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Delaware was one of the first states to introduce regulated wagering after the repeal of PASPA in 2018, and today Delaware sports betting remains legal through a tightly controlled system. The state allows sports wagering at a small number of licensed venues connected to its racetrack casinos, where bettors can place wagers on major sporting events and leagues. While the market is smaller than those in many other states, it still provides a regulated option for in-person sports wagering.
Unlike states that quickly expanded into large mobile betting markets, sports betting Delaware continues to revolve primarily around retail sportsbooks at its three racinos: Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway. Because online sportsbook options within the state are limited, some bettors also explore offshore sportsbooks as an alternative way to access a wider range of betting markets and features.
Below, we break down everything you need to know about the current betting landscape in the state in 2026. Keep reading to the bottom of this guide to learn how Delaware sports betting works and what options are available to bettors today.
Delaware quick facts
| Category | Delaware |
|---|---|
| ⚖️ Sports betting laws | ✅ Legal — Retail sportsbooks and limited mobile betting through the state lottery system. |
| 👫 Population | ~1M — Small betting market centered around racinos. |
| 👶 Minimum gambling age | 21 — Applies to all sports betting. |
| 🏙️ Retail sports betting | ✅ Available at racinos |
| 🌐 Online sports betting | ❌ No full commercial sportsbook apps like DraftKings or FanDuel. |
| 📱 Mobile sports betting | ⚠️ Limited — Available through the state lottery platform tied to racinos. |
| 🐎 Online horse betting | ✅ Legal via advance-deposit wagering platforms. |
| 🏆 DFS | ❌ Not formally regulated; major operators do not operate statewide. |
Is sports betting legal in Delaware?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Delaware. The state launched full sports wagering in June 2018 shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down PASPA, becoming one of the first jurisdictions in the country to offer regulated betting outside Nevada. Delaware was able to move quickly because it already operated a limited NFL parlay betting product through the Delaware Lottery, giving the state a foundation for expanding into full single-game wagering.
Unlike many other states, Delaware chose a centralized model where sports betting is overseen by the Delaware Lottery rather than a competitive open market. Retail sportsbooks operate at the state’s three racinos, Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway, which handle in-person wagering. For several years, the state struggled to launch a true online platform after its initial partnership with William Hill stalled and eventually ended.
In December 2023, Delaware finally launched statewide online sports betting through an exclusive partnership with BetRivers. Today, bettors can place wagers either at the racino sportsbooks or through the BetRivers mobile platform, marking the state’s first fully operational online betting system more than five years after legalization.
Top offshore sports betting sites available in Delaware
Delaware offers regulated sports betting through racino sportsbooks and the BetRivers mobile platform, but the state’s centralized system comes with certain limitations. Some wager types such as political betting, entertainment markets, and niche international events are not typically available through licensed operators. Because of these restrictions, some bettors choose to explore offshore sportsbooks that provide a wider selection of betting markets and wagering options.
The offshore sportsbooks we highlight have been reviewed for reliability, security, banking options, and overall betting experience. These platforms offer access to a broader range of sports, props, and specialty markets that may not be available through Delaware’s regulated system. The table below highlights several offshore sportsbooks that are commonly used by Delaware bettors:
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Regulated online sportsbooks available in Delaware
In many states, this section would include a table listing multiple sportsbook apps that operate in the local market. Delaware works differently. The state runs a centralized sports betting system through the Delaware Lottery, which means only one operator is licensed to provide online wagering statewide.
Currently, BetRivers is the only regulated online sportsbook available to Delaware bettors. Through this partnership with the Delaware Lottery, the platform offers statewide mobile betting along with retail sportsbook access at the state’s racinos. While other states feature competitive markets with several apps, Delaware’s system is designed around a single licensed operator.
What can't you bet on in Delaware?
Delaware offers regulated sports betting through its state-run system, but certain wager types are restricted under state rules. These limitations are fairly typical across U.S. betting markets and are intended to protect athletes and maintain the integrity of sporting events.
Here are a few types of wagers that are currently not permitted at licensed Delaware sportsbooks:
- College player props: Individual player prop bets on college athletes are not allowed. This restriction applies to all college sports nationwide, not just local teams.
- Non-sports events: Licensed sportsbooks in Delaware cannot offer betting markets on political elections, award shows, or entertainment outcomes. Since these events do not fall under the state’s definition of sports wagering, they are excluded from regulated betting platforms.
Some bettors who want access to these types of wagers explore offshore sportsbooks, which operate outside Delaware’s regulatory framework and often provide a wider variety of betting markets.
Who can legally bet in Delaware?
Now that we’ve covered the restrictions, let’s look at what residents and visitors are allowed to do when placing sports bets in Delaware. The state offers a regulated betting market that includes retail sportsbooks at racinos and a single statewide mobile betting platform operated through the Delaware Lottery.
Here are the key rules that apply to legal sports betting in Delaware:
- Legal age: The minimum legal age for sports betting in Delaware is 21 years old. This requirement applies to both retail sportsbooks and the BetRivers mobile app.
- Mobile betting: Delaware allows statewide mobile sports betting through the BetRivers platform. As long as geolocation confirms you are physically inside state borders, you can place wagers from anywhere in Delaware.
- Retail sportsbooks: In-person betting is available at the state’s three racinos: Delaware Park, Bally’s Dover, and Harrington Raceway. These venues operate retail sportsbooks alongside the state’s online betting system.
- Remote registration: Bettors can sign up for sports betting entirely online through the BetRivers app. The registration process can be completed in minutes without visiting a physical sportsbook.
- Online casino: Delaware also offers legal online casino gaming through the same state-run system. Players can access slots, table games, and poker online through platforms connected to the state’s licensed racinos.
- Taxable winnings: Gambling winnings in Delaware are considered taxable income at both the federal and state levels. Bettors are responsible for reporting their winnings when filing taxes.
Delaware casinos
Here's a breakdown of the only casinos currently operating in Delaware in 2026:
Delaware Park Casino
Delaware’s regulated sports betting market is built around three racinos that combine horse racing, casino gaming, and retail sportsbooks. These venues are licensed through the Delaware Lottery and serve as the primary locations where bettors can place in-person wagers on sports and horse races.
- Delaware Park Casino: Located near Wilmington, Delaware Park combines thoroughbred horse racing, casino gaming, and a retail sportsbook. Bettors can wager on major sports such as football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, and combat sports, while also enjoying pari-mutuel betting on live and simulcast horse races.
- Bally’s Dover Casino Resort: Situated in the state capital of Dover, this racino features a harness racing track, a full casino floor, and a retail sportsbook operating under the Delaware Lottery system. In addition to sports betting, the resort offers hotel accommodations, dining, and entertainment, making it one of the state’s largest gaming destinations.
- Harrington Raceway & Casino: Located in central Delaware, Harrington Raceway hosts live harness racing alongside its casino and retail sportsbook. Bettors can place wagers on a wide range of professional and college sports while also participating in pari-mutuel betting on horse racing events.
Delaware sports betting timeline
As we said, Delaware was early to the legal sports betting party. Here's how that all transpired:
2026 — Small Retail Market Continues Under Lottery Oversight
Delaware maintained its state-controlled betting system, with limited retail sportsbooks tied to racetrack casinos. No major expansion occurred.
2025 — Online Betting Access Remains Restricted
While some digital options exist, Delaware’s betting ecosystem continues to operate under tight state control with fewer choices than larger markets.
2024 — Lottery Model Still Defines Sports Betting
The Delaware Lottery remains central to all wagering activity, reinforcing a highly centralized approach to regulation.
2023 — Retail Betting Remains Core Offering
In-person wagering at racinos continued to define Delaware’s sports betting landscape, with minimal expansion into competitive online markets.
Latest Delaware Betting News
May 15, 2025 11:38 AM
DraftKings CEO Says Company Continues to Monitor California Sports Betting Future
Latest Delaware Legal Betting Updates
Mar 23, 2026 13:19 PM
Discussions are underway about the development of a state-run betting app, but the project remains in its early stages with no official approval yet.
Betting on Delaware teams
Football
Football drives a large share of sports betting activity in Delaware, especially during the NFL and college football seasons. While the state does not have an NFL franchise of its own, many local bettors support nearby teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants. College football also attracts interest, particularly games involving the University of Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens and Delaware State Hornets, whose annual matchup is known as the Route 1 Rivalry.
Basketball
Basketball betting is also popular in Delaware thanks to the state’s proximity to major East Coast teams and strong interest in NCAA tournaments. Bettors regularly follow nearby NBA franchises such as the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, and New York Knicks. March Madness generates especially heavy wagering activity each spring, with sportsbooks offering a wide range of bets on tournament games and futures markets.
Baseball
Although Delaware does not have a Major League Baseball team, the sport still attracts steady betting action throughout the long MLB season. Many local fans follow nearby teams such as the Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, and New York Yankees. With games played nearly every day for much of the year, baseball provides consistent betting opportunities for Delaware bettors.
Horse racing
Horse racing remains an important part of Delaware’s betting landscape thanks to racinos such as Delaware Park, Bally’s Dover, and Harrington Raceway. These venues host live harness or thoroughbred racing along with simulcast betting on races from across the country. Pari-mutuel wagering at these tracks continues to be a staple of Delaware’s gambling culture.
Combat sports
Combat sports such as UFC and boxing are also available to Delaware bettors through licensed sportsbooks. Major fight cards take place throughout the year, giving bettors the chance to wager on headline bouts as well as undercard fights. With events scheduled most weekends, combat sports offer frequent betting opportunities outside the traditional team sports calendar.
Delaware betting revenue statistics
Delaware’s sports betting market is relatively small compared with larger states because of its population and its centralized lottery-run model. For several years the market consisted only of retail sportsbooks at the state’s racinos, which makes year-to-year comparisons difficult. The launch of statewide mobile betting through BetRivers in December 2023 significantly expanded the market, giving bettors their first full online wagering option.
By 2025, the impact of online betting was clear. Delaware sportsbooks handled roughly $200 million in wagers during the year, generating around $20 million in sportsbook revenue across both retail and mobile platforms. While these figures are modest compared with larger U.S. markets, they represent steady growth for the state and show that the addition of online betting has strengthened Delaware’s overall gambling revenue.
Other betting types in Delaware
Casino gaming
Casino gaming plays a major role in Delaware’s gambling industry and is available both in person and online. The state’s three racinos, Delaware Park, Bally’s Dover, and Harrington Raceway, offer slot machines, table games, and poker alongside their sportsbooks and racetracks. Delaware was also one of the first states to legalize online casino gaming, allowing residents to play slots and table games through regulated iGaming platforms connected to these racinos.
Horse racing betting
Horse racing remains an important part of Delaware’s betting culture thanks to the state’s racetrack casinos. Bettors can place pari-mutuel wagers on live races held at tracks such as Delaware Park and Harrington Raceway, as well as on simulcast races from other venues around the country. Online advance-deposit wagering platforms also allow bettors to place horse racing bets remotely.
Lottery
The Delaware Lottery oversees much of the state’s gambling activity and offers a variety of traditional lottery games. Players can participate in national jackpots such as Powerball and Mega Millions, along with local draw games and instant scratch tickets available at retail locations across the state.
Sports betting rules in other US states
Delaware isn’t the only state we’ve zoomed in on for betting. We’ve done the same thing for all other 49 states (and some cities). Below are our guides, from coast to coast:
Responsible gaming in Delaware
It is important to stay safe while gambling. If you detect a lack of control or other symptoms of problem gambling, check out some of these resources:
Local:
- Delaware Council on Gambling Problems (https://www.deproblemgambling.org/): Provides free, confidential help for anyone dealing with problem gambling. Reach their 24/7 helpline at 1-888-850-8888.
- Gamblers Anonymous Delaware: This peer-led support group offers meetings across the state for anyone looking for help managing their gambling habits. Visit their website for more information on meetings and locations.
- Delaware Problem Gambling Helpline:
- Call: 888-850-8888
- Text: 302-438-8888 (M-F, 9-5)
National:
- Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/): A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
- International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/): The International Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.
- 24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/): A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.
