Quick Legal Status
| Field | Status |
|---|---|
| State | Delaware |
| Online Casino Games | Legal — launched October 31, 2013 (first US state) |
| Online Sports Betting | Legal — launched June 5, 2018 (first US state post-PASPA) |
| Online Poker | Legal — available via state iGaming platforms; MSIGA member |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Legal — de facto permitted; DraftKings and FanDuel operate (18+) |
| State Lottery | Yes — Delaware Lottery; delawarelottery.com |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 21 casino / iGaming / sports betting · 18 lottery / DFS |
| Regulatory Body | Delaware Lottery (under Delaware Dept. of Finance) |
| Last Legal Update | No major new legislation 2024–2026; market stable as Lottery monopoly |
Legal Overview
Delaware holds a unique position in American gambling history: it was the first US state to launch real-money online casino gaming and the first to offer legal single-game sports betting after the Supreme Court’s PASPA ruling. Both achievements came under the Delaware Lottery’s state-controlled monopoly model — a framework that prioritizes state revenue over competitive market depth.
On October 31, 2013, Delaware launched online casino gaming through three licensed platforms tied to the state’s three racinos: Delaware Park, Dover Downs (now Horseshoe Delaware Park), and Harrington Raceway. On June 5, 2018 — the same day PASPA was struck down — Delaware accepted the first legal single-game sports bet in US history. Delaware is also a member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which enables shared online poker player pools with New Jersey, Nevada, Michigan, and West Virginia.
The tradeoff for Delaware’s pioneer status is market size. With a population of under one million, Delaware’s iGaming revenue is among the smallest in the country, and the three-platform Lottery monopoly has seen limited growth since the market’s 2013 launch.
What’s Legal
- Online casino gaming (iGaming): Slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, and video poker are fully legal via three state-licensed platforms. Launched October 31, 2013. Minimum age: 21. Must be physically located in Delaware.
- Online sports betting: Legal via the Delaware Lottery’s platform, tethered to the three racinos. Launched June 5, 2018. Minimum age: 21.
- Online poker: Available via the licensed iGaming platforms. Delaware participates in the MSIGA shared player pool, enabling access to larger poker networks with New Jersey, Nevada, Michigan, and West Virginia players.
- Daily fantasy sports (DFS): Legal on a de facto basis. Delaware has no specific DFS statute, but DraftKings and FanDuel operate freely in the state. Minimum age: 18 (operator-set).
- State lottery: Delaware Lottery operates draw games, scratch-offs, and serves as the licensing authority for all online gambling. Minimum age: 18.
What’s Not Legal
- Online casino or sportsbook platforms not authorized by the Delaware Lottery. The market is a state-controlled monopoly — competitors cannot enter without Lottery authorization.
- No tribal gaming: Delaware has no federally recognized tribal gaming operations.
- Open competitive iGaming or sportsbook market: Delaware’s model ties all online gambling to the three racino licensees.
Key Legislation
| Year | Law / Event | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| June 28, 2012 | House Bill 333 — Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act signed | Legalized online casino gaming; DE becomes first US state to authorize real-money iGaming |
| October 31, 2013 | Online casino launch | Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway go live; DE becomes first US state with legal online casino games |
| 2014 | MSIGA founding member | Delaware joins the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement alongside Nevada and New Jersey; shared poker pool enabled |
| June 5, 2018 | Sports betting launch | Delaware becomes first US state to offer legal single-game sports betting post-PASPA |
| 2024–2026 | No new legislation | Delaware’s iGaming and sports betting framework remains stable; no market expansion bills introduced |
Regulatory Structure
The Delaware Lottery is the single regulatory body for all online gambling in Delaware — including iGaming, sports betting, and lottery products. The Lottery operates under the Delaware Department of Finance. All three racinos operate under Lottery-supervised licensing.
| Authority | Jurisdiction | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Lottery | Online casino gaming, online poker, sports betting, state lottery | delawarelottery.com |
| Delaware Department of Finance | Oversight of the Delaware Lottery | finance.delaware.gov |
Licensed Online Platforms
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Delaware’s iGaming and sports betting market is a state-controlled monopoly. All licensed platforms are tethered to one of the three racinos: Delaware Park, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino (now Horseshoe Delaware Park), and Harrington Raceway & Casino. All three are commercial operations — there are no tribal casinos in Delaware.
Licensed Online Casino Operators
| Platform | Land-Based Partner | Launch | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware Park Online | Delaware Park (Stanton/Wilmington area) | October 31, 2013 | First online casino launched in Delaware |
| Dover Downs / Horseshoe Online | Dover Downs Hotel & Casino (now Horseshoe Delaware Park, Dover) | October 31, 2013 | Rebranded under Caesars/Horseshoe following acquisition |
| Harrington Raceway Online | Harrington Raceway & Casino (Harrington) | October 31, 2013 | Smallest of the three by volume |
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of licensed platforms | 3 |
| Market model | State-controlled monopoly (Delaware Lottery manages) |
| Games offered | Online slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, video poker |
| Minimum age | 21 |
| Geolocation required | Yes — must be physically located in Delaware |
| Regulator | Delaware Lottery (delawarelottery.com) |
Licensed Online Sports Betting
Sports betting in Delaware is managed through the Delaware Lottery and tethered to the three racinos. Unlike New Jersey or Pennsylvania, Delaware does not have a competitive multi-operator online sportsbook market. Online/mobile betting is available via the Delaware Lottery’s platform, though access is primarily retail-first at the three racino locations.
| Operator | Online | Retail |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Lottery / Delaware Park | Limited online access | Yes |
| Delaware Lottery / Dover Downs (Horseshoe) | Limited online access | Yes |
| Delaware Lottery / Harrington Raceway | Limited online access | Yes |
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Legal since | June 5, 2018 |
| Market model | State monopoly via Delaware Lottery; retail-first |
| Minimum age | 21 |
| Regulator | Delaware Lottery |
Online Poker
Delaware is a founding member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), joining the compact in 2014 alongside Nevada and New Jersey. Michigan and West Virginia subsequently joined. MSIGA enables shared online poker player pools across member states — a critical feature for small markets like Delaware where independent player pools would lack liquidity.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Legal — available via Delaware Lottery-licensed platforms |
| MSIGA membership | Yes — founding member (2014) |
| Other MSIGA states | New Jersey, Nevada, Michigan, West Virginia |
| Minimum age | 21 |
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Daily fantasy sports operate in Delaware on a de facto basis. Delaware has not passed explicit DFS legislation, but FanDuel and DraftKings are active in the state.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Legal — de facto (no specific DFS statute confirmed) |
| Minimum age | 18 (operator-enforced) |
| Active operators | DraftKings, FanDuel |
| Regulatory basis | No standalone DFS statute; de facto permitted |
Offshore Online Casinos
CRITICAL NOTE for Delaware players: Delaware is one of five states — along with Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, and New York — where Ignition Casino, Cafe Casino, and Slots.LV do NOT accept players. Only two of the five offshore casinos reviewed by MobileCasinoParty accept Delaware players: Wild Casino and Bovada.
Because Delaware has a fully legal licensed iGaming market with three state-authorized platforms, the correct choice for Delaware residents seeking online casino gaming is a Delaware Lottery-licensed platform. Licensed platforms offer state-backed consumer protections, certified game fairness, access to Delaware’s self-exclusion program, and legal recourse in the event of a dispute — none of which are available on offshore sites.
| Operator | DE Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bovada | Accepts DE players | Not DE-licensed; Curaçao-licensed; DE not in Bovada restricted states |
| Wild Casino | Accepts DE players | Not DE-licensed; Panama Gaming Commission; only restricts NJ players |
| Ignition Casino | Does NOT accept DE players | Delaware is one of 5 restricted states (DE, MD, NV, NJ, NY) |
| Cafe Casino | Does NOT accept DE players | Delaware is one of 5 restricted states (DE, MD, NV, NJ, NY) |
| Slots.LV | Does NOT accept DE players | Delaware is one of 5 restricted states (DE, MD, NV, NJ, NY) |
Land-Based Casinos
Delaware has three licensed gaming venues — all racinos (racetrack + casino). There are no standalone casinos and no tribal gaming in Delaware.
| Casino | Location | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware Park | Stanton (Wilmington area), DE | Racino | Horse racing + casino; one of three iGaming licensees |
| Dover Downs Hotel & Casino (Horseshoe Delaware Park) | Dover, DE | Racino | Now operated under Caesars/Horseshoe brand; hotel on-site |
| Harrington Raceway & Casino | Harrington, DE | Racino | Horse racing + casino; smallest of the three by revenue |
All three racinos are commercial operations licensed by the Delaware Lottery. There are no tribal casinos in Delaware. All three properties serve as the licensing anchors for Delaware’s online casino and sports betting platforms.
Recent Legal Changes
Stable Market — No New Legislation (2024–2026): Delaware’s iGaming and sports betting framework remains unchanged from its 2012–2013 foundations. No legislation to expand the market beyond the three existing racino licensees has been introduced in 2024 or 2026 sessions.
Small-Market Dynamics: Delaware’s position as one of the smallest iGaming markets in the US by revenue continues. Its population of under one million residents and its Lottery-monopoly model have limited operator interest in pursuing new licenses.
MSIGA Remains Active: Delaware continues as a founding MSIGA member, benefiting from shared poker pools with New Jersey, Nevada, Michigan, and West Virginia. West Virginia joined MSIGA in approximately November 2025, further expanding the shared player pool.
Responsible Gambling Resources
| Resource | Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| National Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) | Delaware does not have a separate state gambling helpline; NCPG national line is primary |
| Delaware Council on Gambling Problems | 302-655-3261 | deproblemgambling.org; 100 W. 10th Street, Suite 303, Wilmington, DE 19801 |
| Delaware Lottery Responsible Gambling | delawarelottery.com | Official Delaware Lottery responsible gambling resources |
Self-Exclusion Program
Delaware’s self-exclusion program is administered through the Delaware Lottery. The program covers the three licensed racinos and their associated online platforms.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Administrator | Delaware Lottery |
| Enrollment | Via Delaware Lottery responsible gambling section |
| Website | delawarelottery.com (navigate to responsible gambling section) |
| Phone | (302) 744-1669 |
| Coverage | Delaware’s three racinos and associated online platforms |
National Resources
| Organization | Phone | Website | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCPG | 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) | ncpgambling.org | 24/7/365 |
| NCPG Text/Chat | Text 800GAM / ncpgambling.org/chat | — | 24/7/365 |
| Gamblers Anonymous | (909) 931-9056 (office) | gamblersanonymous.org | Meetings vary |
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | 988 (call or text) | 988lifeline.org | 24/7/365 |
| SAMHSA | 1-800-662-4357 (HELP) | samhsa.gov | 24/7/365 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online gambling legal in Delaware?
Yes. Online casino gaming and online sports betting are both fully legal in Delaware. Delaware was the first US state to launch legal online casino games (October 31, 2013) and the first to offer legal single-game sports betting (June 5, 2018). All platforms are regulated by the Delaware Lottery. You must be 21 and physically located within Delaware to play.
How many online casinos are licensed in Delaware?
Three licensed online casino platforms operate in Delaware — Delaware Park Online, Dover Downs/Horseshoe Online, and Harrington Raceway Online. All three launched simultaneously on October 31, 2013. Delaware runs a state-controlled monopoly: all platforms are managed by the Delaware Lottery and tethered to the state’s three racinos.
Can I play online poker in Delaware?
Yes. Online poker is legal in Delaware and available via the licensed iGaming platforms. Delaware is a founding member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which enables shared poker player pools with New Jersey, Nevada, Michigan, and West Virginia.
What is the minimum gambling age in Delaware?
The minimum age for online casino gaming, sports betting, and land-based racino play in Delaware is 21. The state lottery minimum age is 18. Daily fantasy sports operators set a minimum age of 18 (operator-enforced).
Can Delaware residents use offshore casinos like Bovada?
Only two of the five offshore casinos reviewed by MobileCasinoParty accept Delaware players: Bovada and Wild Casino. Ignition Casino, Cafe Casino, and Slots.LV do NOT accept Delaware players — Delaware is among their five restricted states (along with Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, and New York). Because Delaware has a fully licensed iGaming market, MobileCasinoParty recommends using a Delaware Lottery-licensed platform instead.
Does Delaware have a self-exclusion program?
Yes. Delaware’s self-exclusion program is administered by the Delaware Lottery and covers the three racinos and their associated online platforms. You can enroll via the Delaware Lottery’s responsible gambling section at delawarelottery.com or call (302) 744-1669. The Delaware Council on Gambling Problems (302-655-3261) can also assist.
Is Delaware part of MSIGA?
Yes. Delaware is a founding member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which it joined in 2014 alongside Nevada and New Jersey. Michigan and West Virginia have since joined. MSIGA enables shared online poker player pools across member states.
Is DFS legal in Delaware?
Yes, on a de facto basis. Delaware has not passed explicit DFS legislation, but DraftKings and FanDuel both operate in the state. The operator-set minimum age is 18.
Related Guides
- Responsible Gambling Policy — Support resources and helplines
- Casino Review Process — How we evaluate and rate casinos
- USA Online Casinos — Full state-by-state guide hub
- New Jersey Gambling Guide — MSIGA member; legal iGaming since 2013; online poker available
- Nevada Gambling Guide — MSIGA member since 2014; legal online poker
- Michigan Gambling Guide — MSIGA member; legal iGaming since 2021
- West Virginia Gambling Guide — MSIGA member; legal iGaming since 2020
- Pennsylvania Gambling Guide — Neighboring state; legal iGaming since 2019
- Rhode Island Gambling Guide — Legal iGaming since April 2024; Bally’s monopoly
- Bovada Casino Review — Accepts DE players; not Delaware Lottery-licensed
- Wild Casino Review — Accepts DE players; not Delaware Lottery-licensed
