Delaware was among the first states to legalize sports betting, but federal restrictions kept the market on a short leash for years. It wasn’t until PASPA was repealed that Delaware could roll out a full-scale sports betting market.
For the first five years after legalization, betting in Delaware was only allowed in person at retail sportsbooks. Online betting didn’t come into play until 2023, when the state cleared the way for online sportsbooks to start accepting wagers.
BetRivers is currently the only real-money online betting site operating in Delaware. It went live on January 3, 2024. There are also some social sportsbooks available to Delaware residents, such as Thrillzz.
Below, you’ll find a complete look at Delaware’s sports betting scene, including what BetRivers offers, the key rules and regulations, where to find retail sportsbooks, and everything else you need to know to start betting in the First State.
How Delaware Sports Betting Became Legal
Delaware legalized sports betting back in 2009, but it took nearly a decade before the state could fully launch a legal betting market, and here’s what caused the delay.
While Delaware passed a 2009 law allowing single-game wagers, the federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992 restricted sports betting across most states, except for a handful that had pre-existing sports lotteries or betting operations before 1992. Delaware’s narrow exemption only allowed parlay bets on NFL games, far short of the broader betting that the 2009 law intended.
When Delaware tried to expand sports betting in 2009, the major professional leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL) and the NCAA sued, arguing that expanded betting would violate PASPA. A federal court sided against Delaware, restricting the state to NFL parlay bets and effectively blocking plans for wider sports wagering.
Things changed in May 2018 when the U.S. Supreme Court, in Murphy v. NCAA, struck down PASPA as unconstitutional, giving states the power to legalize sports betting. Delaware acted quickly, becoming the first state outside Nevada to offer legal sports betting on June 5, 2018.
On the online front, Delaware had an exclusive deal with 888 Holdings to run its online gambling operations, including sports betting. Still, the agreement didn’t include mobile betting, leaving players without a mobile option.
It wasn’t until 2023, after Delaware’s contract with 888 Holdings ended, that the state partnered with Rush Street Interactive (RSI) to launch the BetRivers platform. This move finally brought mobile sports betting to Delaware, with online wagering going live in late December 2023 through the BetRivers sportsbook.
List of All Delaware Sportsbooks
BetRivers is currently the only real-money online sportsbook operating in Delaware, but it’s not the only betting platform available to players in the First State. Several social sportsbooks also accept Delaware users, letting you make sports picks with virtual currency through the sweepstakes model.
I’ve looked into every option for betting in Delaware, and here are your top choices:
1) BetRivers: Best and The Only Real Money Sportsbook in DE
BetRivers signed an exclusive five-year deal with the Delaware Lottery in August 2023 to become the state’s sole online gaming operator. The platform went fully live on January 3, 2024, following a soft launch on December 27, 2023.
I’ve got BetRivers in my top five sportsbooks list nationwide. A big reason? Their odds. They’re consistently competitive on NHL, NFL, and soccer, so if you’re into those sports, BetRivers is a must-have for line shopping. Their teaser odds are also among the best.
I’m a massive fan of BetRivers’ live betting setup. They stream most sports they post live odds on, even niche stuff like table tennis. Plus, they offer micro bets, letting you wager on play-by-play moments like betting on whether the next batter in an MLB game will get a hit.
BetRivers offers fast payouts and a live chat feature that can be accessed instantly from anywhere within the app or desktop. They also crank out valuable promos and odds boosts under House Specials, boosting realistic plays like “Tarik Skubal to record 7+ strikeouts in the first 5 innings vs. Guardians,” not just crazy longshots.
There are a few things that bug me about BetRivers sportsbook. First, pop-ups often appear right after logging in, forcing you to close them before betting, and I’ve occasionally seen connection speed warnings even when my internet is fine.
BetRivers Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 82/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Second chance bet up to $500 depending on state
- Best Features: Fast payouts, competitive teaser and soccer odds
- Biggest Drawbacks: Functionality issues, limits successful bettors quickly
- Number of Sports: 29+
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days (usually within a day)
- Rewards Program: iRush Rewards
2) Sportzino: Best Social Sportsbook in Oregon
Sportzino was launched in 2023 by Blazesoft, a company that made its name in the sweepstakes casino space. The platform is open to Delaware residents aged 18 years or older.
Don’t let the “social sportsbook” label fool you — Sportzino looks and feels like a legit sportsbook, except you’re betting with Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins instead of real money.
Freebies are the name of the game at Sportzino. Just for signing up, you'll receive 220,000 GC and 10 SC (worth $10). They also offer no-deposit bonuses for returning players and a parlay boost that increases your potential payout with each extra pick you add.
Sportzino’s coverage is wild: 40+ sports, nearly double what top US sportsbooks offer. Beyond the usual suspects, you’ll find lines on badminton, beach volleyball, ski jumping, and a ton of virtual sports.
Their betting menu is loaded for every sport. In MLB, you can hit futures on the draft; in tennis, you’ll find double-fault props; and in MLS, first goal scorer bets pop up regularly.
I love that Sportzino offers many of the same features you’d get at a real-money book, including cashout on select markets and live streaming for certain games.
The only real drawback is the odds. They aren’t as strong as what you’ll find at BetRivers. They’re decent for a social book, but still fall short overall. Even so, it’s a fun addition to your lineup, especially for the free plays you can grab.
Sportzino Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 70/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: 220k GC & 10 SC FREE
- Best Features: Sports variety, free bonuses
- Biggest Drawbacks: Weak odds, no live chat
- Number of Sports: 40+
- Payout Speed: 1 to 3 banking days
- Rewards Program: None
3) Thrillzz: Best Social Betting Features
Thrillzz is a social betting app that launched in 2024, taking a unique approach compared to platforms like Sportzino. Instead of trying to mimic traditional sportsbooks, Thrillzz focuses on adding social elements that make betting more fun with friends.
The Squads feature is what got me hooked on Thrillzz. You can challenge your friends or random users by putting your picks head-to-head. It’s perfect whether you want a chill competition during a hangout or a heated battle with your crew. Thrillzz rewards everyone in the squad for wins, making every victory feel even sweeter.
Thrillzz offers a no-deposit sign-up bonus of 3,000 Thrillzz Coins plus 3 Thrillzz Sweeps. They also provide daily login bonuses, mail-in offers, and other free offers to give you more chances to play without spending a dime.
You can make free sports predictions on all major US sports, including the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, golf, and tennis. They don’t currently offer futures markets, but you’ll find creative props like player turnover totals and first team to score bets in NBA games.
My biggest gripe with Thrillzz is the odds. Many lines come with wide 40-cent spreads, like -120 on both sides of a spread, which makes it tough to find value. I’d also like to see Thrillzz add more sports and bet types to give players more options.
Thrillzz Sportsbook Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 72/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: $3 FREE + 1st Purchase Match Up to $25
- Best Features: Squads, loyalty program
- Biggest Drawbacks: Bad odds, no desktop platform
- Number of Sports: 10+
- Payout Speed: Up to 3 business days
- Rewards Program: Loyalty Program
Will Other Online Sportsbooks Come to Delaware?
Right now, Delaware’s online sports betting market is limited to a single operator: BetRivers, which runs under an exclusive agreement with the Delaware Lottery. However, efforts are underway to open the market to more competition.
House Bill 365, introduced by Reps. Franklin Cooke and William Bush would let each of Delaware’s three casinos partner with up to two online sportsbooks, potentially expanding the market to as many as six operators.
The bill proposes a $500,000 licensing fee covering a five-year term. It sets an 18% tax on monthly adjusted gross sports lottery receipts, along with contributions to horse racing purses and initiatives addressing problem gambling.
Major players, including DraftKings and FanDuel, have backed the bill, but it has faced pushback from the Delaware Lottery and Rush Street Interactive, which have raised concerns over potential revenue drops.
The bill didn’t make it through before the 2024 legislative session ended, but it’s expected to come up again for consideration in 2025.
Physical Sportsbooks in Delaware
Delaware offers three legal locations for in-person sports betting, all of which are tied to horse racing tracks and casinos. These venues allow betting on professional and most college sports, except for teams based in Delaware. All three sportsbooks use odds supplied by Scientific Games.
- Delaware Park Casino
Address: 777 Delaware Park Blvd, Wilmington, DE 19804
Description: Classic sportsbook vibe with large screens and odds powered by Scientific Games. - Bally’s Dover Casino Resort
Address: 1131 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901
Description: The state’s largest casino, featuring multiple restaurants, a spa, and direct access to Dover International Speedway. - Harrington Raceway & Casino
Address: 18500 S Dupont Hwy, Harrington, DE 19952
Description: Known for its horse racing track and Murphy’s Race/Sportsbook & Grill, offering a full sports betting experience.
How We Rate Sportsbooks in Delaware
We don’t hand out top spots just because a sportsbook has flashy ads or a big name. Our team thoroughly examines every Delaware sportsbook, analyzing every aspect from odds to payout speed.
If a book’s promos start slipping or the app turns glitchy, you’ll see it reflected in our ratings. However, if a site improves with better features or a smoother user experience, it’ll quickly climb our rankings.
Our scores aren’t set-it-and-forget-it. We continually retest and update our rankings to ensure they align with what Delaware bettors are currently seeing.
Here’s what we look at when we’re grading sportsbooks in the First State.
- Odds (20/100): We compare each book’s lines on spreads, totals, and moneylines for the sports Delaware bettors love most. If they’re adding too much juice, they lose points. However, if they’re offering some of the competitive odds, we make sure to give them credit.
- Sign-Up Bonus (15/100): A big bonus doesn’t mean much if it’s buried in tricky terms. We dig into the fine print on rollover rules, payout caps, and time limits so you’ll know if the signup offer is actually worth your time.
- User Experience (15/100): Great odds don’t mean much if the app is slow or clunky. We score how easy it is to browse markets, build bets, and cash out, whether you’re betting on your phone or your laptop.
- Features (7.5/100): We’re looking for tools that give you more ways to bet or more control: early cashouts, Same Game Parlays, bet builders, and live streaming. More options mean a better score.
- Market Depth (7.5/100): We don’t just count how many sports are offered—we see how deep each book goes with props, futures, alt lines, and niche leagues.
- Customer Reviews (5/100): We read what Delaware bettors are saying on the App Store, Google Play, Reddit, and other places to see if a sportsbook lives up to the hype.
- Live Betting (5/100): We test how many live betting options are available, how fast the odds update, and whether books offer micro bets like next-play or next-point wagers.
- Promotions (5/100): Great promos can keep things exciting long after your first bet. We examine how often books offer parlay boosts, early cashouts, insurance, and other deals that reward loyal players.
- Support (5/100): When you need help, it shouldn’t feel like pulling teeth. We rate response times, the helpfulness of support agents, and the various ways you can get in touch, including live chat and email.
- Odds Boosts (5/100): Odds boosts can give you a nice edge if they’re done right. We check how often they’re offered, if they’re on markets you care about, and whether the boosted lines are truly better than what you’d find elsewhere.
- Limits (5/100): Betting should be fair, not feel like you’re about to get banned for winning. We evaluate how books treat successful bettors and whether they’re quick to slap on limits.
- Banking (5/100): We test how fast and easy it is to deposit and withdraw, plus what payment options are available for Delaware bettors. Faster payouts and more choices mean a higher score.
Delaware Sports Betting Rules and Regulations
Here’s a quick guide to the key rules you need to know before placing bets in Delaware — so you can wager with confidence and stay on the right side of the law.
Who can legally bet in Delaware?
Anyone 21 or older who is physically present in Delaware can legally bet on sports. You can place bets at licensed casinos or through the BetRivers mobile app, which is the only legal online sportsbook in the state. Just remember: mobile betting isn’t allowed when you’re on tribal lands within Delaware.
Tax treatment of winnings
Sports betting winnings in Delaware are taxable. The state levies a 50% tax rate on gross sports betting revenue. Of that, 10% is earmarked for horse racing purses, and the casinos retain the remaining amount. Bettors must report any winnings and pay applicable federal and state taxes.
Betting restrictions
You can bet on pro sports and most college games in Delaware, but wagers on Delaware-based college teams are off-limits. Betting on political events is also prohibited.
Regulation of daily fantasy sports (DFS)
Daily fantasy sports are legal and regulated in Delaware, which was among the first states to authorize DFS contests. Licensed operators must meet the same regulatory standards as online sportsbooks, including strict age checks and geolocation verification.
Delaware Sports Betting Quick Facts
Online sportsbooks | 1 |
Max number of betting apps per law | 1 |
Retail sports betting | Yes |
Legalization date | June 05, 2018 |
Launch date | August 2023 (online sportsbooks) |
State regulator | |
College betting | Yes |
Esports betting | Yes |
Prohibited betting markets | None |
Minimum age for registration | 21 |
Payment method exclusions | None |
The tax rate on operators | 50% |
Online registration allowed | Yes |
Online casinos | No |
Delaware Sports Betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Delaware?
Yes, both online and retail sports betting are legal in Delaware.
What is the best online sportsbook in Delaware?
BetRivers is currently the only real-money online sportsbook operating in Delaware, making it the default best option.
Which sportsbook in Delaware has the best odds?
Our research shows that BetRivers offers competitive odds on major sports, including the NHL, NFL, and soccer.
How old do I have to be to bet at Delaware sportsbooks?
You must be at least 21 years old to place bets at any sportsbook in Delaware.
Do I need to be a Delaware resident to bet?
No, you don’t need to be a Delaware resident, but you must be physically located within state lines when placing a wager.
When did Delaware online sportsbooks launch?
BetRivers, Delaware’s first and only online sportsbook, launched on January 3, 2024.
Is esports betting legal in Delaware?
Yes, you can legally bet on esports in Delaware through BetRivers.
Is college betting legal in Delaware?
Yes, betting on college sports is allowed in Delaware, except you can’t bet on teams based in the state.
Are there physical sportsbooks in Delaware?
Yes, Delaware has three retail sportsbooks located at Delaware Park Casino, Bally’s Dover Casino Resort, and Harrington Raceway & Casino.
Do I have to pay taxes on a sports bet win in Delaware?
Yes, sports betting winnings in Delaware are taxable. Players must report winnings and pay applicable federal and state taxes.
Are offshore sportsbooks legal in Delaware?
No, offshore sportsbooks like Bovada are not legal in Delaware. Only licensed options, such as BetRivers, are legal.
