Delaware Sports Betting in 2024 - Best Legal Sportsbooks
Nicknamed 'The First State,' Delaware was the second U.S. jurisdiction to begin accepting legal single-game sports bets. Though retail betting has been available since 2018, legal online sports betting only arrived in December 2023, with BetRivers being the lone sports betting site operating in Delaware.
Our Delaware sports betting guide will keep you updated on all the latest news, sportsbook promos, and more.
- Population: 1 million
- Legal age for sports betting: 21
- Online sports betting: Yes
- 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. Fast-forward five years, legal online sports betting became available in December 2023 via BetRivers — the state's sole online operator.
Here’s a glimpse into Delaware’s sports betting rearview mirror:
April 15, 2024: Delaware lawmakers propose a competitive online sports betting market.
Dec 27, 2023: With little notice, BetRivers launches its online sportsbook in Delaware, becoming the lone online sports betting platform in the First State.
Dec. 18, 2023: Delaware House working group supports online sports betting, citing the need for a competitive market in the state.
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.
Is sports betting legal in Delaware?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Delaware. In 2018, the First State became the second U.S. jurisdiction — behind Nevada — to accept legal single-game sports bets. Operating as an "in-person only" market for over five years, Delaware welcomed legal online sports betting on Dec. 27, 2023, via the arrival of BetRivers. The Rush Street Interactive sportsbook is the only online platform currently available within the state.
Best Delaware sports betting offers and bonuses
Even though Delaware's legal online sports betting market is comprised of one operator, new First State bettors can still score an easy-to-claim welcome bonus to kick off their account:
BetRivers Sportsbook - Up to a $100 bonus bet: Sign-up using the BetRivers bonus code 'COVERSBONUS' and claim up to a $100 bonus bet if your first real-money wager falls short. Bonus will be awarded within 24 hours of your qualifying bet settling as a loss and is valid for 30 days from issuance. You have until March 31, 2024 to claim this offer.
Top Delaware sports betting sites
First State bettors only have access to one online Delaware sports betting site in 2024, which we detail below:
1. BetRivers Delaware
BetRivers Delaware offers new bettors up to a $100 bonus bet if their initial wager with the online sportsbook is unsuccessful. Besides a generous welcome bonus — which only requires the BetRivers promo code 'COVERSBONUS' and a minimum $10 deposit to qualify — BetRivers presents several other enticing features for newbies and seasoned bettors. The online sportsbook offers a wide range of betting markets across a variety of sports, an easy-to-use mobile app, and access to the iRush Reward program that allows you to earn points with every real-money wager placed.
Read our non-biased BetRivers Review to learn more about Delaware's lone online sportsbook.
- App Store rating: 4.6 (iOS); 3.9 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Up to a $100 bonus bet with code 'COVERSBONUS'
- Payout speed: 1-14 days
What sportsbooks are legal in Delaware?
A licensed Delaware sportsbook now allows bettors to legally wager on various sports and events anywhere within the First State.
- BetRivers - Best sportsbook
Legal Delaware sportsbooks
On Dec. 27, 2023, Delaware welcomed BetRivers, marking the state's first legal online sportsbook to go live.
Delaware's online and mobile sportsbooks
Online sportsbook | Mobile app | Odds provider | Online casino | Launch Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
BetRivers | Yes | Kambi | Yes | Dec. 27, 2023 |
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 or sign up with the one available online sportsbook, 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 one online sports betting operator and three retail sportsbooks. Consider your proximity to each location and read some betting sites reviews before choosing.
Register
Register with BetRivers by creating a new online sportsbook account. You'll be prompted to provide several pieces of personal information — your full name, date of birth, mailing address, etc. — and submit a government-issued ID.
If you prefer in-person wagering, 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.
With online Delaware sports betting now in town, you can fund your account using many of the best sportsbook deposit and withdrawal methods, including credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets, electronic money transfers, and more.
Choose your bet types
You can find all the popular bet types when wagering online or at retail sportsbooks, 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. If you're wagering via a Delaware online sportsbook, add your picks to your 'bet slip,' enter the stake you wish to wager, and hit confirm.
Withdraw funds
With gaming at retail locations, visit the casino cage to access your winnings. Be aware that there may be minimum and maximum withdrawal limits. For online and mobile bettors, simply select your preferred banking method to withdraw from your account.
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 2024
Delawareans yearning for more 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 or use one online sportsbook. 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 only approved one Delaware sports betting site. But, the arrival of legal online betting could mean more of the best sports betting apps are set to arrive in the near future.
Remote registration
Now that online sports betting is a reality, Delaware bettors are able to register, claim sign-up bonuses, and place bets on their mobile devices from anywhere in Delaware. The online sportsbook utilizes geofencing software to ensure all bettors are located in Delaware.
Within state borders
As retail sportsbooks are the major game in town, you must be physically located in one of three locations to place a legal sports bet. If you prefer online or mobile sports betting, you have one online sportsbook to wager with.
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 more legal online sportsbooks to enter the fray, but there seems to be little appetite for an increase in online sports betting in DE.
What you can't bet on in Delaware
Delaware's legal sports betting landscape is slim, but most bet types are offered when betting at any available 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.
Delaware sports betting handle
In addition to Delaware sports betting, we're tracking sports betting revenue for all states with legal sports betting, including monthly handle and hold. Follow along.
Yearly breakdown
Year | Total handle | Revenue | Hold percentage | Tax revenue |
2024 | - | - | - | - |
2023 | $65.3M | $14.5M | 22.3% | $8.44M |
2022 | $82.4M | $17.3M | 21% | $10.4M |
Monthly handle
Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
2024 | $17.1M | $13.8M | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
2023 | $8.45M | $4.12M | $3.49M | $3.45M | $2.76M | $3.12M | $2.26M | $2.4M | $7.63M | $10.7M | $8.13M | $8.84M | $$65.3M |
2022 | $12.6M | $5.4M | $5.1M | $4.2M | $5.12M | $3.5M | $2.67M | $2.9M | $8.9M | $13.5M | $10.17M | $8.15M | $82.4M |
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 | Yes ✅ |
Number of betting licenses | N/A |
Number of betting sites | 1 |
Remote registration | Yes ✅ |
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
North Carolina is poised to launch the legal sports betting industry in early 2024. North Carolina sports betting will consist of gaming behemoths like FanDuel, bet365, ESPN BET, and Fanatics Sportsbook.
Legal Vermont sports betting is here as of Jan. 11, 2024. The state has gone live with three operators — FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook — ready to accept offers.
Legal Maine sports betting launched on Nov. 7, 2023, with up to two online sportsbooks — DraftKings and Caesars — going live. The retail sports betting experience is limited to local casinos.
We saw Kentucky sportsbooks come online on Sept. 28, 2023, while retail betting commenced on Sept. 7.
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 and one online sports betting operator.
Yes, online sports betting is legal in Delaware. However, the Delaware Lottery has only approved one operator — BetRivers — to provide legal online and mobile wagering services in the state.
There is one legal online sportsbooks in Delaware — BetRivers.
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. Eligible bettors in the First State can also legally wager with BetRivers Sportsbook, which launched in Delaware on Dec. 27, 2023.
Yes, you must be within state borders to legally bet on sports online in Delaware.
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Jeff has been reviewing sportsbooks and covering North American sports betting and iGaming at Covers 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.