Delaware has led the way for online casinos in the United States, becoming the first state to legalize online gaming in 2012. Since then, six other states have joined the scene, offering players slots, blackjack, roulette, and more.
We’ve created a guide to help newcomers and experienced players cover everything you need to know, from the best casino bonuses to the top land-based casinos in Delaware. Keep reading to find out more!
Land-based casinos in Delaware are permitted to launch legal online casinos, provided they hold a license from the Delaware Lottery. Given that all three land-based casinos have their own online gambling sites, there are no plans to open additional online casinos in Delaware in the near future.
Rush Street Interactive, the parent company of BetRivers, holds a monopoly on online casinos in Delaware, so any new casinos will only be able to open through their platform.
Despite being the first state to launch online casinos in the US, Delaware has been slow to incorporate newer games into its collection. Players will still find their favorite classic card games and table games, though. Players have a choice of online slots, roulette, blackjack, keno, craps, baccarat, and the state lottery.
Many players enjoy spinning the reels of online slots, and the options are vast for Delaware players. Players seeking higher RTP games also have the option of blackjack, which is available at all online casinos. There’s plenty of choice for players in The First State!
Online casinos are legal in Delaware, enabling players to select from a range of real-money games. Jackpots and potential payouts are attractive, but all players should be aware of RTP figures, the average percentage of a stake a player could receive over time.
Gambling at land-based and online casinos is legal in Delaware. The state’s gambling journey began in 1994, when House Bill HB 624 legalized physical video lottery games at horse racetracks without the Governor’s signature, leading to the launch of land-based casinos in 1995.
Representative John J. Viola introduced HB 333, also known as the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act, to legalize online casino gambling, which Governor Jack Markell signed into law in 2012. Delaware became the first state to introduce online casinos in November 2013.
The Delaware Lottery oversees all forms of gambling in the state, including the video lottery games available at land-based casinos. In 2023, the Lottery replaced 888 Holdings with BetRivers Casino as its online gambling partner.
Delaware gambling regulations require online casinos to collect personal information during the registration and verification process to protect you from fraud and underage gambling. However, online casinos simplify the registration process, allowing you to play in just minutes. Follow our step-by-step guide below to register:
To play casino games for real money, you need to deposit funds into your online casino account. Read our guide below to make your first deposit quickly:
Compared to other states, Delaware casinos offer limited payment methods. However, popular options such as Visa and MasterCard are available for real-money deposits. Alternatively, use a PayPal account linked to an ACH account. If your PayPal account uses a debit or credit card, you won't be able to withdraw.
You must be at least 21 years old and located within Delaware’s borders to play at online casinos. Casino apps use your device's location services to ensure you remain within state boundaries. If you have joined the state's self-exclusion program or are prohibited from gambling on a federal level, you won’t be allowed to play.
You must email or upload copies of your photo ID to online casinos to verify your age and identity. Common examples include a driver's license or passport. This process typically takes a couple of days, but the site may verify your account sooner. While you won’t be able to withdraw from the casino until you are verified, you can still deposit and play casino games for real money.
All online and sweepstakes casinos seeking to operate in Delaware must obtain a license from the Delaware Lottery. This license confirms that the gambling site complies with Delaware's safety and fairness regulations, including regular audits of its games to ensure randomness and fair play. In addition, the Delaware Lottery is responsible for collecting taxes and fines from these companies, including revenue from video lottery games.
The Delaware Lottery is also responsible for final decisions on regulations and licensing. However, HB 310 established the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement to conduct most of the investigatory work required for licensing an online casino, including background checks and ensuring that gambling sites adhere to regulations.
Mobile casino gambling is legal in Delaware, allowing you to download an online casino app and play games anywhere within the state. You can also register an account, make deposits and withdrawals, and redeem casino bonuses. Here are the top DE casino apps for Android and Apple devices:
Many online casinos in Delaware offer an Android casino app for players in the state. However, these apps are not available on the Google Play Store. Instead, you must visit your chosen online casino in your mobile browser and download the app directly from the casino's site.
iOS casino apps are available on the Apple App Store. If you can’t find an app, simply visit the online casino on your phone’s browser, which will redirect you to the correct page.
As the first state to legalize online casinos, Delaware set the trend for other US states to follow. Currently, only one game company, BetRivers Casino, serves all online casinos in Delaware, but social casinos are also available for players who want more game variety. Given Delaware’s position as an innovator in US online casinos, we anticipate further developments in the First State’s gaming market.
Gov. Sherman Tribbitt signs HB 647 to launch the Delaware State Lottery.
HB 628 passes without Governor Tom Carper’s signature. Otherwise known as the Horse Racing Redevelopment Act, the bill legalizes video lottery machines at horse racing tracks in Delaware.
The first land-based casinos in Delaware launch at Dover Downs and Delaware Park.
Gov. Markell signs HB 310 to establish the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement. HB 310 also allows land-based casinos to provide table games.
Gov. Jack Markell signs HB 333, legalizing online casino gambling in Delaware.
The Delaware Lottery launches keno.
The first legal online casinos in the US launch in Delaware. These online gambling sites offer a variety of slot games and table games.
Some offshore casinos hold licenses from recognized regulatory bodies, but there are still no guarantees of safety. These sites operate outside the US and are not subject to US gambling laws. Therefore, players risk exposing their personal and financial information.
Every online casino in Delaware holds a license from both the Delaware Lottery and the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement. These regulatory bodies enforce strict rules for game fairness, financial security, and player safety and conduct background checks.
Offshore casinos are located outside the US. These sites are not always licensed by a regulatory body, meaning there is no guarantee that these sites enforce safety measures, use fair games with random outcomes, or offer secure payment methods.
The critical thing to remember is that while there are some positives to playing with offshore casinos, Delaware online casinos are the only safe and legal way to gamble in The First State.
There are three land-based casinos in Delaware, with the first opening at Dover Downs and Delaware Park in December 1995. Every land-based casino in Delaware operates as a “racino,” which is run in conjunction with a horse racing track, allowing bettors to place pari-mutuel bets. All online casinos in Delaware operate in partnership with a land-based casino, although BetRivers’ technology powers every gambling site.
Delaware has three licensed land-based casinos that operate as racinos. With sports betting, casino games, and other forms of entertainment available on-site, Delaware offers a wide range of gambling options for all players. Here are the top brick-and-mortar casinos you can find in the state:
The spacious Delaware Park Casino features over 2,000 slot games, with bet limits ranging from 1¢ to $25. The casino also boasts a High Limit Room, which features high-stakes slots and a nearby bar. Delaware Park features more than 40 exciting table games, including blackjack, craps, and roulette. You can also find the poker room on the second floor. Here, there are weekly tournaments with excellent customer service and high-hand games. There is also a sportsbook and a racetrack with pari-mutuel betting.
Featuring a bar on the casino floor, Harrington Raceway & Casino has everything a gambler needs. There are more than 1,400 slots with various bet limits, numerous table games, and a poker room with a capacity of 100 people. There is also a retail sportsbook and live horse racing. Alongside gambling, Harrington's offers an impressive selection of restaurants and entertainment for you to enjoy.
Regular promotions are available to casino customers at Bally's, such as prize pools and gifts. Customers have many gambling options available, with over 2,200 slot games, 33 table games, and a poker room. You can even find a blackjack game with a progressive jackpot that begins at $10,000. You can also bet on harness horse racing and wager at the retail sportsbook, located away from the casino floor.
Currently, there are no plans or rumors of new land-based casinos opening in Delaware. More land-based casinos need to open for the state to launch new online casinos. However, Delaware set a record for online gambling revenue in April 2022, so there is no rush for additional new casinos.
People should seek help if online gambling takes over their lives. If you wish to take control of your gambling habits, the links below will take you to responsible gambling organizations that assist those struggling with problem gambling. Additionally, you should consider the Delaware self-exclusion program. This program will block you from visiting Delaware online casinos and ban you from land-based casinos in the state.
Phone: (213) 386-8789
Yes, you can gamble legally in Delaware. Online casino gambling has been legal since 2012, with the first online casino launching in 2013.
The legal gambling age in Delaware is 21 years old, and online casinos will require you to prove your age before withdrawing.
You can play slots, progressive jackpot slots, card games, live dealer games, and table games at online casinos in DE.
The Delaware Lottery regulates online gambling in Delaware. The Lottery licenses every online casino operating in the First State with help from the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement.
Yes, interstate online gambling is legal in Delaware for poker games. The First State and Nevada created the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement to allow online poker rooms to welcome players from every state in the compact. The current states include Michigan and New Jersey.
Any online casino licensed by the Delaware Lottery is permitted to operate legally within the state. These online casino sites must pass the state’s strict requirements for player safety, game fairness, and responsible gambling. Additionally, BetRivers, a reputable global gaming company, operates all online casinos in DE.
Yes, most casinos in Delaware offer a casino app that you can download for iOS or Android devices. To download the Android app, you must download it directly from the online casino's website. The iOS app is available on the Apple App Store.