tempting, we recommend steering clear of these illegal websites. Instead, stick to legal, regulated Delaware sports betting options or visit a nearby state with licensed online sportsbooks.
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
Delaware sports betting FAQs
Yes. Delaware first offered a lottery-run football parlay game in 1976, and the Delaware Lottery now oversees the state’s three retail sportsbooks.
Yes, online sports betting is legal in Delaware. However, the Delaware Lottery still needs to take steps to offer mobile wagering. There are no active Delaware sports betting sites.
There are no legal online sportsbooks in Delaware.
Adults 21 and older can bet on sports in Delaware.
Delaware sports betting is only available at three retail sportsbooks: Bally's Dover Race & Sports Book, Moneyline Sports Bar & Lounge, and Murphy’s Race and Sports Book.
In 2023, no one can bet on sports online in Delaware. You may only play online casino games.
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Jeff has been reviewing sportsbooks and covering North American sports betting full-time since 2021. The former NHL prospects writer has crafted over 100 reviews and guides for the Covers community and has been sweating his own picks for over a decade.
