Delaware casinos and gambling are a massive industry that has been operating for half a century. When they first legalized horse racing, it was after nearly 200 years of underground rings had offered it. Horse racing betting was first regulated in 1933, then officially came into law in 1935. The Delaware lottery is in charge of all gambling in the state, which is second to Nevada in size of operations.
In addition, Delaware was one of the first states to legalize sports betting, and was unhindered by PASPA. Moreover, the state was one of the first to allow online gambling. The state is now home to many casinos, race tracks, and sportsbooks. So, if you need to know what’s legal to gamble on in the state, then this is the guide for you.
Most Popular Delaware Casinos
Legalization in Delaware
- Year Delaware Regulated Gambling: Horse racing (1935), Lottery (1974), Casinos (1994).
- Estimated Tax Revenue from Gambling: $253 million.
- Estimated Gambling Revenue (from casinos): $635 million.
- Delaware Gambling Age: 18 for lottery and bingo, 21 for casinos and racing.
- Smoking ban: formally banned in casinos.
- Delaware Online gambling: Horseracing, sports, poker, and casino games.
- Number of Casinos: 3
- Number of Poker Rooms: 4
Delaware Gambling Laws
Delaware’s gambling laws cover all forms of gambling in the United States. They allow games including Blackjack, Poker, Video Poker, and Slot Machines. In addition, the state lottery can be played over the age of 18. Furthermore, off-track horse race betting is allowed, as well as wagering on professional and college sports.
One of the most popular casinos, Dover Downs Casino, has some of the most popular table games on offer and one of the biggest casino floors in America. In conjunction, Delaware Park is the biggest race track in the state. Casino games allowed in the state include:
- Slots
- Video poker
- Blackjack
- Three Card Poker
- Four Card Poker
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em
- Craps
- Roulette
- Baccarat
- Pai Gow Poker
Federal laws do not apply in states, making it perfectly easy to enjoy online gambling. All gambling operations in the state are subject to a 43% tax on profits. Charity gambling on lotteries, poker tournaments, Bingo, and raffles are not taxed.
Top Casinos in DE
The best brick and mortar casinos in Delaware boast some of the top gaming floors in the country. These gambling venues are worth at least one visit. Be sure to test out as many games as possible to get the ultimate gaming experience.
| CASINO | SIZE | ADDRESS | WEBSITE |
| Delaware Park – Wilmington | 2,540 Slot Machines | 777 Delaware Park Blvd. | www.delawarepark.com |
| Dover Downs – Dover | 2,600 Slot Machines | 1131 North DuPont Highway | www.doverdowns.com |
| Harrington Raceway – Harrington | 1,800 Slot Machines | 18500 S. Dupont Hwy | www.harringtonraceway.com |
| Performance Poker Room – Frankford | Only Poker | 34407 Dupont Blvd. | No website |
Online Gambling Casinos in DE
To fully understand why online gambling is such an issue, it’s important to know about taxes. If online gambling websites offer their services illegally, they don’t pay tax. This means that the government loses out on funding. Of course, this is completely legal in Delaware, so you can gamble whenever because these casinos are open 24 hours a day.
Online poker is one of the most popular games, and the Delaware Poker Network is connected to WSOP.com in Nevada. This is the only interstate liquidity pool in the United States. Online poker is offered by the three tracks in the state, Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway. These sites are overseen by the lottery commission, which is the only lottery operator to oversee casino games and sites.
In addition to traditional gambling, Daily Fantasy Sports are also allowed in the state. DraftKings and FanDuel both advertise DFS as a skill game, making it legal for the moment. However, officials have yet to voice an opinion on it. Still, an investigation is currently underway to prove the legality of it all.
Gambling History
Gambling has been present in what is now Delaware since the 1760s. The first racetrack opened in Newark and sparked 150 years of off-the-book betting. Then, the Delaware Racing Commission was founded in 1933 and regulated horse racing for the first time. Following this, the first license was issued in 1935 for Delaware Park.
In 1974, the Delaware Lottery was formed and began selling lottery tickets. All sales contributed to a general fund. Scratch cards followed in 1976 with Lucky Stars. In 1991, the Delaware Lottery joined the Multi-State Lottery Association, giving it access to interstate jackpots.
Three years later, they allowed video lottery machines. As a result, the three state racetracks were allowed to install slot machines.
For more than two decades, these were the only gambling machines offered until 2010. Then, the state allowed table games to be added, including Live Poker, Blackjack, Craps, and Roulette tables.
Delaware Casinos & Gambling FAQs
The legal gambling age is 18 for lotteries and bingo. However, you must be 21 to enter casinos and race tracks.
No, they may not.
Yes, and it has been for centuries.
Yes, providing that you do so through regulated bookies.
Yes, there are four brick and mortar casinos in the state.
Yes, and you can safely do so thanks to state laws.
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