Delaware Sports Betting: Best Delaware Sportsbooks December, 2024

Delaware was the first state to accept a legal sports wager after the Supreme Court struck down PASPA. Although retail sports betting arrived quickly, it took over five years for the First State to launch online sportsbooks. On this page, I’m covering all the nuts and bolts of Delaware sports betting, including how you can start betting now.

Best Social Sportsbooks in Delaware

Explore sweepstakes-style sportsbooks that are legally accessible in Delaware. Below, you can find our curated selection, and for detailed information on the topic, delve into our comprehensive reviews of Fliff Social Sportsbook and Sportzino.

How We Rated the Top Delaware Sports Betting Sites

Our team thoroughly investigates each sportsbook, allowing us to provide detailed information that has been personally tested and verified. Our rating process is based on personal testing. Everything from signing up for the sportsbook to placing bets and cashing out winnings, we go through the whole betting experience from start to finish.

For every review, our writers are tasked with spending at least two hours on each of the following six areas:

1. User Experience: We take the time to explore the platform, looking at the interface and overall feel. Is it easy to use, glitch-free, and intuitive? What kind of design does it have? We assess the performance across devices like desktop, mobile browser, and app.

2. Features: We explore the breadth of options in the sports and betting markets. We like distinctive features like picking services, betting guides, or live streaming. Anything that makes a sportsbook stand out from competitors gets points from us in this category. 

3. Promotions: We ensure to opt into every available bonus so that we can assess the value and T&Cs firsthand. Are there any ongoing promotions, like daily odds boosts or seasonal offers? What kind of rewards come with the loyalty scheme? 

4. Deposits and Withdrawals: We test every available deposit and withdrawal method. It can be time consuming, but it is an important part of the process to evaluate convenience, processing times, limits, and any fees. 

5. Customer Support: We contact all customer support options by email, using live chat, and calling the phone number. We want to see how fast and responsive they are to our questions. We also thoroughly review the FAQ section beforehand to assess its informativeness.

6. Responsible Gambling: We have a lot of time for sportsbooks that advocate responsible gambling through links to support organizations and informative guides or specific tools like deposit/wager limits, time-out, and self-exclusion.

Once a review has been published, our post-publication editors dedicate five hours each month to verifying the content to be up-to-date and accurate.

Why You Should Trust Us

At WSN, our credibility stems from the time and effort we put into engaging with each sportsbook before writing a word. We take pride in creating authentic and personal content based on our direct experience. We incorporate all of that experience and insight, both positive and negative, into our reviews. 

Our team is made up of professionals who have a deep understanding of the industry and are passionate bettors themselves. This expertise lets us know what our readers look for in a sportsbook. Ultimately, our goal is to provide a trustworthy guide that assists you in making informed betting decisions. 

Closer Look at the Best Online Sportsbook in Delaware

1. BetRivers Sportsbook

Best for: Sports Betting in Delaware

BetRivers is the only legal online sportsbook in Delaware, which is a great option considering it’s one of the top sportsbooks in the US market. If you’re in Delaware or a resident, you can access BetRivers through their fantastic app.

While BetRivers is the only online sports betting operator in Delaware, two state casinos, Harrington Raceway & Casino and Delaware Park, will both use the BetRivers platform to offer the best online casino gaming. The only difference will be the branding on each of them. This highlights BetRivers widespread presence in Delaware's online gambling market.

When it comes to the BetRivers Delaware promo, you’ll get a second chance bet of up to $500 in bonus bets if your initial bet loses. I see it as a win-win. You’ll either have a winning wager or grab the bonus. To claim this offer, you’ll need to deposit at least $10 and wager on any market at odds more than -200. If your bet doesn’t pan out, you’ll be awarded a bonus bet matching your initial bet up to $500. What’s more, you’ll have an entire month to use your bonus bet.

BetRivers is the platform that comes to mind when thinking of the best sportsbook for beginners. Its easy-to-use and clean interface streamlines the process from signing up to placing bets. You’ll find all you need at BetRivers, such as a lot of different promotions, a great loyalty scheme, and a helpful support team. 

Take a look at our in-depth BetRivers review for more information.

• WSN rating: 4.1/5

• Sign up offer: $500 Second Chance Bet

• App rating: 4.4/5 (iOS); 3.3/5 (Android)

Pros

• iRush Rewards

• Ongoing promotions

• Excellent customer service

Cons

• Bet slip could be improved

• Issues with Android app

Full List of Legal Sportsbooks in Delaware

BetRivers is currently the only online sportsbook available in Delaware.

Delaware Online Sports Betting Sites

Delaware Retail Sportsbooks

Is Sports Betting Legal in Delaware?

Delaware was the first state to launch retail sports betting in June 2018 after PASPA was overturned. However, it took five years for the First State to introduce online sports betting in December 2023, with BetRivers going live. 

Delaware has a long history with sports betting, dating back to 1976, when the Delaware Lottery introduced a form of sports betting that allowed for parlay bets on football. This early venture enabled Delaware to secure an exemption under the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which prohibited sports betting across the US. States like Delaware that had pre-existing laws regarding sports betting were excluded from PASPA.

In 2009, Delaware tried to expand sports betting by introducing further betting options beyond parlays. However, the US Court of Appeals ruled against this, as the state’s previous laws only allowed for parlay betting on professional football.

Although it was simple for retail sports betting to be allowed in the state, the same cannot be said for online sports betting. According to Delaware's constitution, the state lottery is required to operate in a way that maximizes revenue production for the state. This stipulation has made officials cautious about offering mobile betting, which has a lower return on revenue for the state compared to traditional retail betting. 

In 2023, Delaware partnered with Rush Street Interactive, the operator of BetRivers. An agreement was made that the state would receive 50% of the generated betting income, and BetRivers would provide dedicated pages for each of the state’s casinos.

How to Get Started

It’s pretty simple to sign up and start betting at a sportsbook. Just follow these key steps that I've outlined below:

1. Select a legitimate sportsbook. Firstly, begin by picking a sportsbook that has been authorized and regulated by the state's gaming authority to ensure your financial and personal protection. BetRivers is currently the only legal option in the First State.

2. Register an account. Next, you can sign up for the sportsbook. You’ll be asked to provide details such as your name, email, SNN, and password. 

3. Confirm your identity. You will be required to verify your identity by submitting documents like a driver’s license, passport, or proof of address. Legal and regulated sportsbooks are legally required to gather and verify the identifying information of their players, and this is part of that process.

4. Claim your welcome offer. Now, you can claim any available welcome bonus. Check if you need to use a promo code or opt-in. Remember to carefully read the terms and conditions of these bonuses before claiming them.

5. Deposit some money into your account. Head to the cashier section and choose your preferred payment method. Then, enter your financial details and the amount you want to deposit. The minimum deposit for sportsbooks is usually $10.

6. Place your first bet. Finally, for the fun part, explore the sports and betting markets on the platform. Choose how much you want to bet and add it to your bet slip. 

7. Withdraw your winnings. If your bet is successful, you can cash out your winnings. The time it takes to receive your payout depends on your withdrawal method and the sportsbook’s processing times. 

Delaware Sportsbook Promos

Sportsbooks offer many bonuses that create a rewarding experience for users. Welcome bonuses are the stars of the show, drawing in newcomers to the platform. Remember to always read the terms and conditions before claiming any bonus.

Here is a list of typical welcome bonuses on sportsbooks:

Bonus Bets

Bonus bets are simply betting vouchers, often handed out by the sportsbook as part of a sign up bonus. They can only be used on the platform and aren't redeemed for money. A typical welcome offer is a number of bonus bets in exchange for signing up and making a qualifying wager. The initial bet is often a small amount, so it is a great option for those who don’t want to risk a lot. If you win with a bonus bet, you only get to keep the winnings and not the value of the stake. 

Second Chance Bets

For this bonus, you are given a backup on your first bet. If your initial wager doesn’t pan out, the sportsbook will reimburse some or all of your bet in bonus bets. Of course, this bet does hinge on your initial wager losing, but you have a safety net on the potential loss. It is the ideal bonus for those looking to make a big bet right off the bat or for those feeling uncertain about their first wager.

Deposit Match Bonuses

A deposit match bonus is when the sportsbook matches a percentage or the whole of your deposit up to a limit. As such, the larger your deposit, the more rewards you can reap from this type of offer. The matched portion comes in bonus bets or site credit, not regular cash, which you can simply withdraw. 

No-Deposit Bonuses

This is any bonus you don’t need to make a deposit or wager to trigger. All you have to do is register for the sportsbook. It’s an uncommon bonus to find, but it is typically a small amount ranging from $10 to $20.

What Mobile Sportsbooks Are Available in Delaware?

Nowadays, the digital era has completely changed our engagement with online platforms like sportsbooks. Bettors now prefer to use mobile devices to access sportsbooks due to their ease of use and convenience. Fortunately, BetRivers has one of the best sports betting apps that can be used to place bets on the go. It holds an impressive rating of 4.4/5 on the App Store but a lower rating of 3.3/5 on the Google Play Store.

What Betting Markets Are Available in Delaware?

Online sportsbooks offer many different kinds of wagers you can make on a wide variety of sports. We’ve listed and explained the most common betting markets that you’ll explore:

Moneyline

A moneyline bet is a simple prediction on which team or individual will win a game. It is the most basic and popular of betting markets. Positive odds indicate a lesser chance of success, whereas negative odds point to the more likely winner. It can look like this:

• ATL Braves (-125)

• PHI Phillies (+105)

Here, if you make a $100 wager on the Phillies to win, you’d make a profit of $150 for a total payout of $250. As the Braves are the favorite, you’d need to put down $125 for a $100 profit if they win, resulting in a payout of $225. If you are still confused by odds, we have a full guide on how to read betting odds.

Point Spreads

Point spread betting is also popular at sportsbooks, involving wagering on the margin of victory. Essentially, you are looking at the number of points a team will win or lose by. Here’s an example:

• ATL Braves -1.5 (+136)

• PHI Phillies +1.5 (-162)

Here, they would need to win by 2 points or more to win a bet on the Braves. If you wager on the Phillies to be successful, they would need to avoid losing by 2 points or simply win the game. The odds for point spread bets are usually around -110 for each side.

Totals

A total bet focuses on the total points that will be scored in a game. Also known as an Over/Under bet, you’re guessing whether the score will be over or under a number set by the sportsbook. Take a look at this illustration:

ATL Braves vs. PHI Phillies:

• Over 7.5 (-102)

• Under 7.5 (-118)

Futures

Future bets are placed on events well in advance, typically on outcomes of major competitions like the Super Bowl or the NBA Championships. Because of the variables involved before settling the bet, these bets usually have attractive odds. This type of bets heightens the excitement for future events before the season starts, but they are available anytime throughout the year.

Prop Bets

Prop bets involve wagering on a particular event within a game that doesn’t directly impact the overall outcome. These bets can span a range of situations, from player and team stats to random events. Common prop bets include yellow cards in a soccer match or the first touchdown scorer in a football game. An example of a unique prop bet is the color of Gatorade poured over the coach in the Super Bowl.

Parlays

Parlays merge multiple individual bets into a single wager. For your parlay to win, every included bet must be successful. The odds of each bet are compounded, so there is a chance for greater payouts but with a bigger risk. Teasers give you the flexibility to adjust the point spreads or totals within a parlay in your favor, but in exchange for a reduced payout.

Live Betting

Live betting immerses you directly in the middle of the action, letting you place wagers on a game as it happens. As the game progresses, the odds are updated to reflect the ongoing action in the match. You can make bets like the next team to score or the total points scored by the end. BetRivers has excellent live betting and streaming features that can be enjoyed.

What Can’t You Bet On in Delaware?

Delaware sports betting is subject to a few restrictions:

• It is prohibited to bet on any political event.

• Bets cannot be placed on entertainment or awards ceremonies.

• Betting on eSports is not allowed.

• You cannot bet on events involving Delaware college teams.

Betting on College Sports in Delaware

Betting on college sports is allowed, but only if no Delaware-based team is involved. 

Delaware Sports Betting Facts

How Does Delaware Online Sports Betting Compare to Other States?

Delaware has registered a total sports betting handle of $636 million since it introduced retail sports betting in 2018. For context, it has a population of around 1 million. Since BetRivers was launched in the state, Delaware has seen a significant increase in handle, with $13 million in February and $17 million in January. It was at only $8 million in November and December before legal online sports betting.

Since Delaware is such a newcomer to online betting, it is difficult to compare the state to others that have allowed online sportsbooks for years. The best point of comparison would be to look at the monthly handle of states that have only legalized one sportsbook. Rhode Island works well, as it has a single online sportsbook that is not a major operator. It makes around $40 million monthly. As Rhode Island has a similar population of 1.1 million, Delaware seems to be trailing behind other states.

Delaware has one of the highest tax rates in the country, at 50%, similar to New York's and Rhode Island’s 51%. On average, the tax rate for sports betting in the US is around 19%, with certain states, such as Nevada, having much lower rates of 6.75%.

Delaware Sports Betting Updates

Delaware was the first state to have a legal sports wager after PASPA was struck down, but online sports betting has taken quite a while to go live.

Here’s a timeline of key events:

• Jan. 3, 2024 - BetRivers goes fully live in the state.

• Dec. 27, 2023 - BetRivers is soft launched in Delaware, introducing online sports betting.

• Aug. 17, 2023 - Rush Street Interactive announces that the Delaware State Lottery has selected it as the state’s exclusive online sportsbook vendor.

• July 2018 - Delaware reports over $7 million in sports betting revenue since the launch of sports betting.

• June 5, 2018 - Delaware’s three casinos launch the first retail Delaware sportsbooks. Governor John Carney places the state’s first legal sports bet. 

• May 14, 2018 - The Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), opening the door for states to create their own sports betting laws.

• July 26, 2017 - Governor John Carney signs the Delaware Interactive Fantasy Contest Act into law.

• Aug. 24, 2009 - The US Court of Appeals states that Delaware’s move to offer single-game sports betting was a breach of federal law (PASPA), restricting the state only to parlay betting.

• May 14, 2009 - Governor Jack Markell signs a bill to introduce single-game sports betting in Delaware.

• Oct. 28, 1992 - PASPA is enacted, banning sports betting across the US, with Delaware being an exception due to a pre-existing parlay betting option.

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Delaware?

Yes, DFS is legal in Delaware after Governor John Carney signed the Delaware Interactive Fantasy Contest Act in July 2017. FanDuel and DraftKings are authorized to offer their DFS platforms in the state. If you aren't sure how DFS works, check out our DFS betting guide.

Sports Teams in Delaware

Although Delaware doesn’t have any major leagues, many residents are fans of professional teams from the neighboring states of Philadelphia or Baltimore. 

Delaware Sportsbook Partnerships

As Delaware isn’t home to any major league franchises, you won’t find any partnerships with sportsbooks.

Getting Help: Responsible Gambling in Delaware

Delaware has several support resources for those struggling with problem gambling:

• The Delaware Council on Gambling Problems offers support and services in the state. It can be contacted at (302) 655-3261 or via live chat on its website.

• Delaware also has a problem gambling helpline, which can be called at (888) 850-8888 or texted at (302) 438-8888. 

Sportsbooks also have specific tools to help manage betting:

• Deposit/wager limits: You can set a specific amount to control your spending.

• Time alerts: You can turn on notifications to remind you how long you have been betting.

• Time-out/self-exclusion: This prevents you from accessing a sportsbook for a set period or indefinitely.