Delaware legislature to explore expansion of mobile sports betting

Delaware representatives are exploring the expansion of mobile sports betting with the introduction of an amendment, House Bill 365, to the state's lottery law. The amendment was introduced in the State House of Representatives on Thursday.

Online sports betting was first approved in Delaware back in 2023, but initially, it was limited to just one operator. However, House Bill 365 seeks to change that by allowing casinos to partner with multiple sportsbooks.

Under the provisions of House Bill 365, internet sports lottery operators interested in participating in the market would be required to pay a fee of $500,000 for an initial five-year license.

Additionally, these operators would need to allocate 18% of their monthly profits back to the state of Delaware. A portion of these proceeds, approximately 1.5%, would be earmarked for allocation to either the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission or the Delaware Harness Racing Commission.

State Rep. Franklin Cooke (D-16), a co-sponsor of the bill, highlighted the potential benefits of expanding mobile sports betting in Delaware. "The addition of online sports betting in the First State means additional revenue will benefit programs for the treatment, education, and assistance of compulsive gamblers and problem gambling," he 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."

The introduction of House Bill 365 follows the recommendations of the Internet Sports Lottery Legislative Working Group, a bipartisan task force formed in the House in 2023. The bill has been assigned to the House Administration Committee for consideration, and a hearing is expected to be held within the next twelve legislative days.