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Delaware iGaming Reaches Unprecedented Mark

profile image of Dave Grendzynski
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Bettors play slot machines at Dover Downs Casino on June 5, 2018 in Dover, Delaware. Delaware is the first state to launch legal sports betting since the Supreme Court decision. Mark Makela/Getty Images/AFP

Delaware is a state known for its history, but now it is known as a history-making state.

For the first time, The First State surpassed $5 million in iGaming revenue in June, beating out the previous record of $4.63 million set in March, with top sportsbooks also contributing to the surge.

Delaware’s online casino combined for $5.02 million in revenue, to be exact. Monthly revenue was up 29%.

BetRivers runs all three online casinos in the state. Here’s how the revenue breaks among the individual casinos:

  • Delaware Park: $2,681,943
  • Harrington Raceway & Casino: $1,438,319
  • Bally’s Dover: $906,939
  • Total: $5,027,201

Delaware Park set an individual record by hitting its highest revenue ever, while Harrington reached its second-highest, and Bally’s Dover its third-highest. Overall, monthly revenue increased by nearly $1.2 million compared to May’s gaming revenue.

Casinos See Steady Increase Month to Month

Delaware’s latest report shows a consistent revenue increase since the beginning of the year. In January, the Delaware Lottery partnered with Rush Street Interactive (RSI) to launch its first online sportsbook, BetRivers, and introduced new Delaware online casino games

January’s total net gaming revenue reached $3.4 million. After a soft launch on December 27, Delaware opened its sportsbook and re-launched its three online casinos, and all three have experienced a steady increase in revenue from the beginning.

The Delaware Lottery oversees gaming in the state, generating revenue for the General Fund and financing various state services.

BetRivers Generating Big Bucks for Delaware

BetRivers gets some of the credit. Since BetRivers took over in January, revenue has skyrocketed. Before their arrival, a $1.4 million month would’ve been the state’s highest ever. Now, Harrington Race & Casino alone earns $1.4 million in a good month.

BetRivers has indeed made a significant impact on Delaware’s iGaming sector, leading to remarkable revenue growth. In January, the Delaware Lottery reported a sports betting handle of more than $17 million, the highest in over two years, as BetRivers entered the mobile sports betting space. Their performance underscores the transformative effect of strategic partnerships and market entry.  

The Good News for BetRivers…

Delaware’s online sports betting landscape will not be made over, after a bill that would have allowed multiple operators into the state died.

If HB365 had become law, it would have ended BetRivers exclusive contract and allowed the state to try to generate even more revenue. 

But House Bill 365, which aimed to authorize two skins for each of the state’s three casinos, did not pass during the legislative session that concluded in June.  

Proponents argued that a diversified market captures more bets, especially with sports betting gaining popularity. If the bill passed, the Delaware Lottery would have allowed licenses to up to six sports betting operators, while the state’s ‘video lottery agents’ could have formed partnerships with two mobile sportsbook players. 

And DraftKings and FanDuel could have had a seat at the table. But they won’t anymore. 

If online sportsbook expansion is eventually passed, there may be a push to expand online casino operators, too. The bill is dead (for now), but we’ll keep our eye on the developments, and keep you in the loop!