Delaware Sports Betting

Delaware was one of the few states that had some exemptions from the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which banned sports betting across the country. Because the state had previously allowed certain sports bets, Delaware continued to allow 3-teаm parlays on NFL games. After the overturning of PASPA in 2018, Delaware was one of the first states to allow sports betting in general, accepting the first online sports bets in June 2018. If you are as excited as our team, you can read the page dedicated to Delaware sports betting!

Gambling Laws in Delaware

Delaware is at the forefront of states that permit gambling within their borders. It has a long history of gambling, as so became one of only a handful of states that were exempted from the full effects of the federal government’s PASPA in 1992. As such, Delaware has become pretty much synonymous with online gambling in the US. However, the state was only allowed to grant licenses for very specific sports betting, with gamblers only able to wager on 3-team parlay NFL bets. As soon as PASPA was overturned, Delaware made moves to legalize all sports betting and accepted the first full sports bets in June 2018, ahead of the vast majority of the country.

You can also play online casino games for real money in Delaware. As mentioned in out NV gambling article, DE competes with Nevada and New Jersey as one of the three states that allow online gambling. Players are also allowed to play daily fantasy sports. In addition, online poker rooms and tournaments are permitted, with a tie up between Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware existing.

Delaware Daily Fantasy Sports

Although commercial fantasy sports betting in Delaware was initially blocked by state law, on the 26th July 2017, the Delaware Interactive Fantasy Contest Act was passed, allowing players in the state to play in paid fantasy sports competition. Each company has to be approved to market its services to the residents of the first state. The table below lays out my recommendation for the best paid fantasy sports in Delaware.

Delaware Online Casinos

As well as having been the first state to ratify the Declaration of Independence, Delaware became the first state to allow online casino gambling in 2012. This move permitted licensed sites to offer slots and table games like blackjack, roulette and casino poker. It took until 2013 for the first three Delaware casino buildings to open their virtual doors, and until 2014 before the first real money games were in operation. However, now you have some great online options. See below for my pick of the best Delaware gambling sites.

Delaware Poker

Along with casino gambling, real-money poker was legalized in 2012 for players within Delaware. Following a surprisingly low number of players and tournaments flooding the market, the state teamed up with Nevada and New Jersey in order to cooperate, hosting poker tournaments together in order to increase revenue and popularity.

Delaware Lottery

The Delaware lottery is a long-standing part of state life. Introduced under a state law in 1975, the Delaware State Lottery is the fourth largest source of funding for the state. You can play instant wins, keno and instant games, but you have to go into one of the approved retailers in order to purchase tickets. For additional information, do not hesitate to take a look at our specially dedicated Delaware lottery page.

History of Gambling in Delaware

As you may have guessed reading these last few paragraphs, there is a lot of gambling history in Delaware. The state has seen numerous developments over the last hundred years or so. But it all goes back to 1760 when colonists began betting on horse racing. This was eradicated by puritanism, but since the mid-20th century, gambling has seen a resurgence.

Delaware State Facts

Delaware is the second smallest state in the country, with one of the smallest populations. There are no major cities within the state, but there are lots of interesting facts about this little corner of the East Coast. You can see some basic facts below as well as click to go straight to the state’s website and legal code.

Legal Gambling Age for Delaware Residents

While the federal government has the right to set minimum ages for many different things, the individual states also have the power over certain aspects of life. Delawareans can drink alcohol from age 21 and over, in line with the rest of the country. Although medical marijuana has been allowed for certain conditions, recreational use is still not legal. Possession has, to an extent been decriminalised. For gambling, players must be 18 in order to buy a lottery ticket and 21 before they can gamble in casinos or make sports bets.

• Online Gambling Age:
  The minimum age for gambling in Delaware is 21+ but 18 year olds can play the lottery.
• Alcohol Age
  The legal age for drinking in Delaware is 21+
• Weed Age
  Recreational cannabis use was decriminalized in 2015 and medical marijuana is permitted.

Responsible Gambling and Addiction Prevention

If you are worried that your gambling is having an adverse effect on your life, there are various organizations that you can turn to. The Delaware Council on Gambling Problems operate a 24/7 confidential hotline, as do Gamblers Anonymous. You can also get advice from the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Upcoming Regulation and Expected Changes

With numerous federal and state laws under discussion, you can bet that there will be changes to the Delaware gambling landscape. My team and I will make sure that this page is updated regularly and all changes to the legal situation are published here. So, feel free to come back and check on the laws whenever you like.

• Maryland
• Pennsylvania Online Gambling
• New Jersey Online Gambling
• Hawaii