Delaware Sports Betting – Bet On Sports Legally In DE
On June 5, 2018, Delaware became the first state to legalize sports betting after the Supreme Court lifted the federal ban that had previously prevented states from allowing sportsbooks to operate within their jurisdiction, excluding Nevada, who was fully exempt from the federal law.
Since then, residents of the state have had two legal options when it comes to betting real money on sporting events. Previously, the only option had been through offshore sports betting sites, but now, residents can take advantage of playing at any of the sportsbooks operating within the state lines of Delaware as well.
Is Sports Betting Legal In Delaware?
Yes! It is legal for individuals in DE to place bets on sports through domestic, state-regulated sportsbook or through offshore online sportsbooks operating legally. Delaware does not have any laws against online sports betting with offshore sports betting sites, and the sites we recommended on this page provide legal sports betting action to residents of Delaware and the vast majority of states across the country.
When the Supreme Court struck down the federal law known as PASPA - which had prohibited states from introducing any legislation on sports betting - Delaware and all states became free to enact laws that allowed sportsbooks to operate within its jurisdictions. Today, residents of the state are free to bet on sports in a variety of ways and most importantly: can choose whether the local or offshore options is the best fit for them.
Delaware Sports Betting Laws
In 1976, the DE Lottery offered three-team parlays for the NFL, and it was the first-ever form of legal sports betting in the state. Delaware was given some exemption from PASPA when it was in effect but could not offer single-game wagering. In preparation for PASPA ever being repealed - which eventually happened in May 2018 - DE lawmakers passed a law in 2009 that legalized sports betting, and that state law went into effect the day the federal law was overturned.
Delaware Sports Betting Bills
Because the state now offers sportsbooks to DE residents, there hasn't been much action on the legislative front in regards to sports betting. This is likely due to lawmakers wanting to see how well sportsbooks do before making further changes. The state does have one pending bill related to sports betting, and if you'd like to see it or any other legislation happening around the country, check out our real-time sports betting bill tracker for the United States.
Best Online Sportsbooks For Delaware Residents
Below you will find our list of online sports betting websites accepting bettors from Delaware. These brands have been vetted by our team to determine their legal status in the sportsbook market located outside the United States. Our screening process examines a site's betting lines and wagering types, security settings, mobile and live betting capabilities, banking suite, and customer support.
| Site Name | Current Bonus | U.S. | Visit Site | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 50% Max $1,000 |  | Visit Site Review |
| 2 |  | 50% Max $1,000 | | Visit Site Review |
| 3 |  | 50% Max $300 | | Visit Site Review |
Delaware Sportsbooks
When the state launched sportsbooks following the federal repeal, it allowed three locations to offer state-regulated sports betting to DE residents. Current DE law does not allow for any operators - excluding the ones below - to seek a license at this time.
- Delaware Park Casino
- Dover Downs
- Harrington Raceway and Casino
DE Sports Betting Details
Here you can find a brief summary of everything related to sports betting in the state of Delaware. Need to know the minimum sports betting age, when sportsbooks launched, or what kind of bets are allowed and not allowed? All of that information and more can be found in the breakdown below of Delaware sports betting.
- Legal Sports Betting: Yes, In-state; Offshore
- Launch Date: June 5, 2018
- Delaware Minimum Sports Betting Age: 21 years old
- Land-Based Sportsbooks: Three locations
- Online Sportsbook: Legal but Not Offered; Offshore
- Mobile Betting App: Legal but Not Offered; Offshore
- In-Play/Live Betting: Land-based locations; Offshore
- Estimated Revenue: $5.5 million
- Eligible Operators: Three casinos, no one else
- Commission: Delaware Lottery
- Licensing Fee: $50,000
- Tax Rate: Revenue-share
- Tax-Funded: State (50%), Casinos (40%), Horse Racing Purse (10%)
What You Can Bet On In Delaware:
- In-state: All bet types and professional and college sports are allowed
- Offshore: All betting lines, odds, and props for all games, teams, and players across all college and professional sports
What You Can't Bet On In Delaware:
- In-state: No bets are allowed on teams from the state of Delaware
- Offshore: No restrictions
Where Can I Bet On Sports In Delaware?
In Delaware, you are free to place a bet on sports at any of the three land-based sportsbooks found across the state. Additionally, it is legal to bet at offshore sports betting sites since they are located outside of Delaware's jurisdiction. In-state locations do not have online and mobile wagering options yet (though it's not prohibited) and offshore options do not have physical locations, so ultimately, the choice is yours, but either are legal options.
Biggest Sports Betting Cities In Delaware
Wilmington
Along with the betting lines offered through the offshore sportsbooks, Wilmington sports betting residents can bet at any of the state-regulated casinos that offer sports betting, however, betting online through domestic sportsbooks is not yet available. We anticipate that the local bookmakers will add online and mobile betting options in time. For now, sports fans in Wilmington who wish to bet online can do so through offshore sportsbooks that are operating legally within the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware Sports Betting
Will I Get Arrested for Betting On Sports In Delaware?
No. Regardless of whether you bet at state-licensed sportsbooks in Delaware or choose to use the offshore options, you will not be breaking any laws. The only way you'll be arrest is if you bet on sports via an illegal and unauthorized bookie that's located anywhere inside state lines.
Are Mobile Sports Betting Apps Legal In Delaware?
Currently, the three sportsbooks in Delaware only operate at physical locations and do not offer online or mobile sportsbook apps. However, the law allows mobile wagering apps, but the sportsbooks just haven't launched yet. Additionally, offshore mobile betting apps are legal and operational as well.
What Teams Can I Bet On In Delaware?
If you bet at one of the three sportsbooks, you can bet on any teams in any sports, excluding teams found in the state of Delaware. When gambling at offshore sportsbooks, there are no restrictions at all.
Are There Any Local Sportsbooks In Delaware?
Yes, there are three local sportsbooks that are licensed and legal in Delaware. These sportsbooks are Delaware Park Casino, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway and Casino.
What is the Legal Minimum Sports Betting Age in Delaware?
The minimum legal sports betting age requirement is 21 years old in the state of Delaware. Offshore sports betting sites allow you to sign up and play at 18 years old, but we recommend complying with state law.
Who Regulates Sports Betting in Delaware?
The Delaware Lottery regulates sports betting, and it licenses and authorizes the three sportsbooks currently operating in the state. The DE Lottery cannot, however, license any more sportsbook operators at this time since the state would have to pass new legislation to make that happen.
Delaware Legislative Resources
We believe Delaware residents should have easy access to voice their opinion on the status of sports betting in the state. Do you like or hate the current way the state is handling sports betting since it was legalized and launched? Regardless of either, below we've included resources so you can directly contact the governor, senators, and representatives from the state of Delaware.
DE Gambling Resources
We believe that if you set limits for yourself and understand the potential pitfalls of gambling and sports betting ahead of time, then you'll be less likely to become addicted in the future. However, this is no the case for every person, and if you're one of these people, contact the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems, Inc. for help immediately.
