Delaware’s sports betting market closed the year with modest figures.
According to figures from the Delaware Lottery, the state’s three licensed sportsbooks processed $102.6m in sports bets in 2019, the state’s first full year of legal sports betting operations.
In terms of revenue, Delaware sportsbooks generated $12.5m in revenue, a significant increase on the $3.6m generated in 2018.
Overall, more than 2.55m wagers were placed with licensed sportsbooks in Delaware last year.
Breaking down the figures
Looking closer at the figures, Delaware Park was the most popular operator in the state after processing $64.1m in bets and holding onto $7.8m in 2019. Delaware Park saw a 25.2% year-on-year increase on the $6.2m the venue generated in 2018.
The sportsbook at Dover Downs managed to generate $2.6m in revenue from $20.9m in sports wagers. Dover Down’s 2019 revenue saw a 52.9% increase on the $1.7m generated in 2018.
Harrington Raceway took third place in 2019 after processing $17.6m in sports wagers and generating $2.2m in betting revenue. The venue’s 2019 revenue was a significant increase on the $1m generated the year prior.
Sports betting in Delaware
Delaware was one of the first states to legalize and launch sports betting in June 2018.
When compared to other states, it could be argued that Delaware’s sports betting industry has been struggling. However, it’s important to remember that sports betting in Delaware is currently restricted to three land-based venues – Delaware Park, Harrington Raceway and Dover Downs.
On top of this, Delaware is one of the smallest states in the US. Delaware also borders New Jersey and Pennsylvania, two states that currently offer online and mobile sports wagering. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see sports fans in Delaware travel across state lines to take advantage of sign-up offers and mobile wagering in those states.
