Delaware is set to be the first state to implement full-scale sports betting operations later today.
Three casinos will be launching their full-scale sports betting operations at 1:30pm local time on Tuesday 5 June. This historic moment marks the first implementation of legalised sports betting following the US Supreme Court’s decision to repeal PASPA.
The sports betting operations will go live at Delaware Park, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, and Harrington Raceway & Casino. The operators will be able to offer single-game and championship wagering on professional baseball, football, hockey, basketball, soccer, golf, and auto racing.
The decision to legalise sports betting in Delaware was made by The Delaware Department of Finance, in consultation with the Attorney General’s Office who determined that there were now no legal obstructions preventing the state from offering sports betting.
Commenting on the launch of sports betting in the state, Delaware Governor, John Carney said: “Delaware has all necessary legal and regulatory authority to move forward with a full-scale sports gaming operation, and we look forward to next week’s launch. We’re hopeful that this will bring even more visitors into Delaware to see firsthand what our state has to offer.”
Rick Geisenberger, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Finance, added: “We have worked closely with Delaware’s three casinos to train lottery and casino staff in preparation for a launch of expanded sports betting, and Delaware is prepared to move forward. We will continue to provide public updates and additional information through the Delaware Lottery ahead of next week’s launch.”
Scientific Games also announced that it will be responsible for the implementation of the state’s expansion into full-scale sports betting, as a result of a long standing deal beginning in 2009 to provide content and manage the service of the Delaware Lottery.
Discussing the new sports betting expansion and his company’s role in it Pat McHugh, Senior Vice President, Global Lottery Systems for Scientific Games, said: "Since Delaware is known as 'The First State', it's appropriate they were first in the nation to expand regulated sports betting after the PASPA ruling. We are proud to support the Delaware Lottery's long history of industry firsts, and thrilled to be their trusted provider of an integrated sports betting program serving both casinos and lottery retailers across the state.
The state of New Jersey’s lawmakers might be kicking themselves considering they spent over $8.5m on legal fees attempting to legalise sports betting and yet have been unable to implement full-scale operations as quickly as Delaware.
