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Delaware is a relatively small state with a relatively small sports betting scene as a result. While sports betting is legal there, the options are limited.
See below for a guide to the best sportsbooks in Delaware.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Delaware?
Yes. While Delaware was the first state outside of Nevada to legalize in-person sports betting thanks to the passing of House Bill 100 in 2009, the state was slow to adopt mobile sports betting.
In-person sports betting launched in the state in June 2018 (a month after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) that May), but mobile sports betting didn’t come to the state until December 2023.
That allowed for bettors in the state to take advantage of a certified mobile sportsbook, which is safer and more reliable than illegal offshore accounts, which sometimes don’t pay out winnings or keep your personal info secure.
How to Select an Online Sportsbook in Delaware
You can use one or more online sportsbooks in Delaware. Here’s what to look for when deciding which sportsbook websites/apps to try first.
- App functionality: How does the app work for you? Is it laggy? Does the interface make sense? If you’re going to use a sportsbook, make sure it works the way you want it to.
- Betting market variety: The sportsbook you choose should have all the betting markets you’re interested in. While every licensed sportsbook has odds on all major U.S. sports, markets and bet types vary by sportsbook.
- Betting odds: How competitive are the sportsbook’s odds? Small differences in odds can add up in the long run if you bet frequently or place large wagers.
- Customer service: Reliable customer service is important in case you have any issues with your account.
- Live betting: Live betting is becoming more popular, so you’ll want a sportsbook that allows you to submit live bets quickly. If a sportsbook takes too long to load or place a live bet, you may miss out on favorable odds.
- Payment methods: There’s a variety of payment methods you can use to fund your sportsbook account, but make sure the sportsbook offers common ones like online banking, credit/debit cards and digital wallets.
- Promotions: You’ll want a sportsbook with strong promotions, including a good welcome offer and recurring promos for existing users.
BetRivers Delaware
Delaware’s only mobile sportsbook is BetRivers, which soft-launched in the state on Dec. 27, 2023, before fully launching on Jan. 3, 2024.
BetRivers isn’t flashy, but it covers the basics and provides more of a local feel compared to big-name sportsbooks. It also has a solid loyalty program for repeat customers via Rivers Rewards.
That said, Delaware’s legislature is currently working on passing House Bill 365, which would expand the number of mobile betting options.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Offer | Get $100-$500 in bonus bets if your first wager loses (depending on state) |
| Promo Code | SPORTS |
| Requirements | New users only, 21+ and in eligible state |
| Eligible Bet Types | Min. -200 odds |
| Availability | AZ, CO, DE, IA, IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV |
| Offer Expires | TBD |
| Apple Store Score | 4.8/5 |
| Google Play Store Score | 4.7/5 |
| Date Verified | Nov. 26, 2024 |
| Claim Bonus |  |
Sportsbook Ranking Methodology
We’ve taken the time to sample and research numerous sportsbooks, narrowing down a list of the best in the industry. These rankings can help you decide which ones to try first.
Our rankings are based on scores in the following categories:
- App reviews
- Availability across states
- Size of welcome offer
- Ease of claiming welcome offer
- Rewards program
- In-app streaming capabilities
- Existing user promos
- Customer service options
Below, we’ll break down each category and why it’s important to your sports betting experience.
App Reviews
A quick and easy way to get a sense of a sportsbook’s quality is by comparing user reviews on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). Since ratings are out of five stars, you’ll generally want a sportsbook that’s well-regarded with an average score of at least four stars.
You can also dive into specific user comments to get a sense of what people are saying about the app and if there are any recurring complaints or issues. This can be helpful for features that are hard to gauge until you actually use the app, like lagginess or customer service.
Many commenters are there to complain, so don’t put too much stock in specific reviews.
That said, if you notice common themes throughout the comments, consider it a warning for issues you may encounter with the app.
State Availability
Each state handles sports betting differently. Some states allow both in-person and mobile sports betting, while others might only allow in-person sports betting or have a hard cap on the number of mobile sportsbooks permitted.
Accordingly, sportsbooks vary by state, as each state has to approve a sportsbook before it can launch there. No sportsbook is available in every state with legal online sports betting, but a few have launched in the majority of them.
Generally speaking, the more states a sportsbook is available in, the better. That means it’s more likely to be available in your state, a bordering state or a state you’re likely to travel to, making it easier and more convenient to use. That way, you’ll be able to take your sportsbook with you rather than needing to sign up for a new one every time you leave your state.
While smaller “local” sportsbooks usually offer profit boosts and other bonuses based on hometown teams, they’re usually only available in a handful of states at most, offering limited availability.
Size of Welcome Offer
This is an important one. How much free money will a sportsbook give you for signing up?
Most sportsbooks have welcome offers to entice new customers, but it’s important to know how these offers work. Just because an offer has a higher dollar amount attached to it doesn’t necessarily make it better.
Some sportsbooks have “bet and get” promotions where you receive bonus bets (site credit) just for wagering a small amount of money. For example, you might get $200 in bonus bets just for placing a $5 wager. You’re essentially getting free money to bet with.
Other sportsbooks have “no-sweat” offers that give a bonus bet only if your first bet loses.
For example, if you place a $20 bet after signing up and it loses, you’ll receive a $20 bonus bet, similar to a refund.
These offers tend to wow bettors with larger amounts than “bet and get” promos, often going up to $1,000 or $1,500. However, you’ll only receive a bonus bet if your first wager loses, in which case you’ll need to use the bonus bet to try to win your money back. If your wager wins, you’ll receive your cash winnings like a normal wager but won’t receive any bonus.
Accordingly, “no sweat” offers generally aren’t as good as “bet and get” promos.
When comparing sportsbooks, it’s better to focus on welcome offers with guaranteed bonuses that give you site credit no matter what.
Ease of Claiming Welcome Offer
The size of the bonus offer won’t matter if it’s difficult to claim.
The best sportsbook bonus offers are as easy to claim as they are generous, being simple and straightforward without requiring you to jump through hoops.
The best bonuses are guaranteed and hit your account instantly as soon as you place your first bet. They’ll also be easy to follow and won’t require you to check a bunch of boxes to get your bonus.
Some sportsbook bonus offers require you to make multiple wagers or wait days or weeks to unlock your full bonus. This can be inconvenient, especially if you’re trying to get your full bonus ahead of a major sporting event like the Super Bowl or March Madness.
More complex offers can be a pain, so we prefer simplified offers with fewer requirements.
Rewards Program
If you bet often and are planning to use a sportsbook frequently, a strong rewards program is essential.
Loyalty programs differ by sportsbook. Some give you rewards points for each bet, which can then be converted into bonus bets or other rewards. Others offer big rewards like free trips, hotel stays, tickets to sporting events and more.
On the other hand, some sportsbooks don’t have any rewards. That might not be a big deal for casual bettors, but it can make a difference for frequent sports bettors.
It’s like paying for something with cash versus a credit card. If you place a bet at a site without a loyalty program, you’re missing out on points elsewhere.
In-App Streaming Capabilities
While bigger sports like football or basketball are usually only available to watch via traditional cable or streaming services, some sportsbooks offer the ability to stream smaller sports in the app, which is a benefit for bettors.
For example, FanDuel‘s app often streams tennis matches, which makes it easier to follow the action and place live wagers.
Beyond just offering live streaming, we also considered how laggy the stream was, how much battery it used and the amount of events available to stream in the app.
Existing User Promos
Most sportsbooks have some type of welcome offer to get new customers in the door, but where they really differ is with their promotions for existing customers.
Some sportsbooks offer a slew of daily promotions like odds boosts, no-sweat bets, bonus bets and more to keep customers coming back every day. Others only offer these sparingly, however, if at all.
One key existing user promo to consider is the referral bonus. Many sportsbooks have some type of referral bonus for getting someone else to sign up, but the amount can differ ($50 per person, $100, $200, etc.). If you’re planning to bet with friends or family, this can be a great way to score bonus bets for you and them.
Similar to a rewards program, you’ll want a sportsbook with frequent offers for existing customers if you plan to bet frequently.
Customer Service Options
Strong customer service options are a must for any sportsbook considering most disputes or calls involve someone’s money.
High marks were given to any sportsbook that offered 24/7 customer service (sporting events often end at night, after all), while points were deducted if a sportsbook relied on a FAQ page as a key part of its customer service profile. The more options for contacting customer service (email, chat, phone, etc.), the better.
Customer support is essential to guaranteeing a smooth sports betting experience. If a problem arises, it’s important to have it handled quickly and effectively.
Image via Getty Images.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the legal age for sports betting in Delaware?
You have to be 21 years of age to bet on sports in Delaware using a physical or mobile sportsbook.
What betting apps are available in Delaware?
BetRivers is the only mobile sportsbook option available in Delaware.
How do I place a sports bet in Delaware?
There are two ways you can place a sports bet in Delaware.
One way is by signing up for one of the online sportsbooks available in the state. Once you’ve registered, verified your identity and deposited money into your account, you can wager on anything you want.
If you prefer to wager in person, you can also place a sports bet at one of the state’s three retail sportsbooks.
Is mobile sports betting legal in Delaware?
Yes, mobile sports betting has been legal in Delaware since December 2023. Retail in-person sports betting has been legal in the state since June 2018.
How do you download a sports betting app in Delaware?
To download BetRivers in Delaware, you need to go to your device’s app store and download the app. From there, you’ll need to register for an account using your personal information and deposit money into your account.
