Delaware has been at the forefront of sports betting since the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, legalizing sports betting in several states. The First State quickly capitalized on the new legislation and became one of the first states to launch legal sports betting operations.
Since then, the state has seen tremendous success in the sports betting industry, with millions of dollars in revenue generated through its three existing sports betting operators – Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway. These operators have offered a wide range of betting options, from traditional moneyline bets to more exotic prop bets, attracting sports enthusiasts from all over the region.
However, with neighboring states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania also legalizing sports betting, Delaware is now faced with increased competition. In order to maintain its competitive edge and continue to grow its sports betting market, Delaware is considering allowing additional operators to enter the market.
This move comes as no surprise, as Delaware’s sports betting revenue has been on the rise in recent years, reaching a record-breaking $31.5 million in 2019. By opening up the market to more operators, the state hopes to attract a wider range of bettors and increase overall revenue.
While no official plans have been announced yet, industry experts believe that Delaware will likely follow in the footsteps of other states that have successfully expanded their sports betting markets by allowing more companies to enter the industry. This could mean that well-known sports betting brands like DraftKings, FanDuel, and William Hill could soon be setting up shop in the First State.
In addition to attracting new operators, Delaware is also considering expanding its sports betting offerings to include online and mobile betting options. Currently, sports betting in Delaware is limited to in-person wagers at the three existing operators. By allowing online and mobile betting, the state could tap into a larger market of bettors who prefer to place their wagers from the comfort of their own homes.
Overall, the potential expansion of the sports betting market in Delaware is an exciting development for both operators and bettors alike. With increased competition and more betting options on the horizon, the future of sports betting in the First State looks brighter than ever.