Delaware ready for sports betting

The state of Delaware could be among the front runners in offering sports betting following the US Supreme Court decision earlier this week overturning the 1996 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act.

Delaware was one of three states granted limited exemption from the federal law, but its demise now allows the state to widen its offering to include single game betting.

Delaware Online reported this week that the state is poised to be among the first to take advantage of the newly liberalised sports betting vertical, quoting officials in the governor’s office and the state Attorney General’s department who said there are no impediments preventing Delaware from offering single game betting, and setting the scene for a roll-out at the three land casinos in the state within weeks.

“We’re starting training next week,” state Finance Secretary Rick Geisenberger told Delaware Online. “Our hope is to get that complete next week and then it’s a question of testing software. But this will be a conversation with the casinos and we’ll start when we’re ready and they’re ready.”

“There are some significant reasons to begin this at the casinos,” Geisenberger said, adding that the limited roll-out will give the state a chance to examine how the bets work and reduce money laundering concerns in a more controlled setting.

Exactly what types of betting will be offered in the first weeks are still be worked out, he said.

“Generally, it is going to be with the spread,” he said. “But ultimately we’re going to look at the mix of products that makes sense.”

Spokesmen for the land casinos confirmed that training of staff is in progress and that it may be necessary to hire additional personnel.

Denis McGlynn, CEO of Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, said: “I think we’re going to beat New Jersey to the punch but they won’t be far behind. Pennsylvania will probably be next and then Maryland.”

Related and similar