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Efforts to expand Delaware’s online sports betting market have hit a roadblock, with legislators deciding not to pursue the issue during this year’s session. Since introducing online gaming in 2013, Delaware has maintained a single-operator model, which was extended to include sports betting in December.
Despite discussions advocating for a more competitive market, similar to successful models in other states, the proposal did not gain traction. State Rep. William Bush (D) emphasized the benefits of increased competition, stating, “From our review and our perspective, we think that having more is better for lotteries, because it creates more competition, it ensures that everyone has a good platform and it allows more options for the public to choose what they want to do,” in an interview with Delaware Public Media.
Currently, Rush Street Interactive’s BetRivers platform operates as Delaware’s exclusive online sports betting and gaming provider under a contract with the state lottery. In April, Bush introduced legislation aimed at diversifying the market by allowing new operators to enter.
Under Bush’s proposed bill, new sports betting operators would pay a $500,000 licensing fee for a five-year period and face an 18% tax rate on revenue, with an additional 1.5% directed towards supporting the state’s horse racing industry. The bill garnered support from major industry players like MGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel, who saw potential in broadening market access.
Lottery authorities, however, expressed concern that the BetRivers contract might be canceled if the market was opened up. Director of the lottery Helene Keeley maintained that, given Delaware’s tiny population, keeping a single-operator arrangement would be the best course of action.
Although there are currently no plans to expand Delaware’s online sports betting market, stakeholders are likely to continue their conversations in order to find ways to improve market competitiveness without sacrificing regulatory stability.