Delaware Online Sports Betting Bill Advancing in Committees
Delaware legislators are making strides towards legalizing online sports betting in the state, as a bill to do so has advanced in committees. The bill, known as Senate Bill 176, aims to allow licensed casinos in Delaware to offer online sports betting to residents and visitors.
The bill was first introduced by Senator Bruce Ennis in February and has since garnered support from both Democrats and Republicans. Supporters of the bill argue that legalizing online sports betting will bring much-needed revenue to the state, which has been hit hard by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We need to explore all avenues to boost our state’s economy, and online sports betting is a proven way to do just that,” said Senator Ennis. “Delawareans should have the option to bet on sports from the comfort of their own homes, and this bill makes that possible.”
Under the proposed legislation, licensed casinos in Delaware would be permitted to partner with online sports betting operators to offer a wide range of sports betting options. The bill also includes provisions to protect consumers, such as age verification requirements and responsible gambling measures.
The Delaware Council on Gambling Problems has expressed support for the bill, citing the potential benefits of legalized online sports betting for the state’s gambling industry. “Delawareans are already betting on sports online through unregulated, offshore sites. By legalizing online sports betting, we can ensure that consumers are protected and that revenue stays in the state,” said a spokesperson for the council.
Opponents of the bill have raised concerns about the potential negative impacts of online sports betting, including addiction and problem gambling. However, supporters argue that the bill includes safeguards to address these concerns, such as funding for addiction prevention and treatment programs.
If Senate Bill 176 is ultimately approved by the Delaware General Assembly and signed into law by Governor John Carney, Delaware would join a growing number of states that have legalized online sports betting in recent years. Other states that have embraced online sports betting include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Indiana.
As the bill continues to advance through committees, lawmakers in Delaware will be closely watching to see if it ultimately becomes law. In the meantime, residents and visitors alike will have to wait and see if they will soon be able to place bets on their favorite sports teams from the palm of their hand.
