Delaware lawmakers are seeking to expand the state’s online wagering sector and make it more competitive. Under House Bill 365, the state’s casinos would be able to partner with multiple online partners.
The measure was introduced by State Reps. Franklin Cooke and William Bush who argue that a competitive market would generate more state revenue. The bipartisan bill aligns with the Internet Sports Lottery Legislative Working Group’s goals.
According to supporters, marketplace competition would create a modern market that could generate millions in tax revenue.
Under the new measure, licensed sports lottery operators would have to pay $500,000 for a five-year license. Licensing fees would fuel the General Fund.
Additionally, they would be required to pay 18% of their monthly adjusted gross sports lottery receipts to the Lottery Office. Furthermore, 1.5% of their monthly proceeds would be provided as funding to the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission or Delaware Harness Racing Commission.
The Extra Money Will Go a Long Way, Rep. Cooke Says
According to Franklin Cooke, the expansion of online sports betting would usher in more revenue that can fund a variety of crucial initiatives. These would include funding for gambling education and problem gambling treatment, the representative said.
We’re talking about $400,000 or 3.5% of the processed returned to the state for funding these programs. Those dollars will go a long way.
Rep. Franklin Cooke
The bill was assigned to the House Administration Committee, which will hold a hearing on the matter soon.
For reference, Delaware players can bet online only through the BetRivers app. While the First State was appropriately the first to legalize online wagering, local regulators and lawmakers remained reluctant to make further headways.
At first, online sports betting in Delaware was offered exclusively by 888’s William Hill sportsbook. After the state’s contract with the company expired, it opted to strike a deal with Rush Street Interactive and its BetRivers brand instead.