Sports betting revenue rose in Delaware despite seeing a decrease in betting handle
According to figures from the Delaware Lottery, sportsbooks in the state generated $1.5m in revenue in January, up from the $1.4m generated in January 2019. Despite reporting an increase in revenue sports betting handle dropped 26.3% to $9.1m in January.
Breaking down the figures
Delaware Park continued to lead the state’s sports betting market in January after generating $886,783 in revenue off of $5.4m in sports betting handle. Although Delaware Park was the highest performing venue in January, both handle and revenue saw a year-on-year decline after the venue generated $967,480 from $8.1m in bets in January 2019.
The sportsbook at Dover Downs was the second highest-earning sportsbook in the state with $331,740 in revenue which represents a 28.1% year-on-year increase on the $259,098 generated this time last year, however sports betting handle fell to $2m.
Harrington Raceway generated $298,664 which equates to a 46.7% year-on-year increase in sports betting revenue for the venue. Handle also grew with the venue processing $1.8m last month up from $1.7m in 2019.
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 and shares borders with 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.
