Sports Betting Guides

NHL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Delaware for Hockey

Delaware keeps sports betting simple with one licensed online sportsbook: BetRivers. The First State became the second jurisdiction (after Nevada) to legalize single-game sports wagering in 2018, but online betting didn't launch until December 27, 2023. For hockey fans, this means full access to NHL action, puck lines, player props, Stanley Cup futures, and live betting all run through one vetted operator with solid tech and consumer protections.

NHL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Delaware for Hockey

Delaware keeps sports betting simple with one licensed online sportsbook: BetRivers. The First State became the second jurisdiction (after Nevada) to legalize single-game sports wagering in 2018, but online betting didn't launch until December 27, 2023. For hockey fans, this means full access to NHL action, puck lines, player props, Stanley Cup futures, and live betting all run through one vetted operator with solid tech and consumer protections.

Is NHL Betting Legal in Delaware?

Yes. Delaware legalized sports betting in June 2018, becoming the second U.S. state (after Nevada) to authorize single-game wagers. Online betting launched on December 27, 2023.

The Delaware Lottery oversees all sports betting, operating under the Delaware Department of Finance. BetRivers Sportsbook is currently the only legal online sportsbook in Delaware, operated by Rush Street Interactive in partnership with the Delaware Lottery and all three Delaware casinos.

Read more: Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Delaware

Note: Delaware lawmakers proposed House Bill 365 in May 2024, which would allow state casinos to partner with two online sportsbooks each, creating competition. As of November 2025, this hasn't passed. Delaware remains a single-operator market.

The Only Online Sportsbook for NHL Betting in Delaware

Delaware keeps it tight with one option. Here's what you need to know.

BetRivers Sportsbook

Delaware Partner: Delaware Lottery & All Three Delaware Casinos

BetRivers is Delaware's sole legal online sportsbook, so it's your only choice for NHL online betting. The good news: it's a quality operator. Rush Street Interactive's technology powers sharp odds, comprehensive NHL markets (moneylines, puck lines, totals, props, futures), and responsive live betting. The interface is clean and user-friendly. BetRivers' parent company operates sportsbooks in multiple states, so Delaware benefits from their experience and tech infrastructure.

Retail access is available at Bally's Dover, Delaware Park, and Harrington Casino for in-person betting.

Welcome offer: BetRivers periodically runs new customer promotions, check their current offer (terms vary seasonally).

Shurzy Tip: Single-operator markets mean no line shopping, but BetRivers keeps pricing competitive with national books. Focus on finding genuine edges in props and period bets instead of chasing line differences.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

Understanding Delaware's Single-Operator Market

Unlike multi-operator states where you can shop lines across 10+ sportsbooks, Delaware bettors have one choice: BetRivers. Here's what that means.

  • Advantages: Streamlined regulatory oversight by the state lottery ensures high standards. Stable, established operator (Rush Street Interactive is well-capitalized and experienced). Consumer protections are consistently applied across one platform. Single-wallet account—all funds in one place.
  • Disadvantages: Can't shop for better lines (BetRivers has a natural pricing edge with no competition). Fewer promotional bonuses compared to multi-operator states. Prop menu, while solid, may not match the deepest national books.
  • Bottom line: For serious hockey bettors, BetRivers is a quality choice. For those seeking maximum line shopping and aggressive bonuses, visiting neighboring states' operators (if eligible) or using DFS may be worth considering.

NHL Bet Types in Delaware (via BetRivers)

BetRivers offers the full spectrum of NHL bets. Here's what you can play.

Moneyline Betting

Pick the winner, straight up. BetRivers' moneylines are competitively priced with national markets.

Puck Line (-1.5 / +1.5)

Hockey's spread. Favorites must win by 2+ goals (-1.5), underdogs get a 1.5-goal cushion. BetRivers offers sharp puck line pricing competitive with national books.

Shurzy Tip: Without line shopping, your edge comes from game analysis, not price comparison. Focus on goalie matchups, back-to-backs, and team trends instead of hunting for -105 vs -110.

Total Goals (Over/Under)

Usually set between 5.5 and 6.5 goals per game. BetRivers provides standard and alternative totals.

Player Props

The fastest-growing NHL market. Anytime goal scorer (most popular), shots on goal (3+, 4+), assists, saves (goalies), power play points, blocked shots, and rebounds (select games). BetRivers' prop depth is solid, though not quite as extensive as DraftKings or Caesars in multi-operator states.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

Period Betting

Bet specific periods: 1st-period moneyline, 1st-period total, 2nd-period total, 3rd-period moneyline, overtime odds. BetRivers supports granular period betting.

Shurzy Tip: Period betting is clutch in tight games. First-period unders dodge empty-net goals and overtime variance. If you're expecting a defensive battle, this is your move.

Team & Game Props

Team total goals, both teams to score, overtime (yes/no), winning margin, race to 3 goals, empty-net situations. All available on BetRivers.

NHL Parlays & Same Game Parlays

Standard parlays combine independent bets. Same-game parlays (SGPs) combine correlated bets from one game. BetRivers offers both, with SGPs well-designed for hockey.

NHL Futures Betting

Stanley Cup winner, Conference winners, division winners, Hart/Vezina/Calder Trophy odds, team win totals, season prop bets. BetRivers' futures library is competitive.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

NHL Betting Bonuses & Promos in Delaware (via BetRivers)

Delaware's single-operator market means a more modest promotional calendar compared to multi-operator states. Here's what to watch for.

  • Welcome Bonuses: BetRivers offers new customer promotions—check their current offer as terms vary seasonally.
  • Seasonal Boosts: Periodically, BetRivers runs odds boosts on major matchups (Stanley Cup Playoffs, Opening Night, New Year's Day games).
  • Parlay Boosts: Occasional 3+ leg parlay bonuses, especially during heavy NHL slates.
  • Playoff Specials: Stanley Cup Playoffs bring enhanced promotional activity across all bet types.

Shurzy Tip: With only one online operator, promotional value is lower than multi-operator states. Focus on booking solid edges rather than chasing promos. Delaware's not about bonus hunting, it's about finding value in the games.

Expert NHL Betting Tips for Delaware Bettors

Here's how to bet smarter on hockey in Delaware.

  1. Watch Goalie Announcements Closely: A backup goalie can flip a line 2-3 goals instantly. Check official team sources 30 minutes before puck drop. BetRivers updates lines quickly, so act fast.
  2. Consider Back-to-Back Situations: Teams playing consecutive nights face fatigue. The team on night two of a back-to-back allows more goals. Factor this into totals and puck lines.
  3. Shurzy Tip: Back-to-backs are low-key edges that casual bettors miss. If a team's on the second night and traveling, fade them. Books price it somewhat, but there's still value—especially late season.
  4. Track Pace & Expected Goals (xG): Raw records can mislead. A team might lose 2-1 despite outshooting opponents 35-20. Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality and predicts future performance better than win/loss records. Free resources: Natural Stat Trick, Evolving Hockey.
  5. Home-Ice Advantage Isn't Massive: NHL home advantage is modest—roughly 3-4% edge in win percentage. Don't overweight home teams like you would in other sports.
  6. Look for Underdog Value: Hockey's low scoring creates frequent underdog wins. Moneylines and +1.5 puck lines often offer value overlooked by casual bettors.
  7. Understand Your Line Shopping Limitations: Since BetRivers is Delaware's only online operator, you can't shop for better lines. When betting, compare BetRivers to your own analysis to identify genuine edges. Focus on finding +EV bets rather than waiting for line movement.
  8. Monitor Proposed Expansion: Delaware lawmakers proposed House Bill 365 (May 2024) to allow competitive online betting. If this passes, Delaware's market will expand, creating shopping opportunities. Stay informed on state legislative updates.

How to Start Betting on NHL Games in Delaware

Getting started is simple. Here's the play-by-play.

  • Create an account with accurate info (full name, DOB, address, last four of SSN). Must be 21+. Remote registration means you can open an account from anywhere in Delaware—no casino visit required.
  • Verify identity by uploading your driver's license or passport (verification typically happens within 24 hours). Deposit funds via debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, or other methods (minimums typically $10).
  • Claim promotions from the "Promotions" tab for any current NHL-specific offers. Navigate to NHL/Hockey to find upcoming games with moneylines, puck lines, totals, and props.
  • Build your first bet. start simple with moneylines, puck lines, or anytime goal scorer. Place and track your bets. Once comfortable with the platform, expand to props, parlays, and futures. Develop your edge by focusing on identifying +EV opportunities rather than betting every game.
  • Beginner-friendly bets: Anytime goal scorer (lower variance), puck lines (better payouts), first-period unders (less chaotic).

Safe, Responsible Hockey Betting in Delaware

The Delaware Lottery ensures BetRivers complies with consumer protection laws. Your funds are protected, and identity verification prevents underage gambling. Delaware's regulatory approach is notably strict and consumer-focused.

BetRivers offers deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly), wager limits, time-out periods (24 hours to 6 months), self-exclusion options, and cooling-off periods. Use these tools proactively.

Delaware participates in national self-exclusion programs. If you self-exclude in Delaware, you may also be listed on national registries.

Responsible Gambling Resources:

  • Delaware Council on Gambling Problems: 1-302-577-5001
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
  • Gamblers Anonymous: Meetings throughout Delaware

If betting ever feels like a burden, reach out. Delaware's responsible gambling resources are robust.

Never bet money you can't afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses. Track your bets. Stick to a plan. Separate betting funds from your everyday account.

Final Thoughts: Delaware's Best for NHL Betting

Delaware's sports betting market is deliberately conservative with one legal online sportsbook (BetRivers) by design. For NHL betting, this means you have one choice: BetRivers Sportsbook, operated by Rush Street Interactive in partnership with the Delaware Lottery.

The good news: BetRivers is a quality operator with competitive odds, comprehensive NHL markets, responsive live betting, and strong responsible gambling tools. The trade-off: you can't shop lines across multiple books, and promotional bonuses are more modest than multi-operator states.

Want an edge before you even place a bet?

Start with a sportsbook that gives you real value from your first bet.

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