As the first state in the USA to offer legal online casinos, Delaware’s experience in the online gambling arena can’t be matched. Whether it’s online poker, slots, roulette, or bingo, local players have access to some top gambling sites that are guaranteed to be safe, fair, and secure.
In this expert guide to Delaware online gambling, we present to you the state’s best gambling sites, while exploring other areas of the industry that are yet to evolve, such as sports betting.
Throughout this guide to DE online gambling, we’ll provide you with a number of top welcome bonuses for new customers to our recommended sites. These are a great way to kick-start your time with an online casino and provide an opportunity to try out new games for little investment.
If you’re not sure whether online gambling is for you, read our pros and cons section below. The most important thing is that you only play with legal and licensed sites. Fortunately, all of our recommendations have been approved by local regulators. So without further delay, here is our comprehensive guide to online gambling in Delaware.
What Types of Online Gambling are Legal In Delaware?
In 2014, Delaware became the first state to legalize online gambling, paving the way for other states in the USA to follow suit. Locals are free to play online casino games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, craps, and bingo. However, Delawareans are not yet able to bet on sports online.
For the time being, sports betting must take place in-person at the state’s three commercial casinos, which is quite surprising considering its early openness to online gambling. In the following sections, we will break down the different forms of gambling activities that are available in Delaware.
Delaware’s Best Online Casino for 2024
Before Delaware launched real money online casinos gambling in 2014, players were first able to legally play free-to-play online games of slots and other virtual games. While the state soon introduced real money gambling, the option to play for free still remains, which is one perk that land-based casinos don’t offer.
As with many states, Delaware’s online gaming regulator has only authorized sites tied to Delaware’s land-based racinos. The three Delaware online casinos for Dover Downs, Delaware Park, and Harrington Raceway are all built on a platform created by 888 Holdings and Scientific Games, with the state taking a substantial cut of the revenues.
If there’s one thing that sets online casinos apart from land-based casinos, it’s that there tend to be plenty more unique games to choose from. The best Delaware gambling sites offer catalogs stocked with fun and fair games from some of the world’s most reputable award-winning software providers.
As the three sites share the same platform, you’ll find that the casinos tend to offer mostly the same games. Below, you can find a list of all the game types offered by DE casino sites.
- Online Slots
- Video Poker
- Roulette\Blackjack
- Online Table Games
- Jackpot Games
- Baccarat
- Craps
While all three online casinos offer a similar gaming experience, each site offers individual welcome bonuses to new players. Additionally, the sites also feature rewards promotions that will give loyal players perks based on their gameplay. This offers a more comprehensive gaming experience and could be the deciding factor in why you choose the site you choose.
The Delaware Sports Betting Situation
Delaware was the first state to legalize sports betting after the repeal of PASPA in 201,. Already, the state was the only other aside from Nevada to offer some kind of sports betting market, though it only permitted parlay bets on the NFL. Once the federal ban was overturned, lawmakers sprung to action and legalized the industry.
However, due to the speed of their legalization efforts, Delaware did not legalize online sports betting. For now, Delawareans must place all of their sports bets in-person at the state’s three racinos. While there has been talk of the racinos affiliating with online providers to launch Delaware online sports betting sites, this has yet to progress.
This is unfortunate, as online sports wagering is an extremely convenient and enjoyable way to bet. That being said, Delaware has always been fast to evolve in matters of gambling expansion, so we are by no means ruling out a mobile wagering market in the future.
Adding more pressure is that neighbor states New Jersey and Pennsylvania are offering mobile betting, so this could be absorbing some Delaware sports betting revenues. Although in-person sports betting is still thrilling, players are missing out on perks such as welcome bonuses by not having an online betting market.
Below, we’ve listed some of the most popular sports betting events and leagues in the state.
- NFL (Super Bowl)
- NBA Betting
- NHL
- MLB
- College Basketball (March Madness)
- College Football Betting
- Premier League
- UFC/MMA
- Tennis
Top Delaware Online Poker Sites
Many online poker players will be aware of Black Friday, the day that the biggest online poker sites were shut down across the USA. While for many states, this spelled the end of online real money poker play, Delaware was the first state to legalize online poker.
As with other forms of legal Delaware online gambling such as casinos, online poker can only be offered by the racino websites. Although this is limiting, players are still free to play against real-life local players on a variety of game types, whether they be single cash games or poker tournaments.
If you’re new to poker — land-based or otherwise — you may be interested to know that poker is a game of skill. This means that there are certain techniques that you will gain with experience that can help you win, as opposed to many other casino games that depend entirely on luck.
Delaware online poker sites frequently offer games of Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi Lo, and 7 Card Stud Poker. If you’re not interested in playing against real players, there are also several virtual poker games on offer that will allow you to play real money games against computers.
Bingo Sites for Delaware Players
As a land-based game, bingo is popular in Delaware. The state has long had relaxed laws about charitable bingo events, and bingo halls are frequented all across the state. If you’re looking for a new way to play though, we highly recommend trying your hand at online bingo.
Online bingo is an appealing DE online gambling option, as it tends to be much more social than other online games. These will often have chat rooms so you can chat with other players while you play.
In some cases, you may be able to find free-to-play bingo games if you’re more interested in the social aspect of the game. In addition to this, many sites will also integrate free or real money online slots that can be played while bingo balls are being called.
To lure new players in, many online bingo sites will offer exciting welcome bonuses or loyalty programs for regular players. These can come in the form of free cards, free-entry games, or free spins on the real money slot games.
Other Forms of Delaware Legal Online Gambling
Online gambling in Delaware isn’t just limited to online casino, bingo, and poker sites. Residents are also free to bet on horse racing and daily fantasy sports (DFS) in the state too. However, Delaware law still prohibits the sale of lottery tickets online, so this will have to be enjoyed in person.
Delaware officially legalized daily fantasy sports betting in 2017, making it the 15th country in the USA to do so. While many other states simply tolerate these games, Delaware has made it a lot easier for trustworthy gambling sites to host fantasy leagues. DFS is a great alternative to online sports betting, so we suggest trying this out.
Advantages and Disadvantages to DE Online Gambling
For those still weighing up whether it’s worth it or not to sign up to online gambling sites, we’d like to point out a few pros and cons. The major perks of online casinos is that there are always exciting welcome bonuses for new players, several payment options are available, betting limits are more inclusive, and games can be played on mobiles.
| Pro | Con |
|---|---|
| Exciting Bonuses for New Players | Loses Atmosphere of Land-Based Gambling |
| Numerous Payment Methods | No Free Drinks |
| Bet Limits for All Budgets | Slower Payments |
| Mobile Gambling Apps | Possibility of Technical Issues |
| Licensing Tailored to State Needs |
However, playing online does mean that you’ll have to sacrifice the land-based casino atmosphere, including the perks of free drinks. Furthermore, payment withdrawals are slower, and there is the small possibility that technical issues will arise. That being said, online gambling sites offer a unique experience, so we believe it’s worth doing both.
Welcome Bonuses for New Players
The biggest advantage to playing at the best Delaware gambling sites is that there are always generous welcome bonuses available for new players. In the case of online casinos, these tend to be bonus funds that match your first deposits and free spins on new or popular video slots.
This is a great way to try new betting sites, as it requires minimal investment. Often, players will use bonus funds on games that they would otherwise not try, and free spins could potentially introduce you to your new favorite slot. Below, you can find the top welcome bonuses in Delaware.
If you can’t decide which site to sign up with, why not claim the bonuses at multiple sites? This can be a great way to compare all available casinos to make your final decision. However, while these bonuses may seem like free money, keep in mind that bonuses come with terms and conditions that determine their true value.
Common terms include wagering requirements, which mandate how many times funds must be bet before they can be withdrawn as winnings, and the validity, which states the expiration date of the bonus. In some cases, it may not be worth claiming a bonus at all, so be sure to read the terms before you claim.
Real Money Mobile Gambling Apps
Another huge perk to online casino gambling is that you can play these games while on the go. All three of the state’s licensed casino operators offer mobile versions of their platforms, which can either be accessed through a mobile app or through your phone’s web browser.
All of these authorized, real Delaware gambling apps facilitate games such as slots, virtual table games, and even online poker. In fact, almost all games available on the desktop version work on mobile. All you need is an internet connection and either an iOS or Android mobile device and you’re good to go.
Available Payment Method Options
When you choose to play at an online casino, you may be surprised to find that you have plenty more payment options available than you would at a land-based casino. Thanks to strict local regulations, all of the payment methods are secure, so you don’t need to worry about the security of your transactions.
In Delaware, you can use Mastercard, Visa, Neteller, and bank transfers to power your online casino transactions. Real money deposits are usually instant, although you can expect to wait between 2 to 7 days to receive your withdrawals. This will all depend on which payment method you choose.
Low and Reasonable Table Limits for All Players
If you want to play a table game such as blackjack, baccarat, or roulette at a land-based casino, you need to be willing to put down a small investment to buy-in. At most casinos, land-based table buy-ins start as $5 a bet, which this minimum being increased later on in the day.
At online casinos, however, these minimums are much smaller. You may even be able to bet as low as one cent at online casinos, which makes the games far more accessible to lower-budget players. That being said, there are still high-limit games for high-rollers, it’s just that a more diverse player pool can enjoy the games.
Licensing and Regulation for Delaware Online Gambing Sites
In order to offer online gambling in the state, Delaware’s land-based casinos had to first prove that they would act in accordance with local regulations. All gambling in Delaware is regulated by the Delaware Lottery and enforced by the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE).
Licensing, regulations and enforcement ensure that only legal gambling websites are accepting Delawareans, and ensure that sites are acting ethically. All Delaware internet gambling sites therefore must offer fair games, fast and secure payouts, and access to health services for players with problem gambling behaviors.
Final Thoughts on Delaware Online Gambling
As far as acting on online expansion, Delaware has been the most progressive state in the United States. Not only was it the first to offer online casino gambling, but it was also the first state after Nevada to offer legal sports betting. This experience has meant that there are several top gambling sites in the state.
While locals are still waiting for online sports betting platforms, casino players have plenty of slots, table games, and online poker options to enjoy. Additionally, players can also wager on horse races online and participate in daily fantasy sports contests. There are few states that can compete with online gambling in Delaware.
Frequently Asked Questions
At this stage of our guide, you may still have some more questions about the Delaware online gambling market that we have yet to address. In this section, we’ve dedicated some space to answer some frequently asked questions about the local gambling industry. We’ve discussed everything from how to set up an account to relevant laws, so it may very well be worth a read.
Is it legal to online gamble in Delaware?
Yes, it is legal to gamble online in Delaware. There are several top gambling sites that have been authorized by local regulators to offer online casino games such as video slots and table games, as well as horse race betting and daily fantasy sports. We assure you that all of our recommended sites are legal, safe, and secure.
How do you gamble online in Delaware?
It is easy to gamble online in Delaware. First, you will need to sign-up with a gambling site. To create an account, you can either select your favorite welcome bonus or ignore these offers. Then, provide your name, address, and date of birth. This will help verify your identity and lets operators know that you meet the age requirements.
Once you’re verified, select your preferred payment method and make a real money deposit. Once this money has been transferred, you are free to start playing. If you have bonuses to use, be sure to play games that meet your playthrough requirements.
When did Delaware legalize online gambling?
When it comes to online gambling legalization, Delaware was an early mover. Online casino gambling was first legalized in 2014, and allowed for the state’s three land-based racinos to offer legal online gambling options such as slots and table games. While sports betting was legalized in 2018, the Delaware gambling laws have yet to be adjusted to allow for online sports betting.
What is the legal online gambling age in Delaware?
As is standard across most of the United States, players must be over 21 years old to legally gamble in Delaware. The only exception to this rule are non-casino online gambling options such as daily fantasy sports and the lottery. That being said, the lottery can only be played in-person.
How do I know if a Delaware online casino or sportsbook is legit and safe?
The only way to know if a gambling website is safe and legal is to guarantee that it holds a local license issued by the Delaware Lottery. In the case of online casinos, there are only three sites that have been authorized to accept Delaware players. As for sports betting, this is not yet legal online. Any site claiming to offer legal online sports betting in Delaware is not trustworthy.
Are all bets legal in Delaware, or are some bet types illegal?
In some states with legal gambling, there are restrictions on the kinds of bets that can be placed. This is particularly common with sports betting. While some states have prohibited bets on local college division teams or in-play bets, this is not the case in Delaware. Instead, Delaware bettors can enjoy a relatively unrestricted market.
More Good Gambling Guides for Delawareans
At this stage, you should have a good grasp of all the legal online gambling options that are available in Delaware. However, if you’ve enjoyed learning about the industry, you may be interested in some other relevant gambling-related topics that we have explored on this page. Below, we’ve provided some more guides that will be most relevant to Delaware players.