History of Sports Betting Legalization in Delaware

Delaware was ahead of the curve. Thanks to its existing sports lottery system, the state moved quickly once federal restrictions ended in 2018. Retail sportsbooks opened at Delaware Park, Bally’s Dover, and Harrington Raceway & Casino.

For years, online sports betting apps weren’t available, forcing players to bet in person. That changed in late 2023 when the state partnered with Rush Street Interactive. By January 2024, BetRivers became the official online sportsbook operator.

This marked the start of online sports betting legal access in Delaware. However, unlike New Jersey or Colorado, Delaware limited its market to a single provider.

Read more: Looking for the ultimate guide to NFL betting this season? We've got you covered right here!

Licensed Online Sports Betting Apps

Today, BetRivers is the only option. Each of the state’s three casinos offers its own branded version of the BetRivers app or website, but all share the same platform.

This setup makes Delaware different from other online sports betting USA markets, where 10 to 20 apps compete for attention. In Delaware, there’s just one brand, which means fewer sign-up bonuses and promotions.

Still, BetRivers covers the basics: spreads, moneylines, totals, parlays, futures, and live betting. NFL betting, in particular, gets top billing during the fall and winter seasons.

Online Sports Betting How To in Delaware

Getting started is straightforward:

1. Download the BetRivers Delaware app or visit its website.
   
   
2. Create an account with your name, email, and last four digits of your SSN.
   
   
3. Verify your age and allow geolocation to confirm you’re in Delaware.
   
   
4. Fund your account with a debit card, bank transfer, or PayPal.
   
   
5. Choose your sport and place your first bet.
   
   

Like other sports betting legal online states, Delaware requires you to be at least 21 years old and physically within state borders.

Example: NFL Betting in Delaware

Suppose the Philadelphia Eagles are playing the Dallas Cowboys. On BetRivers, the Eagles are -3 favorites with odds of -110. You bet $55 to win $50.

At the same time, you add a player prop on Jalen Hurts to score a rushing touchdown. Combine the spread and prop into a same-game parlay, and your potential payout grows.

This simple example shows how online sports betting online works in Delaware, even with just one licensed app.

Restrictions on Sports Betting

Delaware has tighter restrictions than some other sports gambling legal states.

• No bets allowed on in-state college teams, such as the University of Delaware.
  
  
• No player props on college athletes.
  
  
• Wagers are limited to events approved by the state’s betting catalog.
  
  

Pro sports, out-of-state college games, and international leagues are all available. NFL betting, NBA, MLB, and NHL are the most popular categories.

Retail Sportsbooks in Delaware

In addition to online betting, Delaware has three retail sportsbooks:

• Delaware Park Casino in Wilmington
  
  
• Bally’s Dover Casino Resort
  
  
• Harrington Raceway & Casino
  
  

These locations were the first to accept bets in 2018 and remain active today. They are also tied to the BetRivers platform.

Retail betting is less popular now that online sports betting apps exist, but casinos still serve as hubs on big game days.

Taxes and Revenue

Delaware uses a unique “sports lottery” model with a 50% tax rate on sportsbook revenue. This is one of the highest in the country. The money helps support state programs and racing purses.

Bettors are also responsible for federal and state taxes on winnings. Like in other sports betting legal online markets, large wins may trigger tax forms from operators.

Offshore Betting: Legal but Risky

Delaware does not explicitly ban offshore sportsbooks. This means residents technically can use them, but they are unregulated and carry risks. Delayed payouts and lack of consumer protection make them less safe than BetRivers.

While some bettors are tempted by extra bonuses from offshore sites, it’s safer to stick with online sports betting legal options inside the state.

Delaware Compared to Other Sports Gambling Legal States

Delaware is unusual. It legalized retail betting early but waited years to launch mobile wagering. Now that BetRivers is live, the state still limits competition by sticking to a single operator.

States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Colorado offer dozens of online sports betting apps, creating fierce competition for players. Delaware offers stability but less variety.

Still, Delaware’s NFL betting markets mirror those in larger states. Fans can wager on spreads, totals, props, and parlays just like anywhere else. The difference is fewer promotions and only one app to choose from.

Final Thoughts on Online Sports Betting Delaware

So, is online sports betting legal in Delaware? Yes. Retail betting has been live since 2018, and online betting became legal in 2024 with BetRivers as the sole provider.

The market is smaller than in most sports gambling legal states, but it covers all the basics: NFL betting, NBA, college basketball, and more. Restrictions on in-state college wagers are the main limitation.

With only one licensed app, Delaware bettors don’t see as many bonuses or promos as other states. Still, the system is safe, regulated, and easy to use.

Check out our full betting toolset to start spotting profitable lines.