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Delaware was the first state outside Nevada to legalize sports betting. The state legalized in-person sports betting in June 2018, just a month after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).
Delaware was able to legalize sports betting so quickly because it had previously legalized sports betting through the passing of House Bill 100 in 2009. While the state didn’t offer sports betting because of PASPA, the law stayed active, allowing Delaware to quickly implement sports betting once PASPA fell.
However, online sports betting took much longer to approve, finally arriving in December 2023. While BetRivers is the state’s only online sportsbook, Delaware’s legislature is currently working on passing House Bill 365, which would expand the number of mobile betting options.
Delaware Sports Betting Sites
As of June 2024, there is only one mobile sportsbook available in Delaware:
- BetRivers: Delaware’s first and only mobile sportsbook soft-launched in the state on Dec. 27, 2023, before fully launching on Jan. 3, 2024. It lacks the bells and whistles of bigger sports betting brands but has a local sportsbook feel and a simple, easy-to-navigate layout.
The state also has three retail sportsbooks at Delaware Park Casino, Bally’s Dover Casino Resort and Harrington Raceway and Casino.
Legal Sports Betting Age
Bettors must be at least 21 years old to bet on sports in Delaware, which is the case for most states with legal sports betting.
Sportsbooks verify your age before permitting you to bet. If you aren’t 21, you won’t be able to sign up for an online sportsbook or bet on sports in person in Delaware.
Professional Sports Teams in Delaware
Delaware doesn’t have any professional sports teams but is surrounded by pro teams in nearby Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The state is home to the Delaware Blue Coats, the G League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers. It also has the Wilmington Blue Rocks of the Carolina League, which is the High-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals.
College Teams in Delaware
Delaware has two Division I schools. Unfortunately for Delaware bettors, they are not allowed to wager on in-state universities.
- Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens
The Fightin’ Blue Hens are one of the nation’s best FCS programs, winning six national championships and 17 conference titles. They’ve produced five NFL quarterbacks (most notably Joe Flacco) and will move to the FBS level ahead of the 2025 season.
Delaware plays in the CAA and has made six NCAA Tournament appearances on the hardwood (all since 1992), but has yet to win a game. The school’s most recent appearance was in 2022.
- Delaware State Hornets
The Hornets are in the MEAC and compete at the FCS level in football. They won a Black College National Championship in 2007. They’ve also won nine conference championships and played in two bowl games.
In basketball, the Hornets’ lone NCAA Tournament appearance came in 2005, resulting in a first-round loss to Duke. That was the first of three straight regular-season conference championships for Delaware State.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a sports betting app in Delaware?
Yes, you can use a sports betting app in Delaware. That said, BetRivers is the only one that’s available.
Is DraftKings legal in Delaware?
No, DraftKings isn’t legal in Delaware. BetRivers is the only mobile sportsbook that’s legal in the state.
Is FanDuel legal in Delaware?
No, FanDuel isn’t legal in Delaware. BetRivers is the state’s only legal sports betting app.
How old do I have to be to gamble in Delaware?
You have to be at least 21 years old to legally wager on sports in Delaware.
How many online sportsbooks are in Delaware?
BetRivers is the only legal online sportsbook in Delaware.
Do you have to live in Delaware to bet online?
No, you don’t have to live in Delaware to bet online there. You just have to be over the age of 21 and physically located in the state.
When did Delaware legalize online sports betting?
Delaware officially legalized in-person sports betting in June 2018 but didn’t launch mobile sports betting until December 2023. Technically, the state legalized sports betting in 2009 but wasn’t able to launch it due to PASPA.
