Delaware Lottery Launches First Online Sportsbook

While Delaware was the second state in the U.S. to legalize sports betting (after Nevada), the industry has never taken off there, certainly not in the online space. 

That’s what makes the announcement this week that Delaware Lottery is partnering with Rush Street Interactive (RSI) to launch its first online sportsbook under the BetRivers banner so interesting.
The state had an exclusive contract with 888 Holdings that ended in 2023, and RSI was then selected through a public RFP process.

Following a soft launch Dec. 27, the state opened its doors to the sportsbook Wednesday, along with the re-launch of its three Delaware online casinos (Delaware Park, Bally’s Dover Casino, and Harrington Raceway & Casino).

Delaware Introduces New Selection of Online Casino Games

“RSI’s successes in other jurisdictions, including neighboring New Jersey and Pennsylvania, are impressive, along with the company’s overall reputation and experience,” said Helene Keeley, Director of the Delaware Lottery. “RSI’s commitment to responsible gaming, quality products, breadth of gaming content and customer service are key reasons we are so excited to partner with them.”

As well as the introduction of the online sportsbooks, the three Delaware online casinos offer a revamped array of new online casino games.

The online sportsbook, powered by BetRivers, means people in the state can bet on a variety of professional leagues – NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL – as well as sports at the collegiate level. They’ll be able to bet on games and players, including spreads, moneylines, player props, futures, and same game parlays.

Five-Year Deal

The RSI deal is for a term of five years. After that, it will be up to the Delaware Lottery if the relationship will be extended. 

“We are honored to collaborate with the Delaware Lottery team and the state’s three casinos to offer consumers in Delaware a safe, convenient, and innovative online entertainment experience,” said Richard Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer of RSI. “The launch into Delaware builds on our proven track record of success in the Mid-Atlantic Region of Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey, where RSI has shown that online casinos and sportsbooks complement each other, and we continue to set new records.”