Delaware Casino Online
An Overview of the Gambling Laws Covering the State Of Delaware
- Delaware Casinos Online
- Delaware Casino Online
- Delaware Online Casino No Deposit Bonus
- Dover Downs Casino
Delaware have shown a progressive and realistic attitude in the regulation of gambling for many years. They have strict rules and licensing requirements – yet they offer all forms of gambling to their residents. Delaware have become a major destination for visitors from neighboring States with their huge race-track casino complexes. They were also the first State to host fully regulated online poker and casino games, and the first to share players across State borders (along with Nevada). This page is a comprehensive guide to the gambling laws of Delaware.
First up below, you will find an overview of the history of gambling in Delaware. This high-level overview gives you a flavor of how the progressive legislation and control efforts have resulted in today’s situation. Next I have gone through the different gambling formats and summarized the current status of each one. After that there is a timeline of the legislation and major events in chronological order. Finally, you will find a look into the future – along with my thoughts on the possible next steps for this State.
Delaware Lottery Games. The Delaware Council on Gambling Problems offers confidential assistance to gamblers, their families, and to those who are concerned about a friend or colleague. The Council provides literature, support meeting information, treatment information, and 24-hour help. From Roulette and Blackjack to the best video slots Delaware Park Online has all your favorite games. PLAY NOW There’s nothing like taking down huge pots and winning the.
Delaware Gambling Laws – A Brief History
The history of gambling in Delaware goes all the way back to colonial times. The first race-track was inaugurated in 1760, some 27 years before Delaware became the first State. There was also lottery gambling in those early years, this caused issues with the British, who were convinced that they were not getting their fair share of the revenues. While betting on horse racing was not legal at the time, it is understood that unofficial gambling was rife.
Puritanical times in the 18th and 19th centuries forced gambling underground, and it was not until the tough economic times of the great depression that things changed. The search for revenue subdued opponents of betting, and in 1933 a commission was set up to oversee and license betting on horse racing.
Several businessmen saw the opportunity, and this liberalization of gambling laws lead to development of racetracks. In 1935 the first licenses were issued and in 1937 the huge Delaware Park racetrack was opened.
Delaware is one of only 4 States which were excluded from the 1991 Federal ban on betting on professional sports. In 2009 this exclusion was limited by the major sport-league bill which limited this to betting on NFL parlays. More extensive betting opportunities are still available via offshore sports-books. Bingo and lottery games are currently legal and regulated and have enjoyed an easy-ride compared with the complexities of casino and betting legislation over the years.
Casino table games and live poker took a long time to become legal in this State. It was not until 2009 that these would become regulated under the control of the ambiguously named ‘Division of Business and Professional Regulation’. It is the 3 huge racetrack casinos who dominate with these games. These are Harrington Raceway, Dover Downs and Delaware Park.
This late start with casino gaming did not deter Delaware from moving to the forefront of progressive legislation. In 2012 a new act was signed, setting out a framework which would see the first licenses for online gambling issued a year later. With a relatively small population, liquidity in online poker games is an issue in this State – you need a lot of people to be able to run large tournaments. More progressive legislation solved this issue, with Delaware and Nevada signing a liquidity sharing deal for online poker players in 2014.
What Forms Of Gambling Are Currently Legal?
Here is a quick run-through on a game-by-game basis of what gambling formats you can currently enjoy within the borders of Delaware.
Casino Games: Yes, there are 3 major casino complexes in Delaware, which are linked to their racetracks. These are Dover Downs, Harrington Raceway and Delaware Park. You can enjoy slots, poker and table games in addition to betting on the horse races at each of these venues.
Online Casino Gambling: Yes, this was the first State to allow casino gambling online – the licenses are owned by the big 3 Delaware racetracks.
Live Poker: Yes, poker cash games and tournaments are run at the same 3 casinos. While there is no law specifically legalizing home-games, there are legal precedents from 1910 and 1918 which indicate that social poker games are permitted as long as the house or organizer is not making a profit from the game.
Online Poker: Yes, Delaware was the first State to regulate online poker in 2012, with the first sites (again the big 3 live casinos own them) going live in 2013. These games are powered by a common back-end, which is controlled by the popular 888 Poker platform. In 2014 an agreement was signed with Nevada to allow players in each State access to each other’s poker rooms – this is the first liquidity sharing agreement across State borders. Charity poker games have also been legal since 2004.
Delaware Casinos Online
Sports Betting: Yes, Delaware are one of 4 states who had their right to sports betting ‘grandfathered’ when Federal legislation was passed banning this in 1992.
Lottery Betting: Yes, This comes in many formats including video lottery machines and shared intra-State games including the PowerBall.
Bingo: Yes, there are a lot of live bingo halls in Delaware, there was a separate organization covering Bingo for many years, these responsibilities were eventually merged with the Division of Business and Professional Regulation.
Delaware Gambling Laws – Timeline and Key Statutes
Delaware are liberal when it comes to allowing their residents to gamble, however this does not mean there is no enforcement for those who gamble outside of the law. Gambling itself is not clearly defined in the books here, instead there are several linked areas including using a gambling device, hosting a gambling game and disseminating information concerning gambling.
Here us the part about using a gambling device.
http://www.delcode.delaware.gov/title11/c005/sc07/index.shtml”]“”The person keeps, exhibits or uses, or is concerned in interest in keeping, exhibiting or using any book, device, apparatus or paraphernalia for the purpose of receiving, recording or registering bets or wagers upon the result of any trial or contest, wherever conducted, of skill, speed or power of endurance of human or beast; …
Note that the skill game argument is difficult to use in this context.
Here are the major legal milestones for Delaware:
1760: Some 27 years before Delaware became the first State the first racetrack was opened. There was no official betting at this time – though unofficial betting was undoubtedly rife.
1933: The Delaware Racing Commission was created to oversee the introduction of legalized betting at horse racing tracks. Like in many States, this bill was introduced in an attempt to generate revenues after a tough period during the great depression. In 1935 the first licenses were awarded, purely for on-track betting and via the pari-mutuel pooled betting machines.
1937: Delaware Park opened, this is still one of the premier racetrack casinos today and holds one of the licenses for online gambling too.
1957: The bingo commission was formed, bingo was originally for charity organizations and any profits had to be used for charitable purposes.
1981: The Delaware Gaming Control Board was formed to oversee all forms of gambling. In 1986 the name of this organization was changed to The ‘Division Of Business And Professional Regulation’.
1996: The first video lottery machines were introduced.
2009: Sports Betting and Casino table games were legalized .This same year a Federal act limiting betting on pro sports to NFL parlays was signed.
2012: Online gambling was legalized on licensed sites for those within the State borders. Delaware became the first State to license online gambling, and is the only State to allow games other than Poker.
2013: The first licenses are issued, the big 3 racetrack casinos (Delaware Park, Harrington’s Raceway and Dover Downs) go live on a common platform supplied by industry giant 888.
2014: An intra-state liquidity sharing deal is signed with Nevada covering online poker sites. Players from each state can now play on each other’s licensed poker sites.
Delaware Gambling Laws – Summary of the Current Situation and Look into the Future
Since 2009, things have been moving fast for this State, with casino games and online gambling providing much needed revenue for the State coffers – and reaffirming DE’s credentials as a casino resort destination for neighboring states.
Their proximity to other States with gambling legislation of their own does raise possibilities of future deals – particularly with New Jersey’s licensed online poker sites. Whether any further States will allow casino games online remains to be seen.
Useful Resources:
List of the Gambling Related Statutes
Summary of Laws
News on Sharing Poker with Nevada
Division of Professional Regulation
TYPES OF CASINOS IN DELAWARE
There are three casinos in Delaware, each one is a pari-mutuel facility that offers traditional table games, plus gaming machines similar to slots. These machines are video lottery terminals (VLTS), and offer such games as: video poker, video keno, and video blackjack. These VLTS are operated in conjunction with the Delaware Lottery.
Listed below are the three pari-mutuel casinos in Delaware. Click on a name to see a page of detailed information about that particular facility.
Want to See a Map of all casinos in Delaware?
You can visit our Delaware casinos map page if you want to see a detailed map that shows all the casinos in the state.
Delaware Casino Online
Slot Machine Payouts in Delaware
Delaware law states that all video lottery games must have an annual return between 87% to 95% of all the wagers. Though, with an approval from the Delaware Lottery Director, some games can have a return of more than 95%.
Delaware gaming laws require that the payback percentages for all the electronic gaming machines be released to the public. Click here if you want to see a list of the slot machine payback statistics for all Delaware casinos.
Casino Games in Delaware
In 2009 Delaware legalized sports betting in three casinos, though this law only allows for parlay cards on professional and collegiate sporting events, no single-game bets are allowed.
In early 2010 Delaware state legislature approved the addition of table games for casinos. All Delaware casinos now offer games like blackjack, roulette, video poker, craps, and slots. Some casinos offer such games as: poker, pai gow poker, let it ride, mini-baccarat, keno, big 6, three card poker, Caribbean stud poker, bingo, four card poker, casino war, Spanish 2, and Mississippi stud.
Delaware Casino Locations
The Dover Downs Casino, which features a harness racing track, is the largest casino in Delaware. The Dover Down Casino is connected to the Dover International Speedway, which hosts NASCAR races.
All casinos in Delaware are open 24 hours a day, the minimum gambling age is 21 (18 for horse racing). Please note that Delaware gaming regulations do not allow casinos to provide free alcoholic beverages.
Planning a visit to Delaware casinos?
If you need more information on visiting Delaware casinos or the general tourism information, you can call the state’s tourism office at (800) 441-8846 or visit their website at www.visitdelaware.com.
Also, be sure to download the FREE American Casino Guide app for your Apple or Android, smartphone or tablet. The app has maps to let you know which casinos are near you anywhere in the U.S., detailed information on each of those casinos, turn-by-turn directions to all casinos, plus much more! For more details on the FREE app, just go to americancasinoguidebook.com/casinos-near-me.html
Try an online casino for FREE! Use any of our great No Deposit Bonus Codes. No credit card needed, just sign up and start playing!
Save Money at the Casinos!
Want more information on all U.S. casinos? Then you need the most comprehensive and informative casino travel book on the market today! Published annually since 1992, the American Casino Guide Book contains details on all U.S. casino resorts, riverboats and Indian casinos. Plus it includes more than 150 casino coupons, offering you more than $1,000 in savings! For more information, or to buy the newest edition, just go to americancasinoguidebook.com/shop
TOP THINGS TO DO IN DELAWARE
Visit Dover International Speedway
This is a great place to go if you want to watch thrilling car racing action while in Delaware. The track hosts both NASCAR and the Indy Racing League. If you want to experience more action, you can invest in a pre-race fan pass which gives you the chance to get closer access to the Monster Mile. You can also experience the thrill of driving an authentic stock car and have the chance to feel what it is like to be a driver speeding through the Monster Mile.
The closest casino to this attraction is Dover Downs Hotel and Casino.
Go sightseeing at Air Mobility Command Museum
This museum houses vintage planes which date back to 1941, you will also find exhibits which reflect air refueling, airlifting, and the history of Dover Air Force Base. Some of the aircraft on display here are C133 Cargomaster, C-141B Starlifter, C-124 Globemaster, and a C130 Hercules.
The closest casino to this attraction is Dover Downs Hotel and Casino.
Explore Hagley Museum and Library
Located in Wilmington, Eleutherian Mills is the original du Pont family home and it is best to go on a guided tour here. On your tour, you can visit the Hagley Museum and Library which include the original gunpowder mills, the estate, and the extensive gardens. The building was constructed in the early 19th century and it highlights the cultural tastes of the period. At the library, you will find examples of innovative American business and technology. Make sure not miss the mill where you will find the illustrations of how gunpowder was made. You can then complete your tour by visiting the barn which is filled with an extensive collection of antique cars.
The closest casino to this attraction is Delaware Park Racetrack & Slots.
Relax at Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth is a magnificent small town which is situated on the East Coast and it features lovely weather all year-round. The main street of the town is filled with restaurants and shops that you can explore. The town also homes a family-friendly beach which features a white sandy shore. There are lots of recreational water sports that you can try out on this beach which will leave you coming back for more.
The closest casino to this attraction is Harrington Raceway & Casino.
Visit Brandywine Creek State Park
Delaware Online Casino No Deposit Bonus
This park covers 933 acres of land and it is a great place to go if you enjoy watching birds and wildlife. The park has many entertaining attractions like the walking trails and a playground. The highlight of the park is the zoo which is a family-friendly attraction and it specializes in North and South American endangered species. The park also includes a Sensory Trail for visually-impaired visitors. This trail includes Braille information signs, physical aides and tactile experiences to assist visitors.
The closest casino to this attraction is Delaware Park Racetrack & Slots.
Go sightseeing at the Nanticoke Indian Museum
This museum is located in Millsboro and can be found in a former one-room schoolhouse. It is listed as a National Historic Landmark, and you will find an interesting collection of native artifacts displayed here like pottery, spears, textiles, arrowheads, and some items dating back to 8000 BC. Make sure you don’t miss the traditional wooden canoe on your trip here. This museum is a great place to go if you want to get an insight into the heritage of the Nanticoke Tribe.
The closest casino to this attraction is Harrington Raceway & Casino.
Cruise on Cape May-Lewes Ferry
A cruise on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry is a perfect place to go to relax or spend quality time with your loved ones. This ferry connects Cape May, New Jersey with Lewes, Delaware. The ferry cruise through picturesque harbors, lighthouses, and also offers an opportunity to see exotic seabirds. You may come across some dolphins that might even escort you during your cruise. Exploring Cape May is a great thing to do if you are an art lover as you can visit the Cape May Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts. If you are with family, head to the Cape May County Zoo. You can also go on a wine-tasting tour at the Garden State Wine Trails.
The closest casino to this attraction is Harrington Raceway & Casino.
Have fun at Jungle Jim’s – River Safari Water Park
This is the largest water park in Delaware and it is a perfect family-friendly attraction as you will get to enjoy the time of your lives here. There are numerous nerve-wracking slides, magnificent wave pools, and relaxing lagoons. Some of the top attractions here are Go-Karts, miniature golf and bumper boats. You can also take a break and have some refreshments at the River Café, or go buy some souvenirs at the Jungle Jim gift shop.
The closest casino to this attraction is Harrington Raceway & Casino.
Enjoy musicals at the Grand Opera House
The Grand Opera House can be found in Wilmington and it is a restored 1871 Victorian theater featuring a cast-iron façade. The Opera house has hosted a variety of shows including Victorian melodramas, vaudeville musical recitals, burlesque, symphonies, and operas. You can now enjoy classical concerts and dance performances at this property.
The closest casino to this attraction is Delaware Park Racetrack & Slots.
Explore Delaware’s Old State House
Dover Downs Casino
The Delaware State House is located in Dover and it features Georgian-style architecture. The building was completed in 1792 and features Governor’s presentation and ceremonial offices. There is also an 18th-century courtroom and legislative chambers on the first floor of the building. You will also find historical photographs, building artifacts, and documents on display here.
The closest casino to this attraction is Dover Downs Hotel and Casino.
How many casinos are in Delaware?
There are currently 3 casinos located in Delaware. • Delaware Park Racetrack & Slots • Dover Downs Hotel & Casino • Harrington Raceway & Casino
What is the gambling age in Delaware?
In Delaware, the minimum gambling age is 21, and the minimum age for gambling horse racing is 18.