Delaware is one of the only states in the country that has approved and regulated all forms of online gambling. This may come as a surprise to many readers, as the state is one of the smallest in the United States. However, it has been at the forefront of online gambling legislation, and that tireless dedication to the industry means that you have legal options for all your favorite online games.
This site will cover all the major topics in online gambling: a review of the sites that are available, a primer on bonuses and how to take advantage of them to increase your profitability, and where to go if you have a problem. If you are an online gambler in Delaware, you have come to the right place!
Online gambling legislation in Delaware actually passed all the way back in 2012. At that time, the primary focus was on online poker and casinos, but there was language in the bill that would allow for legal sports betting should the federal laws prohibiting it be struck down. This wasn’t just thrown into the bill – Delaware had been watching the movement in New Jersey regarding sports betting and simply wanted to be prepared should there be changes to the laws. Today, you can find all forms of betting available online and on mobile devices.
Online/Mobile Sports Betting
As mentioned above, sports betting regulation was thrown into the gambling bill that was passed back in 2012, giving the state the chance to make sports betting legal if everything fell it’s way. Well, in May 2018, things changed forever in the U.S. when the Supreme Court ended a years-long battle between the sports leagues and the state of New Jersey, repealing the law that made sports betting illegal outside of Nevada (PASPA). This meant that states could regulate sports betting on their own, and Delaware was set up to be one of the first states to launch.
In June 2018, Delaware snuck in to become the first state to accept a legal sports bet outside Nevada. This is something the state is very proud of, and although it will never have the type of volume as other states will have, the fact that it was the first is something they will never have to give away.
As part of the sports betting legislation, the three land-based gaming properties are allowed to offer sports wagering via online sites and mobile apps. This means that players have some level of choice when it comes to where to place a bet. Our reviews take you through each of the sites, showing you which ones offer the most betting options as well as which offer the best promotions. Registering for a site is as easy as a few pieces of information and a few clicks, and then you can make your deposit and start betting right away!
Online Casinos in Delaware
The online casino industry has seen a lot of changes over the last 10 years. The expansion of content in the space has many players’ heads spinning. With the increased capability of mobile phones, you can now enjoy a full online casino experience in the palm of your hand! In Delaware, the regulation of online casino games means that for the first time, players are able to make deposits with a locally-operated site, knowing their deposits are safe and the games are as secure as possible.
Making a decision about where to open an online casino account can be daunting, but we break it all down for you in our guide to online casinos. Starting with what site to choose based on game selection, promotions, and customer service, we walk you right through the registration and deposit process so you can get to the lobby and choose the games you want to play right away. We’ll even give you a guide to each game in case there is something you haven’t played before or if you need a reminder of the rules. No matter what game you want to play, you’ll find it at a regulated online casino.
Online Poker
Online poker was the game making the most noise in the U.S. when the state decided to pass legislation, so it is no surprise that in Delaware, the first bet taken post-legislation was at a digital poker table. Thankfully, the state entered an agreement with Nevada and New Jersey to share the player liquidity, which means that poker players in the state can play in the same games as those from the other two. This means that players see bigger tournament prize pools and far more cash games available to them when they log onto a site.
With the popularity of poker not slowing down even in the face of many of the sites being closed to U.S. players, we think online poker is ready for a return to glory, and Delaware is one of the states leading the charge. Our guide to online poker reviews the basics of each game and also gives you a breakdown of the different tournaments you will find on the sites open to residents.
Online Horse Racing
Horse racing has a great history in Delaware, and it is the three racetracks that have been given the online gambling licenses that were awarded after the law was passed in 2012. The three tracks have offered betting on their races in-property since each opened its doors, but with the advent of simulcast racing, bettors have had far more races to bet on from across the country.
The Interstate Horse Racing Act allowed for gambling on races across state lines, and today companies like Twinspires and TVG give Delaware residents access to those races and odds from their mobile apps. This means that with a couple of clicks and swipes, a resident of Delaware can have an account ready to go and start betting on races from their favorite tracks across the U.S.
Online Lottery Games
As with many states across the country, the lottery is very popular in Delaware. What is interesting about the lottery in this state is that players were not limited to only standard draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions. Well before the legislation of sports betting, gamblers were able to play a parlay-style game via the lottery, giving them the chance to bet on multiple outcomes of a game or series of games. The odds were not as strong as playing a parlay at an actual sportsbook, but the game was very popular.
Online Betting Guides
With all these great options for online gamblers in Delaware, you must understand the games you are about to play so you can put yourself in the best position to be a winner. Our online betting guides give you the basics about every type of game available in the state – a review of the rules, some betting tips and guidelines, and how to find the best game for your style of play. You can check out all of our Betting Guides here.
Online Gambling Bonuses
Getting rewarded for your online betting activity can factor into your overall profitability, so making sure you take full advantage of every promotion you can at an online gambling site is a high priority for our team. Our experts teak you into the details of all kinds of online gambling bonuses:
- Free Bets
- Cashback
- Loyalty Points
- Deposit Bonuses
- VIP Programs
Delaware Online Gaming FAQ:
When did online gambling become legal in Delaware?
Delaware was of the first states to approve online gambling as whole. The legislation passed back in 2012, although it has taken several years for the full scale of these operations to launch across the state.
Who is in charge of monitoring the online gambling industry in Delaware?
The Delaware Lottery is the governing body of the regulated online gambling industry. It is the group that players would approach if they have an issue with one of the operators that cannot be resolved, as well as ensuring that all licensees adhere to the regulations as they were written into the 2012 law.
Are offshore gambling sites illegal in Delaware?
Technically, these sites are not illegal. They are not licensed by the state, but as they are set up to operate from other countries (typically ones without extradition laws), they are still open for business to Delaware residents. Before 2013, these offshore sites were the only places that players could access their favorite casino games or play in poker tournaments. Now, with a few legal options, we don’t ever suggest that you try any of the offshore sites. Making deposits and withdrawals is complicated and can be costly, and the risk of something going wrong with the site with no course of action should be enough to dissuade anyone from playing with these sites. Take a look at all the options available on this site, and you will find more than enough amazing games to play in a fully regulated environment.