Helene Keeley, Director of the Delaware Lottery, said "We knew that we needed to move forward. We knew that the competition from the other states was growing, and we needed to go online and we needed to launch as quickly as possible. We deferred to the [legislative] working group but then we had to make an executive decision," Keeley stated.
DELAWARE- The Delaware Lottery today announced the launch of its first online sportsbooks along with the relaunch of its three online casinos.
The new online casinos and online sportsbooks are powered by Rush Street Interactive, Inc., a U.S.-based gaming company that operates under the BetRivers brand.
The Delaware Park and Harrington Casino & Raceway sites are accessible through the BetRivers multi-state app and website while Bally’s Dover Casino offers its own standalone app and website.
Helene Keeley, Director of the Delaware Lottery, revealed that despite a desire for an earlier online sports betting launch, legislative hesitance led to the establishment of a working group tasked with providing recommendations.
"We knew that we needed to move forward. We knew that the competition from the other states was growing, and we needed to go online and we needed to launch as quickly as possible. We deferred to the [legislative] working group but then we had to make an executive decision," Keeley stated.
Regarding the success of parlay bets in Delaware, Keeley acknowledged the concern of potential profit erosion due to mobile betting. However, the escalating competition from neighboring states became an unavoidable challenge.
"When Pennsylvania two years ago went online and when last year Maryland [did], we did see a decrease in our sales, and constituents have been asking for this for years," Keeley added.
Since the soft launch last week, an impressive $17 million has been wagered on iGaming, with approximately $2 million wagered on sports.
"I think overall in just one week our decision is proving the right decision," Keeley remarked.
Peter Kocysnski, a sports bettor, emphasized the significance of convenience in his decision-making process.
"I'll try out the new app. Yeah, it is worth a shot because it is easier, it's quicker, it's convenient," Kocysnski said.
All revenue generated from iGaming and mobile sports betting will contribute to Delaware's general fund.
Delaware secured its position as the pioneering U.S. state in launching intrastate iGaming in 2013. This move encompassed online slots, blackjack, and video poker after the passage of the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012 by the General Assembly.
https://www.wboc.com/news/delaware-launches-online-sports-betting/article_564f6bc6-aa92-11ee-8638-4b0590d5c200.html#:~:text=DELAWARE%2D%20The%20Delaware%20Lottery%20today,operates%20under%20the%20BetRivers%20brand.