Delaware Online Casino Real Money – Gambling Laws in The First State
With legalized Delaware online casinos, sports betting online platforms, and online poker rooms, players can indulge in these activities from home.
Delaware may be one of the smallest states in the US, but it offers residents a huge variety of online gambling options.
Additionally, out-of-state online casinos expand the options for those seeking more variety.
Delve into our guide for comprehensive insights into gambling in the First State.
Summary of Delaware Gambling Laws
Delaware is one of the most progressive US states regarding gambling laws. Online casinos, online poker, and sports betting are all legal, although the small population sometimes makes finding games hard.
| Gambling | Delaware |
|---|---|
| Is Online Gambling Legal? | Yes |
| Playing at Online Casinos | Yes |
| Legal Age Online | 21+ |
| Land-Based Casinos | Yes |
| Legal Age Land-Based | 21+ |
| Online Sports Betting | Pending |
| Charitable Gambling | Yes |
| State Lottery | Yes |
| Social Gaming | Yes |
Is Gambling Legal in Delaware?
Almost every form of gambling in Delaware is legal, with a few exceptions. Here’s an overlook of the different options for gambling in the state and their legal status.
| Gambling | Delaware Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Casino Gambling | Delaware legalized brick-and-mortar casinos in 1995, now hosting three establishments. Visitors must be 21 or older to partake in gambling activities at these venues. |
| Poker | Delaware, known as “The First State,” legalized online poker in 2012, complementing in-person poker at physical casinos. The state offers customary cash games and occasional tournaments, all regulated by Delaware’s Gaming Control Board. |
| Horse Racing Betting | You can bet on horse racing at all three DE casinos and online through pari-mutuel wagering, including renowned events at Delaware Park. Participants must be 21 or older, and the Department of Agriculture Thoroughbred Racing Commission regulates all activities. |
| Dog Racing Betting | Dog racing is not legal in the First State. |
| Lottery | Delaware permits a state lottery, offering standard number draws, such as Powerball and Mega Millions, alongside other lottery games. |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Daily Fantasy Sports are legal and licensed, although the providers may vary. To play the games, you must be at least 18 years old. |
| Sports Betting | Sports betting is entirely legal in Delaware, although online sports betting operators have yet to launch a product. |
| Charitable Gaming | Delaware allows charitable gaming, including bingo and raffles, organized by qualified charities and other eligible groups. Players must be at least 18 years old to participate. |
| Social Gaming | Social gaming is legal in the First State, and residents are free to host games at home as long as they don’t charge a fee. |
| Online Gambling | Online gaming is fully legalized in DE, which includes all types of online gambling. Residents also have access to offshore-based online casinos. |
Best Delaware Online Casinos for 2024
There are so many different options for gambling in Delaware that choosing a site can be difficult.
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Where to Gamble in Delaware
There are three major casinos in Delaware that offer casino-style gambling and horse racing. You can always venture online if you’re not looking to leave the comfort of your own home.
Land-Based Casinos in Delaware
There are three brick-and-mortar casinos in Delaware. All three are racinos. Bally’s Dover is the biggest of the three, with over 2,700 slot machines.
Here’s where you’ll find each casino:
| Casino | Address | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Bally’s Dover | 1131 North Dupont Highway | Dover |
| Delaware Park Racetrack | 777 Delaware Park Blvd. | Wilmington |
| Harrington Raceway and Casino | 18500 South DuPont Highway | Harrington |
As mentioned, Bally’s Dover is the largest of all three casinos, with a 500-room hotel, race track, slots, table games, and more. Bally’s Dover has hosted NASCAR races over the years.
Meanwhile, Delaware Park Racetrack offers horse racing, slots, and table games, but it’s also the only casino in the state to provide a poker room.
Finally, Harrington Raceway & Casino offers just over 1,700 slot machines and a harness racing track with over 70 days of racing provided per year.
There’s also the nearby Ocean Downs Casino in Maryland, which would be a short trip for anyone in southern Delaware.
Horse & Dog Tracks
The three casinos in DE are all built at or near horse racing racks, so you can bet on horses at each location.
Historically, the First State has been a popular location for horse racing. Delaware Park Racetrack has been in operation since 1937.
It’s also possible to bet on horse racing online by using any one of the online betting partners.
Online Sports Betting
Online sports betting is legal in the state, but as of late 2023, no operator has stepped in to provide the service. However, a new partner is scheduled to launch in early 2024, potentially marking the debut of licensed online sports betting in the state.
This comes after Delaware legalized online sports betting in 2018. In the meantime, residents can explore out-of-state sports betting sites if they’re eager to start betting.
Bingo Halls and Charitable Gambling
Charitable gaming is permitted in Delaware, allowing non-profit organizations to organize bingo events and raffles.
Bingo is particularly popular, with over 20 communities across the state hosting bingo halls. Additionally, charities can conduct raffles with prizes of up to $5,000 in cash or merchandise per drawing.
Social Gaming at Home
Like many states, it’s legal to participate in social gaming at home in DE. The only restriction is that hosts may not charge a fee or take a rake from the game.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
Poker is legal in the state, but finding a game can be challenging. Delaware Park Racetrack is the only casino that offers live poker action.
Online options are available, but due to the state’s smaller population, finding active games can be challenging. In such cases, offshore operators offer an alternative for DE residents seeking a variety of poker options.
Casino Cruises
There are no casino cruises available in Delaware.
Real Money Online Casino Delaware – Games You Can Play
Players have many gaming options, ranging from online slots and blackjack to poker and more. We provide a detailed breakdown of each category, outlining the various types of games available in the state.
Online Slots
Online slots are thriving in Delaware, with plenty of different sites. You can access fully licensed and regulated online casinos in the state, but you can also venture onto offshore sites if you’re looking for even more variety and better sign-up bonuses.
There are thousands of different slots available to Delawareans with software by heavy hitters like Playtech, NetEnt, Rival, BetSoft, and DragonGaming. That includes classic slots like 5 Times Vegas and graphically intense games like Mythic Wolf.
Online Poker
Online poker is entirely legal in Delaware, but it’s sometimes challenging to find a game because of several issues. The major problem is that DE is so tiny the online traffic is minuscule.
Offshore providers fill the gap of anyone looking for big tournaments with massive guarantees. Online casinos offer, among their poker options, popular games like Aces & Faces, Double Joker, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker.
Out-of-state sites offer all the poker games you could think of, with cash games, tournaments, Sit & Goes, and more.
Blackjack
Online blackjack is available at nearly every online casino in Delaware. That goes for classic blackjack, European blackjack, and many other variants.
One advantage of online blackjack over the traditional in-casino game is that the buy-ins are much lower with $1 tables or even less. Most games also pay out at the standard 3:2 rate.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games are currently unavailable at Delaware’s licensed online casinos; however, they are available at offshore casinos.
Enjoy HD live streaming and various games like blackjack, baccarat, roulette, lotteries, and more, all playable in real-time from the comfort of your home.
Other Available Games at Delaware Online Casinos
The First State offers a wide array of games, including Keno, bingo, scratch-offs, and more, all available both in-person and online for those who prefer to play from home.
Top Bonuses at Gambling Sites for Delaware Players
Delaware residents might be interested to know that several online casinos offer huge sign-up bonuses for new players. Here are two of our favorite picks for residents:
Delaware Online Gambling Laws
Delaware leads the way in online gambling, particularly in online poker and casinos. Residents have access to state-sanctioned platforms but can also explore options from out-of-state casinos. Here are some specific laws governing online gambling in the First State.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Delaware?
Nearly all forms of online gambling are legal in the state thanks to the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012 (House Bill 333).
The Delaware State Lottery Office (DSLO) regulates all legal forms of gambling, and all in-state online casinos must be licensed through one of the state’s brick-and-mortar casinos.
It’s illegal to run an online casino in DE without the permission of the DSLO. However, online casinos outside state borders are available to residents.
Online Horse Racing Betting
DE offers extensive opportunities for horse racing betting. As per Delaware Code Section 3-10001 et seq, horse and harness racing, pari-mutuel betting, and off-track betting on out-of-state races are all permitted in the state.
Online Poker
The Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act legalized online poker in the state.
However, availability can vary due to occasional outages. Residents can explore out-of-state online poker sites if state-licensed platforms aren’t meeting expectations.
Online Sports Betting
Online sports betting is legal in Delaware, but no provider has stepped in to offer it to residents as of late 2023.
A new contract with Rush Street Interactive is expected to provide DE residents with online sports betting options.
*Please be advised that the information provided on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our team strongly recommends you seek professional counsel from a qualified attorney regarding your specific questions or concerns on the topic.
Delaware Online Gambling vs. Neighboring States
Delaware and its neighbors represent one of the most pro-online gambling regions of the entire United States. Here’s a look at how it all breaks down.
| US State | Playing at Online Casinos | State Regulated Casinos | Social Casinos | Online Sports Betting | Lottery | Fantasy Sports | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | Legal | Legal | Legal | Pending Legislation | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Maryland | Legal | Pending Legislation | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Pennsylvania | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| New Jersey | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
Delaware is considered one of the most progressive states regarding online gambling, but some of its neighbors have significant advantages.
Both Pennsylvania and New Jersey offer almost every kind of online gambling. It’s fully legal in each state, and they have much bigger populations to boot, so it’s easier to find games running.
Maryland is lagging behind as it currently lacks state-regulated online casinos, although there are ongoing efforts to introduce relevant legislation.
Despite its legality, Delaware’s notable gap lies in its absence of licensed online sports betting.
Delaware Online Casino – Tips to Play Safely
DE residents have so many options when it comes to online gambling it can almost be overwhelming. Here are some specific tips to help you get started.
Look for the Best Possible Sites
Delaware has access to many in-state and out-of-state online gambling options, so you shouldn’t settle. If you’re into slot machines or big poker tournaments, you should be able to find them very easily online. Consider what games you like to play before signing up.
Don’t Play on Risky Sites
Look for sites with valid licenses or those audited by reputable gambling control boards. Contact customer service for detailed regulatory information if it’s not readily available. Confirm that the casino’s license and compliance with regulations are authenticated.
Consider Payment Options
There are quite a few options for funding your online gambling account. There are the usual considerations like Visa, Mastercard, and bank transfers, but also some unique ones, like paying with cash at 7-11s.
In addition to common payment options, offshore casinos also offer crypto deposit options, which can be the fastest and best option in many cases.
Look for Proper Certification
Look for casinos certified as fair with a proper random number generator. Choose sites with SSL encryption for safety. Pick licensed platforms prioritizing player well-being. This keeps your transactions and data safe while playing.
Pros & Cons of Gambling in Delaware
Delaware offers numerous advantages for online gambling players. Let’s explore the top reasons to play in the First State, along with some drawbacks.
Pros
- Tons of gambling options.
- Multiple ways to fund accounts.
- Great state for horse racing with several tracks.
- Online and in-person gambling options.
- Easy to get started.
Cons
- Small population means fewer games running.
- Nearby states have more gambling options.
- Legal online sports betting is still pending.
The Future of Online Gambling in Delaware: Our Prediction
Delaware has been far more progressive than much of the USA when it comes to online gambling. It was among the first state to legalize online casinos and poker sites, but recent advancements in other states have overshadowed its progress.
A notable gap in Delaware’s online gambling scene is sports betting, which has been legal for some time but lacks service providers. Although anticipated changes in early 2024 may address this, expectations haven’t always come true.
Ensuring competitiveness in games like online poker heavily relies on having a large player base. Delaware’s success in this regard hinges on its ability to establish interstate online poker agreements. Additionally, the frequent occurrence of online poker outages, due to providers switching over the years, has been a source of frustration.
Despite these challenges, the First State remains a favorable state for online gambling. The anticipated legalization of online sports betting in 2024 offers hope for improvement. The key will be to ensure Delaware can keep pace with neighboring states in offering quality games supported by reliable software.
Delaware Online Gambling FAQs
Here are a few extra insights about online gambling in Delaware that weren’t necessarily answered in other parts of this article:
Is online gambling in Delaware safe?
Yes, online gambling is very safe in Delaware. The Delaware Lottery Office regulates the industry. The best offshore sites also have licensing from gaming bodies around the world.
Are there real money online casinos in Delaware with no deposit bonuses?
Yes, there are some online casinos that will provide a small bonus even without depositing. They can be tricky to unlock, however.
How will my gambling winnings be taxed in Delaware?
As with most states, your gambling winnings over a certain amount will be treated as income, so you’ll have to pay tax. Income tax rates vary depending on income.
Disclaimer
As part of our commitment to transparency, it’s important to disclose that this website engages in affiliate marketing. This means that when you click on our links to online casinos and make a purchase or sign up, we may earn a commission.
These commissions contribute to the upkeep of our platform and the creation of valuable content. While we aim to provide accurate and unbiased information, it’s crucial to note that our reviews are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Additionally, we advocate for responsible gambling practices and encourage users to gamble responsibly. If you believe you may have a gambling problem, please seek assistance from relevant support services.
