Delaware was one of the first movers in legal U.S. sports betting, but its market has remained intentionally small and tightly regulated. The Delaware Lottery’s monthly reports provide verified numbers on handle, revenue, and state contributions, offering a unique look at a limited-operator model. This page compiles those figures to show how Delaware’s early start continues to shape its betting profile.
DE Revenue Insights
$27.6M Handle
7.44% Hold
$689K Tax Revenue
1 Online Sportsbook
Sports Betting in Delaware
Delaware has a long history with sports betting, as one of the first states to offer it in a legal capacity.
In 1976, Delaware experimented with sports wagering with a 'football lottery,' but that attempt was ultimately a failure. Still, that early attempt gave the state a partial exemption from the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992, which allowed limited sports betting.
After PASPA was repealed in 2018, Delaware quickly expanded its sports betting offerings. On June 5, 2018, the state launched full-scale retail sportsbooks at its three casinos: Delaware Park, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, and Harrington Raceway & Casino.
This included single-game and championship wagering on pro and college sports, excluding games involving Delaware teams.
In January 2024, the Delaware Lottery launched online sports betting through a partnership with the BetRivers platform from Rush Street Interactive. This was the state’s first foray into online sports wagering, allowing residents 21 and older to bet on pro and college sports via mobile devices and computers.
Despite all these advances, Delaware’s sports betting market is still small compared to other states. The state has an exclusive contract with BetRivers for online sports betting. While there have been talks to open the market to more operators, the market remains a monopoly for now.
Due to the state's high 50% tax on sports betting revenue and relatively low population, it may not be particularly appealing to some sportsbooks.
Interested in how different operators compare? Read our in-depth reviews of sportsbooks in Delaware.
Annual Sports Betting Growth in Delaware
Data is pulled directly from the Delaware Lottery & Games Annual Reports
Source:
RG
Monthly Sports Betting Growth in Delaware
Data is pulled directly from the Delaware Lottery & Games Monthly Reports
Source:
RG
Delaware Sports Betting Revenue Performance
While Delaware’s sports betting market is one of the smallest in the U.S., it remains consistent year over year, driven entirely by retail sportsbooks rather than mobile wagering. The state’s hold percentage has fluctuated notably, reflecting shifts in betting patterns and outcomes.
Delaware Sports Betting Revenue (2022–2024)
| Year | Handle ($) | GGR ($) | Hold % | Tax Revenue ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 82,472,393 | 8,884,122 | 17.94% | 6,548,945 |
| 2023 | 65,326,809 | 10,003,849 | 13.14% | 7,450,356 |
| 2024 | 216,240,459 | 14,585,100 | 6.99% | 8,474,813 |
Delaware Sports Betting 2025
| Month | Handle ($) | GGR ($) | Hold % | Tax Revenue ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 23,805,707 | 1,726,706 | 7.25% | 944,288 |
| Feb | 18,056,720 | 631,667 | 3.50% | 303,445 |
| Mar | 21,585,890 | 912,897 | 4.23% | 485,019 |
| Apr | 18,213,653 | 1,220,504 | 6.70% | 634,323 |
| May | 17,460,383 | 1,150,289 | 6.59% | 593,382 |
| Jun | 14,421,281 | 1,433,043 | 9.94% | 749,445 |
| Jul | 13,223,246 | 1,138,137 | 8.61% | 603,934 |
| Aug | 15,605,825 | 905,182 | 5.80% | 467,008 |
| Sept | 27,599,351 | 2,053,519 | 7.44% | 689,181 |
Latest Updates in Delaware's Sports Betting Sector
- October 29, 2024: PrizePicks secures licenses to operate in Delaware, marking its expansion into 44 U.S. markets.
- May 24, 2024: Progress is made toward a competitive betting landscape as House Bill 365 paves the way for state casinos to partner with two online sportsbooks apiece.
- April 15, 2024: Lawmakers in Delaware put forward a proposal to open up the online sports betting market to competition.
- December 27, 2023: BetRivers launches its online sportsbook in Delaware, becoming the state's only digital betting platform.
Delaware Snapshot
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | Approximately 1.04 million residents as of 2024. (World Population Review, 2024) |
| Political Affiliation | Delaware is a solidly Democratic state. It recently voted Democrat in the presidential election. (270towin.com, 2024) |
| Year Sports Betting Legalized | Permitted in person since 2018. Online and mobile sports betting operations began in 2024. |
| Number of Sportsbooks Operating | There is only one online sportsbook: BetRivers |
| Professional Sports Teams | Delaware doesn't have any professional sports teams, but it is close to a number of them and is known for split loyalties between the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens during the NFL season. |
FAQs
General Questions
When did Delaware first legalize sports betting?
Delaware introduced sports betting in 1976 with a football lottery and later expanded to full-scale retail sportsbooks in 2018.
How has mobile wagering impacted Delaware’s sports betting market?
Mobile wagering started in 2024, leading to a 231% increase in total handle compared to 2023.
What is Delaware’s tax rate on sports betting revenue?
Delaware taxes sports betting revenue at 50%, and the funds are allocated to the state, racetrack casinos, and racing purses.
How does football season affect sports betting in Delaware?
Football season drives significant betting activity, contributing to record monthly handles, such as December 2024’s $28.4 million.
Why is Delaware’s online sports betting market limited?
Delaware has an exclusive contract with BetRivers, limiting competition and keeping the market a monopoly for now.
