Delaware Becomes Latest State To Pass Online Gambling Legislation

Back in 1992, when the federal government made sports betting illegal, Delaware was among the handful of states that opted out of the law. Now, twenty years later, while other states are starting to fight the 1992 law, Delaware is expanding their sports betting industry.

On Wednesday, the Delaware House passed a bill that will not only allow for additional sports books in the state, but also will set the framework for a regulated online gambling industry. Delaware is following the lead of Nevada and New Jersey, two states that have already passed online gambling laws earlier this year.

"This bill shows that Delaware does not intent to go quietly into the night within the gaming industry," said Gaming Analyst Brad Dawkins. "They pride themselves on being a leader in the industry, and while other states ion the Northeast have started to enter the industry, Delaware is still one of the pioneer states."

Unlike in other Northeastern states, Delaware did not authorize the additional gaming options to create new jobs. The economy has caused a severe loss of employment across the US, and casinos have been a way to put people back to work. In Delaware, it's more about maintaining the status quo.

"The industry is taking a licking now with the economy, with the additional competition," said Ed Suitor, CEO of Dover Downs. "I would say this is not a jobs generator, this is a jobs preserver."

The NFL is considered to be the biggest betting draw in the US, and Delaware legislators authorized sports betting in twenty additional locations. Previously, only casinos were permitted to offer sports betting. The change will make it easier for casual sports fans to place a bet without having to head out to a casino to do so.

Retailers of the lottery also benefited from the law change in the House. Lottery gamblers will be forced to buy prepaid lottery cards from a retailer. The cards will then be used to make online wagers on lottery draws and games.

Delaware authorized sports betting several years ago, allowing parlay bets on NFL games. Parlay bets make gamblers choose two, three, four, or more games correctly to win. If one of the teams in the parlay bet loses, the entire bet is a loss.

June 13, 2012
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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