Just three weeks after launching a full-scale sports gaming operation, Delaware said it has taken more than $7 million in sports bets across the state’s three casinos.
From Jun. 5 to Jun. 24—the end of the fiscal year—the Delaware Sports Lottery processed just over $7 million across 70,000 wagers through the sportsbooks at Delaware Park, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, and Harrington Raceway & Casino.
Delaware Park led the charge, processing $5.2 million in bets across nearly 51,000 wagers through the 20-day period. Dover Downs processed $1.8 million, while Harrington processed $590,000.
Delaware was the first state other than Nevada to allow single-game sports wagering after the U.S. Supreme Court in May paved the way for state-by-state legalization of sports gambling. Its casinos offer a number of betting options, including single-game and championship wagering across professional baseball, football, hockey, basketball, soccer, and motorsports. Its betting operations launched just ahead of the start of the World Cup.
After paying out vendors fees, Delaware pocketed $875,216 in net proceeds.
Delaware had an easy transition into sports betting because the state had been dabbling in sports wagering for years through the Delaware Lottery’s NFL parlay cards. During a five-week period of the 2017 football season, the state processed $4.4 million in bets on parlay cards alone.
SportTechie Takeaway
June’s wagers were mostly a reflection of the World Cup and baseball. The $7 million figure, though, could be an early indicator of future success at Delaware’s sportsbooks. When other professional sports, including football, restart this fall, the revenue collected from sports betting will surely grow much bigger.
There is still much to be shaken out as the sports betting market evolves, including things such as data management, media coverage, and integrity fees. But Delaware’s example proves that there is consumer demand and opportunity for states, individuals and businesses operating in the space.