Online gambling officially launches in Delaware

Lottery officials revealed that around 125 players had registered and participated in the intrastate soft launch, a number that is now expected to increase as companies go to full operational status. Delaware State Lottery director Vernon Kirk told media reporters that one area where some difficulties had been experienced was the rejection of some credit card transactions.

State Secretary of Finance Tom Cook explained that the banks carrying Visa cards do not have a universal code for online gaming and did not approve transactions. Mastercard, on the other hand, has a special code for gaming transfers and was able to approve transactions. Systems are adjusting from the days when a blanket prohibition on internet gambling financial transactions was applied in terms of the UIGEA, a hangover which numerous experts warned federal legislators about many years ago.

Cook said that in general the geolocation systems worked well, although there had been a few problems with players living close to state borders. The consensus was that in general the overall system had operated safely and to the required standards, Cook said. Cook added that the state could experience an increase in activity and revenues when iGaming moves to mobile phones and tablets devices at the end of 2014. “Social media is going to play a big role in this,” he said.
E-gaming in Delaware can be accessed through www.doverdowns.com, www.harringtonraceway.com and www.delawarepark.com.