Gambling in Delaware - Delaware Casinos and Betting Laws

Gambling in Delaware

Even though Delaware is the country’s second-smallest state after Rhode Island, it is one of the best when it comes to gambling. The Diamond State offers a wide variety of gambling options, from parlay sports betting and horse racing to the most popular online casino games.

DE was one of the only states in the US that had exemptions from the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which came into force in 1992.

Delaware Casinos

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2 Casinos

Dover Downs

1131 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 199...

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Delaware Park

777 Delaware Park Blvd, Wilmingt...

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All About Casinos in Delaware

There are just three casinos in Delaware, but what the “First State” lacks in numbers, it makes up for in quality in terms of the gambling on offer in these Delaware casinos. Each of them is a Racino with live horse racing and harness racing on offer alongside casinos which offer thousands of slots and all your favorite table games.

Let’s take a closer look at the casinos in Delaware.

Bally’s Dover Casino Resort

• Largest number of slots in Delaware casinos.
• Great variety of table Games.

• Great hotel on site and the only one at casinos in Delaware.

Formerly Dover Downs, this is an amazing complex including a harness horse racing track, the Dover Motor Speedway which hosts NASCAR racing and a great gambling resort featuring a hotel and casino. The main resort is owned by Gaming and Leisure Properties, although the motor racing track is the property of Speedway Motorsports.

This is unique amongst Delaware casinos in being operated by Bally’s. Here we are going to concentrate on the gaming opportunities and the facilities on offer at Bally’s Dover Casino Resort, the largest of the Delaware casinos.

Slots

This is one of the Delaware casinos that offers over 2,200 slot machines ranging from penny slot to progressives; you are sure to find one of your favorites on the gaming floor as this is the largest casino in Delaware. Expect to find the following:

• Pinball

• Pompeii

• High on the Hog

• Diamond Vault Super Times Pay

• Hee Haw

• The Green Machine

• Blazing Inferno

• Lightning Link

• Rumble Rumble

• Triple Hot Ice

• Spin It Grand

• Farmville

• Dollar Storm

Table Games

There are 33 table games available at the largest of the Delaware casinos, including craps, roulette and blackjack. Here are a few of the other games on offer:

• Mini Baccarat Macau Style with Dragon Bonus

• Pai Gow Poker

• High Card Flush

• 3 Card Poker

• Heads Up Hold’em

• Cajun Stud

Race & Sportsbook

If you are looking for Delaware casinos that allow you to follow your favorite pro and college teams, you can lay a wager at the Bally’s Dover Race and Sports Book. You can also follow horse racing and international sports in the comfort of the sports bar.

Loyalty Program

Earn points with your Players Club card by inserting the card into any of the slots you choose. There are four levels, and you will also earn points on the tables and playing poker. You can move through the levels as you play, and points can be redeemed for free play or merchandise and restaurant discounts with debit card or debit card purchases or when cash is used.

Amenities

Choosing Delaware casinos that offer great accommodation is often a priority for players. Here the hotel offers visitors all they could expect from a top class resort. Facilities include a fitness center, an indoor pool, parking and concierge services. There are live music and comedy shows, and the Rollins Center venue offers plenty of family entertainment too.

Dining

All casinos in Delaware offer dining experiences, but here there are some great options.

Try a taste of Italy at the famous Jerry Longo’s Meatballs & Martinis. The founder grew up in South Philly guided by her mother in the kitchen, and this is authentic Italian food. Some of the recommendations for this restaurant come from some of the USA’s most famous actors and sportsmen and women.

If you fancy a trip to the Far East on your plate, check out the Macau Kitchen Express, specialties include pork fried rice, beef pho, and amazing pork egg rolls.

Meanwhile, at the Raising the Steaks Lounge, yes, pun intended, you can sit down to some prime steak, chops and steak house specials. Try the world class Black Angus beef and other selected ingredients.

The sugar factory has been named the “Most Instagrammed Restaurant in the States” by the respected Food & Wine Magazine. Now you can find it at one of the casinos in Delaware right here in Dover and enjoy the amazing desserts and fabulous cocktails.

Finally, you can enjoy a number of bars with craft beers, premium wines and choose some amazing cigars specially chosen for visitors.

Delaware Park Casino Wilmington

• Plenty of slots on the gaming floor.

• A great poker room.

• Good choice of restaurants.

This is another of the Delaware casinos, which has over 2,000 slots there are also 40 tables with Roulette, Blackjack and poker and this is one of the casinos in Delaware that boasts a poker room. You will also find a race book and a sportsbook along with a host of amenities, including bars and restaurants. Wallington is home to one of the popular casinos in Delaware located in the north of the state.

The Racetrack and casino has been sold by the Rickman family who owned it from 1983 to Canadian private Equity company Clairvest Group and Rubico Gaming. The latter is controlled by Thomas Benninger, founder of Global Leveraged Capital Advisors who was a board member of Caesars Entertainment.

It is one of the outstanding casinos in Delaware, and here we take a quick look at what is on offer.

Slots

With over 2,000 slots, this is one of the Delaware casinos that offers plenty of entertainment for visitors who are fans of penny slots or high denomination machines. You will find video slots, reels and progressives. This is one of the Delaware casinos which also offers a high limit room with different slots, and there is also a High Rollers Bar located nearby.

Expect to find new additions each time you visit, here is a short list of the latest machines at one of the most exciting casinos in Delaware.

• Buffalo Ascension

• Coin Trio

• Genghis Khan Dragon Link

• Triple Double 777 Hot Link

• Lightning Link

• Ultimate Fire Link

• Shop of Horrors

• Piggy Banking

• Piggy Bank Locket Link

• Buffalo Tails

Table Games

Take a seat at one of the tables at one of the most exciting Delaware casinos. Here is what you can expect to find.

• Blackjack

• Craps

• Fire Bet

• Roulette

• Spanish 21

• BMX Spanish 21

• 3 card Poker

• Cajun Stud

• High Card Flush

• EZ Baccarat

Plenty of visitors to Delaware casinos will be looking for a Poker Room and here it is delivered in spades with a great poker rewards program too.

There is also a five tier Player Rewards Club where players can earn points as they play slots and table games and cash in at the Player Rewards Store. Swap them for play or dining options.

Sports Book

This is another of the casinos in Delaware which offers a great sports book. You can wager on professional, and college sports every day of the week. Choose from parlays, round robins, straight bets, futures, teasers and much more at one of the finest Delaware casinos.

Amenities

When visiting Delaware casinos, you will want to enjoy some downtime away from the gaming floor, and here you will find a staggering selection of restaurants and bars. Here is a quick list of the venues.

• Racing Legends

• 1937 Brewing Co

• Del Cap

• Rooney’s Deli

• On A Roll Deli

• Picciotti’s Pizza

• Foo Noodle

You can also take in The Cove, The Terrace and The Grove as well as the Money Line Sports Bar and the famous Poker Bar.

Naturally you will need to check out the racing program at this famous location which not only has live racing but one of the finest casinos in Delaware.

Harrington Casino Raceway

• Good selection of slots.

• Exciting table games on offer.

• Shuttle service from partner hotels.

When it comes to our review of casinos in Delaware we have to finally arrive at the Harrington Casino Raceway. There is no good reason for it to be the third on our list since it matches the other Delaware casinos closely in terms of what is on offer. There are over 1300 slots and 30 table games, including roulette, blackjack and Spanish 21.

 This is one of the Delaware casinos which also has a poker room, showing that this remains one of the most popular games in Delaware casinos. You will also benefit from a players club if you choose to join, and there is also a sportsbook. As with all casinos in Delaware you will also find plenty of fun away from the gaming floor.

The city is a small town but is well-known as a beauty spot with plenty of hiking and fishing close by. Check out the nearby waterpark if you are visiting as a family. Let’s take a look at what is on offer at one of the three casinos in Delaware.

Slots

You can enjoy over 1300 slots at the Harrington Casino Raceway, which is the fewest on offer at casinos in Delaware, but still a healthy number. Here are just some of the slots on offer.

• Wizard of Oz

• Wheel of Fortune

• Wheel of Fortune Mega Towers

• Medusa Unleashed

• Ultimate Fire Link

• Lock It Link series

• 88 Fortunes

• Buffalo Chief

• Dollar Storm

• Monopoly

• Cashnado

• James Bond

• Pinball

• Jeopardy

• Top Dollar

Table Games

Cash-in on one of the great tables at one of the most exciting casinos in Delaware as you test your skill in some great games at what could become one of your favorite Delaware casinos. Here are just a few of the most popular games.

• Blackjack

• Roulette
• 21 + 3

• 3 Card Poker

• 3 Card Blitz

• 4 Card Poker

• Craps

• Heads Up Hold’em

• Lucky Ladies BJ

• Louisiana Stud

• Spanish 21

• Spanish 21 Bonus Spin

Before you begin playing at one of the best casinos in Delaware check out the Players Club. Sign up for free and you will get discounts in the restaurants and gift outlets.

There are three tiers to the program, and there are plenty of benefits, including bonus entries, slot dollars, point multipliers and invitations to exclusive events.

You can also receive discounts in the bars too. Although this is not one of the Delaware casinos with an on-site hotel, you will get discounts at partner hotels in the area when you are a member of the Players Club and get a shuttle to the casino.

Facilities

You can enjoy fine restaurants such as Bonz. Onion Jacks and Bolos as you would expect when visiting one of the casinos in Delaware. There are also venues for a quick snack or plenty of bars to relax in away from the action.

The fun does not stop there since this is one of the casinos in Delaware where you can find live entertainment and relaxing atmospheres in three locations within the venue.

Top Gambling Cities in Delaware

If you're wondering where to start when it comes to gambling destinations in Delaware, these are our top picks for cities to visit for the best casinos.

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Dover

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Dover Downs

1131 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901

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Harrington

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Wilmington

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Delaware Park

777 Delaware Park Blvd, Wilmington, DE 19804

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Dover

Out of the three brick-and-mortar casino complexes in the state, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino is the largest one. It boasts approximately 2,300 gaming machines and over 40 table games. As its name implies, it’s located in Dover, the state’s capital, and second-largest city.

The residents of Dover and gamblers that visit this city can enjoy various casino games, stay at luxurious hotels, and visit many other interesting attractions. In addition to that, they can enjoy watching and placing wagers on horse and NASCAR races. This makes Dover the most exciting gambling city in Delaware by quite a stretch.

Wilmington

With a population of more than 70,000, Wilmington is the state’s largest city. If you’re a fan of brick-and-mortar casinos, sports betting, or horse racing, visiting Wilmington is always a top choice, with most people considering it to be the second-best casino city in Delaware.

If you happen to live in Wilmington or want to travel to this city, make sure you go to Delaware Park Casino. There you’ll find more than 2,300 slot machines, a racetrack, restaurants, bars, entertainment areas, and tables for poker, roulette, blackjack, craps, and other popular casino games.

Harrington

Harrington is a very small town located in Kent County, with a population of less than 4,000. It is home to Harrington Raceway & Casino, which offers more than 1,400 slot machines, over 30 tables, and a poker hall with 1,000 seats. This facility also offers catering, shuttle services, sports betting, fine dining options, a meeting place for up to 400 people, a fancy lounge with live entertainment, and more.

Delaware Online Gambling

Is online gambling legal in Delaware? Yes, it is. Lawmakers in Delaware passed a law related to online gambling back in 2012, making it legal and fully regulated. That made it one of the first among all American states to legalize internet casino gambling. So, when it comes to the current online and offline gambling regulations, Delaware is at the forefront.

It’s fair to say, the gambling industry in Delaware is booming, especially since the launch of iGaming. All gambling in this state is licensed and controlled by the Delaware state lottery office, while the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement oversees gambling activities.

Although gambling laws in the United States are often too complex or even unclear, the situation in Delaware isn’t like that. This progressive state has embraced both the land-based and online gambling industries, as well as introduced clear laws, regulations, and rules to provide its residents with secure and trustworthy gambling opportunities.

Given the fact that the gambling industry generates high revenue for the state budget, we expect that gambling will remain a legal activity in this state over the coming decades.

Delaware Online Gambling

Under the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012, all forms of online gambling are legal. The state’s constitution indicates that gambling activities not controlled by Delaware are not permitted. After passing the online gambling bill in 2012, the first free-play virtual casinos started to operate in 2013.

Just a year after that, online gambling Delaware sites where people can bet for real money made their first appearance.

Online Casinos in Delaware

Nowadays, online casino Delaware websites offer the latest games, as well as a wide range of lucrative promotions, both for newcomers and their loyal members. On another note, and quite significant for players, this state has a gambling tax. All residents must report their winnings and then pay a tax of between 2.2% and 6.6%, depending on how much they have earned. All cash prizes that exceed 5,000 USD are subject to the federal tax of 24%.

Gambling laws in DE are crystal clear and strict regarding age restrictions. To be able to play the state lottery, you must be at least 18 years old. To participate in the rest of the gambling activities, you need to be 21 years old or older.

While real money online casino Delaware sites and online poker rooms are the most popular choices when it comes to internet gambling, many residents also choose to participate in Daily Fantasy Sports contests. DFS gambling has been legal since the summer of 2017, when Governor John Carney signed the Interactive Fantasy Contest Act into law.

Online Poker

The legislation related to iGaming from 2012 also made it completely legal for Delaware residents to play poker online for real money. In the beginning, only players located in Delaware could participate in online poker games. However, this small state went on to reach an agreement with Nevada and New Jersey that allowed the pooling of players between them. The online poker sites in Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey now organize dozens of prize pool tournaments every month.

In order to play poker online in a legal way in Delaware, you can register at any licensed and regulated poker website that is affiliated with one of the three casinos in this state.

Online Betting

While sports betting Delaware facilities are now both popular and legal, that hasn’t always been the case. After PASPA was passed in 1992, all sports betting became illegal in the country. However, Delaware was exempted from the ban, although not fully. The Diamond State citizens could still make sports bets, but only three-team parlays on NFL games.

After lawmakers overturned PASPA in 2018, sports betting in Delaware started to grow with sites opening and providing betting opportunities on football, basketball, tennis, baseball, and soccer, among other sports. At the moment, this part of the industry is booming. Besides sports betting on the internet, residents can bet on sports games at any of the three brick-and-mortar casino establishments operating in the state.

Legal sports betting Delaware facilities and websites are now increasingly popular among the state’s residents. The demand for them has never been higher, and we expect this to continue over the coming years.

Delaware Gambling Laws

The development of the brick-and-mortar gambling industry in DE dates back to 1994 when the Delaware General Assembly legislation became law. This legislation permitted the owners of horse racing facilities in Delaware to introduce slot machines and video lottery terminals. As you can see, it has always been relatively easy to find casinos in Delaware with slot machines and gambling entertainment.

Since lawmakers signed the Table Games Bill more than a decade ago, Delaware gambling has continued to develop and advance. Apart from having thousands of slot machines and tables, the three Delaware racinos offer club rewards for their most loyal customers, upscale dining experiences, fancy hotels, and more. An increasing number of tourists choose Delaware as their holiday destination, and gambling is one of the main reasons for that.

Tribal Gambling

There are no tribal casinos in Delaware. Although there are recognized Native American tribes in Delaware, none of them have been given authority to engage in gambling activities. Although all states have limited restrictions on gambling operated by Native American tribes the issue has not been raised in Delaware.

How Delaware Casinos Are Regulated and Taxed

The three commercial casino operators in Delaware collectively employ some 5,000+ workers who are residents of the state and pay hundreds of millions in tax dollars to the state. Indeed, the level of taxes paid by the casinos over recent years has meant that the casinos were struggling to invest in their properties and were also being hit by competition from neighboring states, which given the level of taxation, was hardly surprising.

The state was sympathetic to their position and agreed to cut the tax on slots from 43.5% by one per cent which could increase to two per cent if the hosting casino had capital expenditure equal to or in excess of 3% of its net slots revenue. Although this may seem a small decrease, it is nevertheless significant given the revenue from slots across the state. The same piece of legislation also offered further relief when it came to the tax on table game revenues. Casinos had been paying 24.9% on table game revenues, but this has now been reduced to 15.5%.

Operators have also been allowed to avoid paying the licensing fee by investing more in their businesses. All of the above will most likely mean a reduction of the contributions to the general fund, meaning losses to the state of between $11m and $17m over the next couple of years.