Sports Betting

NFL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Delaware for Football

Delaware stands as America's pioneering post-PASPA sports betting state, becoming the first state outside Nevada to legalize sports betting after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on May 14, 2018. Governor John Carney made the state's first official single-game sports bet on June 5, 2018, placing a $10 wager on the Philadelphia Phillies (which won). However, Delaware's online sports betting market remains severely underdeveloped with only BetRivers as the sole licensed online operator since January 3, 2024.

NFL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Delaware for Football

Is NFL Betting Legal in Delaware?

Yes, NFL betting is fully legal in Delaware through retail and online sportsbooks. Delaware was the first state outside Nevada to legalize sports betting after PASPA's 2018 Supreme Court strike-down, launching retail betting on June 5, 2018, and online betting on January 3, 2024 with BetRivers.

Here are the key legal facts you need to know:

Regulatory body: Delaware Lottery Office
Licensed online operators: 1 sole operator BetRivers (since January 3, 2024)
Retail sportsbooks: 3 locations ("racinos": Delaware Park Casino, Dover Downs, Harrington Raceway & Casino)
Historic betting: Delaware Sports Lottery (1976) offered parlay-only betting requiring minimum 3-team NFL parlays before modernization
Age requirement: 21 years old or older for all sports betting
Remote registration: YES, fully online remote registration allowed (no retail visit required)
Geolocation requirement: Must be physically located within Delaware to place wagers
College sports: Yes, full college sports betting permitted EXCEPT Delaware universities (Blue Hens, Delaware State)
Professional sports: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, esports all allowed
Proposed expansion: House Bill 365 filed to expand from BetRivers monopoly to multiple operators
Online casino integration: BetRivers sportsbook integrates with Delaware online casino (operating since 2012)

Important: BetRivers is the ONLY legal online option. Offshore and unlicensed sportsbooks lack legal protections.

Best Online Sportsbooks for NFL Betting in Delaware

BetRivers is the exclusive licensed online sportsbook in Delaware since January 3, 2024.

Welcome Offer: "Second Chance Bet up to $500" (if your first bet loses, get up to $500 in bonus bets). No promo code required. Minimum deposit: $10. Minimum qualifying wager: Any market at odds -200 or higher. Bonus duration: You have an entire month to use your bonus bet.

Here's what makes BetRivers Delaware stand out:

Launch date: January 3, 2024 (soft launch December 27, 2023)
Previous operator: Scoreboard Sportsbook (October 2019-January 2024) — replaced due to inferior platform
Parent company: Rush Street Interactive (took over 888 as state iGaming vendor)
Odds provider: IGT PlaySports technology (same as retail casinos)
User interface: Functional but basic compared to national competitors
Betting markets: Standard NFL markets (moneylines, spreads, totals, props, same-game parlays)
Unique features: Live betting, same-game parlays
Retail integration: Connected to Delaware Park, Dover Downs, Harrington retail sportsbooks
Online casino integration: BetRivers sportsbook + casino unified platform

Best for: Everyone in Delaware (it's your only legal online choice).

Shurzy tip: Delaware was first to launch sports betting after PASPA, but the market hasn't kept up with newer states. House Bill 365 could change everything by bringing in FanDuel, DraftKings, and others. Keep an eye on that legislation.

Best NFL Betting Bonuses in Delaware

Delaware offers minimal bonuses due to BetRivers' sole-operator monopoly. Here's what's available:

BetRivers Welcome Offer (Primary): Up to $500 in Bonus Bets if your first bet loses. Minimum deposit: $10. Minimum qualifying wager: Odds -200 or higher. Duration to use bonus: Full month after receipt.
Daily/Ongoing Promotions: Limited daily odds boosts on select NFL games, retail casino partnership promotions.

Note: Total available bonuses are significantly lower than competitive multi-operator markets ($500 vs. $1,500-3,000+).

Shurzy tip: Don't overthink it. Setting up your account takes less time than ordering wings before kickoff. Just make sure you use your bonus on a line that actually excites you.

Popular NFL Bets You Can Make in Delaware

BetRivers Delaware offers comprehensive NFL betting options. Here's what you can wager on:

Moneyline: Pick the outright winner. Example: Eagles -225.
Point Spread: Bet on margin of victory. Example: Eagles -4.5.
Totals (Over/Under): Combined score betting. Example: Eagles-Cowboys over/under 50.5.
Player Props: Individual performances (passing yards, TDs, receptions).
Team Props: Team-specific outcomes (first-half points, team total score).
Same-Game Parlays (SGP): Combine multiple outcomes from one game.
Futures: Super Bowl winner, division champs, MVP odds.
Live/In-Play Betting: Real-time odds throughout the game.
College Sports: Full college football/basketball betting (excluding Delaware universities).
Historic Parlays: Delaware Sports Lottery still offers parlay-only betting requiring minimum 3-team NFL parlays at retail locations (separate from BetRivers single-game wagering).

How to Bet on the NFL in Delaware: Step-by-Step

Getting started with legal NFL betting in Delaware takes just a few minutes. Here's how:

Step 1: Choose BetRivers (only state-regulated online operator).
Step 2: Create an account online. Visit BetRivers.com or download the app; provide full legal name, address, DOB, and SSN.
Step 3: Verify age (21+) and location. BetRivers verifies 21+ age and confirms you're physically in Delaware via geolocation.
Step 4: Make a deposit. Use credit/debit cards, bank transfer, or other approved methods (minimum $10).
Step 5: Claim welcome bonus. First bet up to $500 (if it loses, get $500 in bonus bets valid for a full month).
Step 6: Navigate to the NFL. Find the NFL section, select games and wagers.
Step 7: Place bet. Confirm bet slip; monitor settlement.
Step 8: Withdraw. Cash out winnings via approved banking methods (typically 24-48 hours).

Responsible Gambling in Delaware

Delaware provides responsible gaming resources. BetRivers offers deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclusion options. Delaware operates a centralized self-exclusion program covering casinos, video lottery, retail sportsbooks, and online betting.

Get Help: If you or someone you know struggles with problem gambling, contact the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems Helpline at 1-800-Helpline, available 24/7, free, and confidential.

Final Take: Delaware's Unique NFL Betting Scene

Delaware stands as America's pioneering post-PASPA sports betting state (first legal betting outside Nevada, May 2018) but remains severely underdeveloped with BetRivers as sole online operator and only $500 maximum welcome bonus. Despite being an early adopter, Delaware's market development has lagged competitors due to regulatory constraints and monopoly structure.

For Delaware residents seeking legal, regulated NFL betting today, BetRivers offers compliant wagering but with limited bonuses and outdated interface compared to competitive states. However, the pending market expansion makes Delaware a potential future destination for serious bettors.

Shurzy tip: No spreadsheets, no stress. Just fast picks, good promos, and wins you can flex. That's the Shurzy way (coming soon to Delaware when the market opens up).

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