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Delaware online casino sites and their legality.

Looking to find the best Delaware online casino sites for top-notch gaming and real money wins? You’re in the right place!

Online casinos are fully legal in Delaware, and this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the state’s online casino landscape. Whether you’re a Delaware resident or a visitor eager to explore online gambling, we’ve got you covered. We’ll review the legal landscape, highlight popular games, and recommend the best online casino sites in the state.

Best Online Casinos in Delaware

Delaware offers a streamlined online casino experience with three legal online casinos, Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway, all of which are partnered with BetRivers to provide a branded app.

Through these apps, players can enjoy a variety of gaming options, including online slots, table games, poker, and even live dealer games. This setup ensures a comprehensive and exciting gaming experience for Delaware residents.

Safety Features of BetRivers

  • Secure Transactions: BetRivers employs advanced encryption technology to ensure that all transactions are secure, protecting personal and financial information.
  • Responsible Gaming Tools: A commitment to responsible gambling is paramount. BetRivers provides tools and resources to help maintain control of play, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options.
  • Regulatory Compliance: As a licensed platform, BetRivers adheres to strict regulations set by the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement, ensuring that all games are fair and that the platform operates with the utmost integrity.

Delaware Online Casinos: An Overview

Are Online Casinos Legal in DE?Yes, since 2017
State RegulatorDelaware Lottery
Legal Age21+
Legal FrameworkDelaware Gaming Competitiveness Act (HB 333)
Number of Licensed Online Casinos3 (all of which are partners of BetRivers)
Retail Casinos
Mobile Apps✅ (iOS and Android devices)
Responsible Gambling ResourceDelaware Council on Gambling Problems

Important Criteria When Choosing the Best Delaware Online Casino

When searching for a DE online casino for you, it’s essential to be discerning to find the best option. Consider these key criteria:

1. Bonuses

Look for online casinos offering generous bonuses such as no-deposit bonuses, deposit matches, and free spins. However, always read the terms and conditions to avoid bonuses with unreasonable wagering requirements.

2. Games

Choose casinos with a diverse game library, including classic slots, high-stakes poker, blackjack, and roulette. If you can’t find your favorite online casino games, consider exploring another casino for a different selection.

3. Security

Ensure your chosen casino employs robust security measures like SSL encryption and two-factor authentication. Regularly update your password and enable all security features to protect your data.

4. License

Confirm the casino is licensed by the Delaware Gaming Enforcement. A licensed casino ensures regulated operations, fair play, and financial security. Verify the license information on the casino’s homepage or ‘About Us’ section and cross-check it with the DGE website for validity. To make it easier, you can also stick with our recommendation.

Understanding Delaware’s Online Casino Licenses

Delaware, being one of the first states in the US to legalize online gambling, has set a comprehensive framework for the operation of online casino sites and, in fact, acted as a model for the rest.

The Licensing Process

Delaware’s licensing for online casinos ensures the highest standards of integrity, security, and fairness.

  • Application Submission: Applicants must provide detailed business information to the Delaware Gaming Enforcement (DGE) to start the review process.
  • Background Investigation: The DGE conducts thorough checks on applicants and key personnel, focusing on integrity, character, and financial stability.
  • Technical Evaluation: Casinos must prove their gaming technology meets strict standards for fairness, player protection, and security, including scrutinizing the RNG systems and information security measures.
  • Compliance with Laws: Applicants must adhere to the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act, ensuring responsible gambling, anti-money laundering practices, and the exclusion of underage and problem gamblers.
  • Licensing Approval: If successful, the DGE and Delaware Lottery issue a license, subject to ongoing compliance audits to ensure adherence to regulations.

The Role of the Delaware Department of Consumer Protection

While the DGE is the primary regulator of online gaming casinos in Delaware, the Delaware Department of Consumer Protection also plays a crucial role in safeguarding players’ interests. It provides resources and support for responsible gambling, addresses consumer complaints, and ensures that online casinos operate transparently and treat players fairly.

If you’re having problems, it is advisable to contact both boards to expedite the reporting process and get help faster.

Getting Started with Delaware Online Casinos

If you’re 21, in Delaware, and looking to play, here’s a foolproof guide to get you from curious onlookers to active players at some of the best and most secure Delaware online casino sites.

Step 1: Choose a Licensed Casino from Our Site

Start by selecting a casino from our curated list here. We only recommend sites that have been thoroughly vetted for security, fairness, and customer satisfaction, making sure you start your gaming adventure on the right foot.

Delaware’s three online casino options include:

  1. Bally’s Dover Online Casino
  2. Harrington Raceway & Casino
  3. Delaware Park

Step 2: Open an Account

Once you’ve picked your casino, the next step is to create an account. This process usually requires you to provide some basic personal information, choose a username and password, and verify your account through an email or SMS. Easy!

Step 3: Make a Deposit

You’ll need to deposit funds into your account to play online casino games for real money. Delaware online casino sites offer various secure payment methods, from credit cards to e-wallets.

Pick the one that best suits your needs. Remember to check that any bonuses you’ve accepted are eligible for withdrawal if you pick a specific withdrawal method.

Step 4: Choose Your Welcome Bonus

Take advantage of the welcome bonuses offered by online casinos in Delaware. These can range from deposit matches to free spins or even no-deposit bonuses. Read the terms and conditions to understand how each bonus works.

Step 5: It’s Time to Play!

With your account set up and funded, you’re ready to dive into online casino games. You can explore and play your favorites, whether it’s slots, table games, or live dealer games. Time to play!

Delaware’s Favorite Online Casino Games

Popular casino games that are commonly enjoyed by players in Delaware and are generally popular in online casinos worldwide include:

Online Slots: Slot machines are among the most popular casino games in Delaware and worldwide. Players can enjoy a wide variety of themed slot games, including classic slots, video slots, and progressive jackpot slots.

Online Blackjack: Blackjack is a card game that many casino enthusiasts in Delaware love. It’s known for its strategic gameplay and aiming to get a hand value as close as 21 without exceeding it.

Live Dealer Games: Live dealer casino games like live blackjack, live roulette, and live baccarat offer an immersive experience where players can interact with real dealers through a live video stream.

Delaware Casino Taxes

Delaware’s approach to online gambling incorporates robust tax regulations, ensuring that the gaming industry contributes to state revenue while maintaining fair play.

Operator Taxation: Online gambling sites in Delaware are required to share a portion of their revenue with the state. This structure ensures that casino earnings contribute significantly to state funds, benefiting public resources and services.

Player Taxation: Players must be aware that their online gambling winnings are considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Delaware residents must report these winnings on both state and federal tax returns. If you gamble online in Delaware and win, be prepared to pay taxes on those earnings, as the state mandates taxation on gambling income.

By understanding these tax obligations, players can enjoy Delaware’s online gambling opportunities more responsibly and in compliance with the law.

Is There Any Other Type Of Legal Gambling Activity In Delaware?

Yes, beyond the virtual allure of online casinos, Delaware provides different legal gambling activities that cater to preferences and interests.

Land-Based Casinos

Delaware offers several land-based casinos for diverse gaming experiences. Delaware Park Casino in Wilmington features over 1,900 slot machines, table games, and horse racing. Dover Downs Hotel & Casino in Dover provides extensive gaming and live entertainment, while Harrington Raceway & Casino in Harrington is known for its slots, table games, and harness racing.

Sports Betting

Delaware was one of the first states to legalize sports betting after the Supreme Court’s decision in 2018. Delaware residents can place bets on various sports at casinos, racetracks, and online, enjoying the thrill of the game with the added excitement of a personal stake in the outcome.

Horse Racing

Horse racing is a storied activity in Delaware, with options for betting at racetracks, through off-track betting facilities, and online platforms going all the way to 1933.

This traditional form of gambling combines the elegance of equestrian sports with the strategic analysis of betting.

Lottery

The Delaware Lottery, established in 1974, offers a range of lottery games, including instant games, draw games, and multi-state contests like Powerball and Mega Millions.

It’s a chance for residents to turn a small wager into a potentially life-changing windfall, like many other states with legal lotteries.

Charitable Gaming

Delaware permits charitable gaming, which includes bingo, raffles, and other games of chance operated by non-profit organizations.

This form of gambling supports community initiatives, allowing players to contribute to good causes while enjoying their favorite games. Play as much bingo as you want with Grandma – you’re covered!

Fantasy Sports

Fantasy sports betting allows participants to create their dream teams using real players from a specific league and earn points based on actual performance statistics. It’s a blend of skill and luck, appealing to sports fans and strategic thinkers.

And now it’s legal to bet on. Gov. John Carney signed legalizations for fantasy sports betting into Delaware law in 2017. Sports bets can be placed through the Delaware State Sports Lottery. Both FanDuel and DraftKings are also working to start operations in the state.

Keno

Keno, a lottery-style game found in many Delaware casinos and also offered online, invites players to select numbers and hope they match the drawn numbers for a chance to win cash prizes, like a gambling version of bingo.

It’s a fast-paced game that draws crowds with dynamic play and frequent drawings.

The History of Gambling in Delaware

Delaware’s history with gambling is as rich and varied as the state itself. From horse tracks to state-of-the-art online platforms, the narrative of betting in the First State is a compelling chronicle of progress and pioneering.

Let’s look at the timeline of major milestones to see just how far things have come.

  • 1933: Delaware legalizes pari-mutuel betting at horse tracks. The Delaware Park (that will eventually turn into a casino brand!) racetrack, opened in 1937, and became a hub for horse racing enthusiasts.
  • 1974: The Delaware State Lottery is established, marking a significant step in the state’s gambling history and providing a new avenue for gambling options for Delaware residents.
  • 1994: The introduction of the Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) at racetracks, including Delaware Park Casino, ushers in a new era for casinos in DE, expanding the casino experience to include video slots and electronic games.
  • 2009: Delaware makes a bold move and passes the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act, which expands the scope of the lottery to include table games, significantly enhancing gambling laws and casino offerings.
  • 2012: Delaware legalizes online gambling in Delaware through an amendment to the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act, becoming one of the first states to legalize online gambling for Delaware gaming, including online casino gambling and online sports betting, paving the way for real money casino games to be played online.
  • 2013: The first of the three online casinos to go live, followed quickly by the other two major brands. Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway start offering online casino games, marking Delaware as a leader in the online casino experience.
  • 2018: Delaware launches full-scale sports betting, making it one of the first states post-PASPA to offer legal sports wagering. This includes online sports betting (through BetRivers at Delaware Park Casino and Racing or Harrington Raceway and Casino)  further diversifying the gambling options available to Delaware residents.
  • 2020: During the Coronavirus pandemic, Delaware’s online casinos offer increased gaming options, reinforcing responsible gambling practices and supporting users in navigating the digital gambling landscape.

With a solid foundation laid by the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act and the steadfast oversight of the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement, Delaware continues to provide a secure and diverse gambling experience for its residents and visitors alike. Delaware is doing it right – keeping games safe to play.

The Future of Online Casino Gaming in Delaware

As Delaware continues to evolve in the realm of online gambling, several trends and possibilities emerge on the horizon:

Online Casino Growth

While online sports betting grabs the spotlight, the casino sector will likely see continued growth. Delaware’s online casinos have recorded consistent revenue figures, according to records kept up with the Delaware State Lottery. With the convenience of mobile gaming apps, this trend is expected to continue compared to 2022 revenues. I, for one, would love to see more new casino sites entering the state, and I know you do too!

Market Expansion

Delaware’s 2023-2024 task force report emphasizes the potential for expanding online sports betting. The recommendation for multiple online sports lottery operators (skins) could lead to a more competitive and consumer-driven market, mirroring the successful models of neighboring states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania. DraftKings and FanDuel are already interested in expanding operations in the state. However, additional legal hurdles need to be cleared to allow sports betting companies to open in the state, as currently, the only sports betting allowed is through the Delaware Sports Lottery. 

Increased Tax Revenue

The introduction of a competitive online sports betting market has the potential to boost tax revenue significantly. Projections suggest that with the right tax and licensing structure, Delaware could enjoy a substantial increase in revenue from sports wagering, contributing to the state’s financial well-being. The state’s market for sports wagering alone is worth a minimum of $2 million each month, peaking at around $10 million according to the Delaware Lottery’s earnings records.

Protection of the Horse Racing Industry

Delaware recognizes the importance of safeguarding contributions to the state’s treasury from the sports lottery to support the state’s horse racing industry, which has long been legal statewide. Ensuring that these contributions remain at a certain level will be crucial to maintaining a thriving racing scene. However, there is a movement to expand this to operations like DraftKings and FanDuel.

Cross-State Collaboration

Delaware may explore collaborations with neighboring states for shared player pools in poker and other online casino games. This cooperative approach can lead to larger player bases and more significant prize pools, benefiting players and the state. After all, the state has participated in a shared poker pool since 2018 – the model works.

Best Delaware Online Casinos 2024 and Beyond

This guide has provided a clear look at Delaware’s top online casinos, detailing which ones operate legally and how to enjoy their offerings safely. Armed with this knowledge, you’re ready to dive into Delaware’s online gaming scene with confidence.

For those interested in online casino regulations across other states, be sure to visit our dedicated page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is online gambling illegal in Delaware?

Online gambling is fully legal and operational in Delaware. In fact, Delaware was the first state to say, “Yes, please!” to legalize online gambling, including online casinos and sports betting.

How many real money online casinos in Delaware are there?

While Delaware isn’t exactly the state with a casino on every digital corner, it boasts a few top-tier online casinos. Think quality over quantity. You have enough options to keep your gaming appetite full, but not too many that you’d get lost on the way to the virtual roulette table.
Three leading casinos are available: Bally’s Dover Online Casino, Harrington Raceway & Casino, and Delaware Park.

Can you play BetMGM in Delaware?

BetMGM is not currently available in Delaware. You’ll want to check the latest on their licensing status in the state, though. It’s like a relationship status on social media; it can change at a moment’s notice.