Delaware Online gambling: Horseracing, poker, and casino games Delaware casinos and gambling is a massive industry considering the size of the state. The state offers more forms of gambling than any other state with the exception of Nevada. Delware gambling dates back to 1760, 27 years before it became a state. Delaware Park Online Opened in 1933, Delaware Park is the longest-running gambling venue in the Blue Hen State. This thoroughbred racetrack and casino is behind the Delaware Park Online brand. Delaware Park features a few dozen online slots along with two table games. Delaware-licensed gambling sites are controlled by Delaware State Lottery and tied to the local racetrack-casinos: Delaware Park, Harrington Raceway, and Dover Downs. The software that powers all of those sites has been designed by seasoned developers from Scientific Games and 888.
According to the Delaware Constitution, the state holds a monopoly over real money gambling, which means that unlicensed gambling is illegal and is considered a misdemeanor. Delaware-licensed gambling sites are controlled by Delaware State Lottery and tied to the local racetrack-casinos: Delaware Park, Harrington Raceway, and Dover Downs. The software that powers all of those sites has been designed by seasoned developers from Scientific Games and 888.
If you’d like to play different games designed by other casino software companies, offshore sites are your only option. It’s worth pointing out that even though state officials don’t prosecute offshore site customers, it’s hard to say for sure whether joining them is 100% legal or not, as the relevant regulations remain somewhat ambiguous despite being updated in the recent past.
Delaware residents have the option to play at legal, state-regulated online casinos. Those casinos have been well-designed and offer a wide selection of games, but there’s no denying the fact that they’ve been made by a single developer – in the end, many players go for offshore sites just for the sake of variety.
When it comes to poker, offshore networks are the only available option. If you don’t want to waste your time on mediocre poker rooms, you should go for high-traffic networks, as they offer better tournaments and cash games. If you’re looking for a sports betting site, your best bet would be to compare several high-profile sportsbooks in terms of prices, event coverage and live in-play options.
A state that’s known for its liberal views on gambling, Delaware was second to Nevada to operate any type of gambling site and is one of 3 states overall to have passed legislation to make online gambling legal. The Gaming Competitiveness Act was signed in June of 2012, taking effect in late 2013. The act legalized games like the lottery, online poker, and casino games.
The Delaware Lottery Commission is in charge of overseeing online gambling. The only participants allowed are those within Delaware borders but you do not have to be a Delaware resident. The state just wants to ensure its competitors they are only playing against people also in Delaware. If a resident of Delaware goes out of state and tries to use their account they will be rejected. Determining where any would-be gambling participant is operating from is done using advanced geolocation software.
The Wire Act
There was some controversy regarding the fact The Interstate Wire Act had been passed since 1961, causing concern as to how this might affect online gambling laws. The Wire Act was aimed to prevent certain types of betting business being done in the United States. However, the Department of Justice determined in September of 2011 that the Wire Act was meant for sports betting, thus paving the way for online gambling.
Interstate Agreement
There is one significant exception as to who can compete against other Delaware gamblers. An important moment for online gambling history took place when Nevada and Delaware banded together to sign an agreement allowing players in each state to gamble against each other. For starters, the only game allowed was poker but with the intent of allowing more games in the future.
Since there is no limit as to which other states may join the agreement, this has at least created an opening for online gambling to completely stamp itself in the United States, something many citizens have been clamoring to see for quite some time. Each state that would want to join is authorized to regulate Internet gambling in accordance with its laws and would only have to meet minimum regulatory standards. No other states have joined in on the online gambling fun yet, but it is nice to at least know the potential is there.
Delaware Online Casinos
The 3 popular brick and mortar casino and horse racing tracks there are Dover Downs, Harrington Raceway, and Delaware Park. Delaware became the first state to license complete Internet casinos and these 3 land casinos were the ones providing a full slate of online casino games for their players to choose from.
Games Offered
Each of the 3 sites is constructed almost exactly the same way. Even though these brick and mortar casinos are also known as “racinos” because of their popularity for horse racing, you cannot bet any of the races at any of the sites. What you can bet on are a wide variety of slot games. They also offer video poker along with traditional versions of Blackjack. Their Roulette section offers American, French, and European styles.
The rules and payouts are listed for both games along with the betting limits which are $1-$300. It also has a poker room with a page explaining how to play. The poker room must be downloaded and is only available on PC. The games are Texas Hold’em, 7 card stud hi and hi/lo along with Omaha hi and hi/lo offering limit, no limit, and pot limit varieties. You can place bets from a mobile device. Each site also specifies its disconnection policy for every game in the event your Internet loses connection and kicks you off while you are in the middle of a bet. They also offer a small and limited welcome bonuses for the poker room and the casino.
As said before there is no online sports betting. The only sports betting you can do must be done inside the casino and the options are limited to NFL only and must be done as a type of parlay.
The presentation of the sites is simple, making them seem all that exciting, but then again these are not major online casinos. And with Delaware being such a small state, it is not especially surprising the online casinos do not generate a ton of revenue to begin with.
Other Sites
They technically are not supposed to, but many of the online gaming sites around the world still accept business from the U.S. Since the citizens themselves cannot get into trouble for gambling online and the government isn’t going through the trouble to prevent other sites from accepting their business, Delaware citizens can always just gamble at the other sites should they ever want to be able to bet sports or just have more gambling and deposit/withdrawal options in general.
If you are looking to gamble at an offshore site, some of the top ones are Bovada, Bodog, and Sportsbetting.ag. Just always remain aware that if something goes wrong at one of the sites (like trying to get a payout) that you have little to no recourse, making gambling at an offshore site inherently risky. Delaware’s online casinos may not overwhelm you with selection or flash, but is nice to know since you can only gamble there by being within their boundaries that there is no way you will get screwed out of any money you rightfully won.
Payment Options
Delaware Online Casino Gambling Slot Machines
Deposit and withdrawal methods are limited to Mastercard, Visa, Neteller Visa, and bank transfers. Bank transfer payouts can be expedited for their VIP members. There are no options for Bitcoin or any cryptocurrency and there is no indication that is going to change.
Delaware Online Gambling FAQ
How Do I Get Started?
Getting started isn’t all that hard, but you have to keep a few things in mind. Regulated Delaware sites require you to be physically present within the borders of the state when you sign up for an account, while most offshore sites allow you to register from anywhere in the US.
Furthermore, Delaware sites offer more deposit options, while offshore sites usually rely on credit card payments. Finally, you have to keep in mind that most sites will require you do a one-time identity check, which is necessary to prevent underage gambling and bonus abuse.
How Do I Get My Money if I Win?
Regardless of the type of site you pick, withdrawing your winnings won’t require a lot of effort. All you need to do is open the cashier menu, pick the banking method that you’d like to use and wait for the site’s staff to process your request, which usually takes less than 48 hours.
What is the minimum age to gamble online in Delaware?
Minimum casino gambling age in Delaware is 21, so if you’re 18 you won’t be able to play on the Delaware-licensed sites. Most offshore platforms accept all customers who are at least 18 years old.
How do I open an account?
All you need to do is fill out a short registration form and submit to an identity check.
Where can I open my account from?
If you want to register with a Delaware-only site, you’ll have to be physically present within the borders of the state. Most offshore sites should allow you to sign up from anywhere in the United States.
From where can I access Delaware online gambling sites?
Delaware-licensed sites have to be accessed from within the state’s territory. Offshore sites accept connections from all over the United States, but you shouldn’t try using them while you’re visiting states with strict anti-iGaming regulations, such as Washington and Utah.
Where can I familiarize myself with the official regulations over gambling in Delaware?
Both Delaware Constitution and Delaware Statutes contain gambling-related regulations.
How do I deposit to my online gambling account?
Offshore sites tend to rely on credit card payments, while Delaware sites give you more banking options to choose from.
How do I withdraw my winnings?
Delaware sites support a broad range of payment options, but if you’re playing on an offshore site you’ll have to choose between a wire transfer and a check by courier.
Is my money safe?
Your money is 100% safe with Delaware sites and the offshore sites listed here. You should be extra careful when dealing with offshore sites that haven’t been vetted by our iGaming experts.
What body regulates gambling in Delaware?
Gambling within the borders of Delaware is managed by Delaware Gaming Control Board and Delaware State Lottery.
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iGaming Play Responsibly/Self-Exclusion
What is the self-exclusion program?The self-exclusion program was established to allow people with a gambling problem to voluntarily exclude themselves from all gaming activities at all licensed Delaware video lottery agents agents (The Casino at Delaware Park, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino and Harrington Raceway & Casino) and their igaming websites.
How do I get placed on the self-exclusion list?
You may obtain information and an application form by using one of the following methods:
- By calling the Delaware Lottery Office in Dover at (302) 739-5291
- In person at the Delaware Lottery Office located at: Delaware Lottery
1575 McKee Road, Suite 102
Dover, DE 19904-1903 - Or by clicking here: Self-Exclusion Application Form:
The Delaware Lottery is currently working with reduced in-office staff due to the pandemic. Until further notice appointments are required for self-exclusions. Delaware Park Online Casino
You will be required to provide valid government–issued photo identification. You will also have a photograph taken during this process. The photo and other identifying information will be distributed to the video lottery facilities.Can I just mail back the completed form?
No. You must submit the application form in person at the Lottery office. The requirement to file in person is for your protection. Only you can place yourself on the Self- Exclusion list.
What will happen if I go to a video lottery facility and try to play?
Any person whose name has been placed on the self-exclusion list, who thereafter knowingly enters a gaming area, is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. If you do play, you shall not collect any winnings or recover any losses. Any winnings collected by a player while on the self-exclusion list are subject to forfeiture. You will not be able to receive complimentary goods or services, credit or check cashing privileges.
How long will I be on the self-exclusion list?
When you request self-exclusion, you will choose whether you want to be excluded for a minimum of one year, five years or for your lifetime. If you sign up for lifetime, you cannot be removed from the list. If you choose the one-year or five-year option, you must remain on the list for at least that length of time. Once your requested time period has ended you may appear in person at the Lottery office and request to be reinstated, should you decide you would like to be removed from the program/list.