The Future of Online Gambling in Delaware: Top Legal Casino Sites Revealed (2023)


Delaware Online Gambling Overview

Essential DE Gambling Info

Online Gambling Legalized June 28, 2012
Online Casinos Legalized June 28, 2012
Casino Operators Live in DE Delaware Park Online Casino (888casino), Dover Downs Casino Online (888casino), Harrington Casino Online (888casino)
Available Casino Bonuses Loyalty rewards, promo code bonuses, returning player bonuses, welcome bonuses
Permitted Casino Games blackjack, progressive jackpot slots, roulette, slots, video poker
Online Poker Availability Yes
Legal Gambling Age in DE 21+
Accepted Payment Methods Mastercard, PayPal, Visa, automated clearing house (ACH)
DE Gambling Regulator Delaware Lottery

Delaware Gambling Laws

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 Governor Tom Carper’s signature, which led to land-based casinos launching in 1995. Representative John J. Viola put forward HB 333, also known as the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act, to legalize online casino gambling, which Gov. Jack Markell signed 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 you can find at land-based casinos. In 2013, the Lottery signed a deal with international gambling giant 888 Holdings to operate all online casinos in Delaware.

How to Play With Delaware Casinos

Delaware gambling regulations require online casinos to collect personal information during the registration and verification process. Online gambling sites do this to protect you from fraud and underage gambling. However, online casinos simplify the registration process so you can play in minutes. Follow our step-by-step guide below to register with DE gambling sites:

  1. Choose one of the recommended online casinos on this site.
  2. Click on the link to visit the online casino. There you can register on your desktop or download its mobile app.
  3. Click the ‘register’ or the ‘sign up’ button. Provide your full name, address, date of birth, email, phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  4. Create a password and answer any security questions to create your account.
  5. There may be a box during your registration where you can enter promotional codes. If you have a casino bonus, enter it to claim your rewards.
  6. Finalize your registration.

Accepted Delaware Online Casino Banking Methods

To play casino games for real money, you need to deposit funds into your casino account. Read our guide below to make your first deposit quickly:

  1. Log in to your online casino account.
  2. Visit the cashier section.
  3. Choose from the payment methods the gambling site provides.
  4. Select the amount you wish to deposit. If you are claiming an online casino welcome bonus, including no deposit codes, be sure you deposit enough to meet the offer’s terms and conditions.
  5. Complete your transaction.
  6. Check your account balance to ensure the casino credits all your money and bonus funds to your account. Contact the online casino customer support team if you notice an issue.

Compared to other states, Delaware casinos have limited payment methods. However, popular options like Visa and MasterCard are available for real money deposits. You must request direct bank transfers through an automated clearing house (ACH) if you want to make withdrawals. Alternatively, use a PayPal account attached to an ACH account. If your PayPal account uses a debit or credit card, you won’t be able to withdraw. Some banks in the US block transactions to gambling sites due to policies from when online gambling was illegal. Check your bank’s policy before trying to make transactions on an online casino site.

Who Can Play at Delaware Online Casinos?

If you want to play on online casinos in Delaware legally, you must be over 21 years old and within the state’s borders. Casino apps use your device’s location services to ensure you remain within the boundaries of Delaware. If you have joined the state’s self-exclusion program or are prohibited from gambling on a federal level, you cannot play at DE online casinos.

What Legal Requirements Must Players Meet for Delaware Casinos?

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 betting 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.

Who Regulates Online Casinos in Delaware?

All online casinos that want to operate in Delaware must receive a license from the Delaware Lottery. This license states the gambling site meets Delaware’s safety and fairness regulations, including regular checks on its games for 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 complete most of the investigatory work towards licensing an online casino, such as background checks and ensuring gambling sites adhere to regulations.

The Best Games to Play at Delaware Online Casinos

Despite being the first state to launch online casinos in the US, Delaware has been slow to incorporate newer games such as live dealer titles into its collections. Players will still find their favorite classic card games and table games with DE online casinos, though. Here are our recommendations of the top casino games to play on Delaware casino sites:

Online Slots

The benefits of playing online slots are the exciting bonus features and a variety of themes. Ultimately, there is an online slot game that will suit every player, budget, and preference at Delaware online casinos.

Roulette

Playing roulette online brings the excitement of the spinning wheel to your screen. Delaware casino sites offer classic video roulette to players in the state.

Blackjack

Beat the dealer in online blackjack by reaching 21 with your cards without going over. You can find classic blackjack at all Delaware online casinos.

Video Poker

Try to complete the best hand in this virtual poker game. How much you win in video poker is determined by your stake and the value of your hand. You can play video poker 24/7 at all Delaware online casinos.

Keno

You can take part in keno draws by visiting the Delaware Lottery site to buy tickets and enjoy this instant-win style game.

Lottery

You can buy lottery tickets at retailers across Delaware. Alternatively, you can visit the Delaware Lottery site. Land-based casinos in Delaware provide video lottery games that contribute to the Delaware General Fund.

Live Dealer Games

If you want to bring the casino floor experience with you wherever you go, live dealer games let you play your favorite table games over HD streams with professional dealers. Delaware online casinos have yet to add live dealer games to their collection, but watch this space for more updates.

Online Craps

Craps is a classic table game at land-based casinos in Delaware. The game is also becoming increasingly popular, with people playing online craps for real money, but hasn’t launched in Delaware casino sites yet.

Baccarat

Baccarat is one of the simplest gambling games to learn. It’s also a high-speed game, making it a perfect option for some quick fun. Currently, Delaware online casinos do not offer baccarat games.

Mobile Gambling Apps for Delaware Players

Mobile casino gambling is legal in Delaware, meaning you can download an online casino app and play games anywhere in 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:

Delaware Casino Apps for Android

Every online casino in Delaware offers an Android casino app for Delaware players. 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.

  • Delaware Park Online Casino
  • Dover Downs Casino Online
  • Harrington Casino Online

Delaware Casino Apps for iOS

All DE online casinos provide an iOS casino app, which are all 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.

  • Delaware Park Online Casino
  • Dover Downs Casino Online
  • Harrington Casino Online

History of Online Gambling Laws in Delaware

As the first state to legalize online casinos, Delaware set the trend for other US states to follow. Currently, only one game company, 888 Holdings, serves all online casinos in Delaware, but social casinos are also available for players that want more game variety. Given Delaware’s position as an innovator in US online casinos, we expect more changes to come to the First State’s gaming market. Keep checking Online Gambling’s guide for the latest updates. In the meantime, here are the biggest milestones in Delaware’s online gambling history:

  • February 25, 2014: Delaware and Nevada signed a deal to create the Multi-State Internet Gaming Association (MSIGA) to share online poker rooms.
  • November 7, 2013: The first legal online casinos in the US launch in Delaware. These gambling sites feature slot games and table games. Online poker sites also launch.
  • June 28, 2012: Gov. Jack Markell signs HB 333, legalizing online casino gambling in Delaware.
  • May 9, 2012: Rep. John J. Viola introduces HB 333 to the House to legalize online casino gambling overseen by the Delaware Lottery.
  • May 2010: Table games launch at casinos in DE.
  • January 28, 2010: Gov. Markell signs HB 310 to create the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement. HB 310 also allows land-based casinos to provide table games.
  • January 22, 2013: The Delaware Lottery launches keno.
  • December 29, 1995: The first land-based casinos launch in Delaware at the Dover Downs and Delaware Park.
  • July 16, 1994: HB 628 passes without Gov. Tom Carper’s signature. Otherwise known as the Horse Racing Redevelopment Act, the bill legalizes video lottery machines at horse racing tracks in Delaware. Therefore, this means casinos can open and offer these games in DE.
  • May 31, 1974: Gov. Sherman Tribbitt signs HB 647 to launch the Delaware State Lottery.

Legal vs Offshore Casinos in Delaware: What’s the Difference?

The first online casinos in Delaware went live on November 8, 2013. Before this, players in the First State could access offshore casinos through the internet. Some offshore casinos hold a license with recognized regulatory bodies, but there are still no safety guarantees. These sites operate outside of the US and are not subject to US gambling laws. Therefore, players could put their personal and financial information at risk. Delaware bettors should understand the difference between licensed and offshore casinos and why it is vital to use only regulated online gambling sites.

Legal DE Casino

Every online casino in Delaware has a license from the Delaware Lottery in combination with 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 Casino

Offshore casinos are based outside of the US. These sites are not always licensed by a regulatory body, meaning there is no guarantee these sites enforce safety measures, use fair games that have 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 way to gamble safely and legally in the First State.

Delaware Online Casinos vs Land-Based Casinos: Which is Better?

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 acts as “racinos” run in combination with a horse racing track where bettors can place pari-mutuel bets. All online casinos in Delaware operate in partnership with a land-based casino, although 888casino’s technology powers every gambling site.

Online Casino

Access to casino games all across the state; Promotions and offers exclusive to online players; More game variety

No live dealer games in Delaware; Withdrawals need several days to complete

Land Casino

Social and exciting atmosphere; Instant withdrawals with casino cage cashiers; Can enjoy other amenities like entertainment

Requires travel to a land-based casino; The RTP of land-based slot games is usually lower than online slots

Legit Online Casinos in Delaware

Online casinos are legal in Delaware if they operate in partnership with land-based casinos. Legal online casinos will have a license from the Delaware Lottery after receiving strict checks from this regulatory body and the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement. The Lottery’s regulations require that all online casinos in Delaware are provided and operated by 888 Holdings PLC, with games from Scientific Games. Currently, no online sports betting is available. Online poker is available but also monopolized under 888. Delaware is part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement with New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Michigan.

888 Casino DE

888casino provides the technology behind all three online casino sites in Delaware. So while you can’t directly access 888casino, you are using its interface and playing its top-quality games. 888 also operates the online poker that each of these casino brands provides. On the other hand, Scientific Games and 888casino provide all games at the online casinos. So while the brand name is different, all three online casinos offer the same games.

Highlights

  • Best Feature: progressive slots
  • Games: 70+ games
  • Payout Times: 3-8 days
  • Casino App Availability: iOS and Android
  • Live Dealer Options: N/A
  • Game Companies: Scientific Games

What Other Online Casinos Will Open in Delaware in the Future?

Land-based casinos in Delaware are permitted to launch legal online casinos with licensing from the Delaware Lottery. Given all three land-based casinos have their own gambling sites, there are no plans for more online casinos to open in Delaware soon.

What are the Best Land-Based Casinos in Delaware?

Delaware has three licensed land-based casinos that operate as racinos. With sports betting, casino games, and other entertainment available on-site, Delaware offers plenty of gambling action for all players. Here are the top brick-and-mortar casinos you can find in the state:

Delaware Park Casino

  • Address: 777 Delaware Park Boulevard, Wilmington, DE 19804
  • Website: https://delawarepark.com/
  • Phone Number: (302) 994-2521
  • Operator: Clairvest Group

The spacious Casino at Delaware Park features over 2,000 slot games, with bet limits ranging from a 1¢ to $25. The casino also boasts a High Limit Room, which hosts big money 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.

Harrington Raceway & Casino

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 100-person capacity. 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.

Bally’s Dover Park Casino Resort

  • Address: 1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901
  • Website: https://www.ballys.com/dover/
  • Phone Number: (302) 674-4600
  • Operator: Bally’s Corporation

Regular promotions are available to casino customers at Bally’s, like 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 with the retail sportsbook away from the casino floor.

What Casinos Will Open in Delaware in the Future?

At the moment, 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 an online gambling revenue record in April 2022, so there is no rush for more new casinos.

How We Rate Delaware Online Casinos

We rate online casino sites based on what’s important to our readers. Our experts review criteria including safety, bonuses, security, and more to ensure you have the best gaming experience. You can see some of the most important categories we use below:

  • Casino Bonuses
  • Security & Safety
  • Variety
  • Mobile Gaming
  • Fast Payouts
  • Player Testimonials
  • Entertainment

Avoid These Blacklisted Online Casinos

You should only play with a reputable casino that includes guarantees on your personal and financial safety. That’s why we have a list of blacklisted casinos you should avoid. For example, if a gambling site has a history of not paying out to players, we add it to our blacklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you legally gamble online in Delaware in 2023?

Yes, you can gamble legally in Delaware. Online casino gambling has been legal since 2012, with the first online casinos launching in 2013.

2. What is the legal gambling age in Delaware?

The legal gambling age in Delaware is 21 years old, and online casinos will require you to prove your age before withdrawing.

3. What online gambling options can I legally play in Delaware?

You can play slots, progressive jackpot slots, video poker, card games, and table games at online casinos in DE. However, live dealer casino games are unavailable.

4. Who regulates online gambling in Delaware?

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.

5. Is interstate online gambling legal in Delaware?

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.

6. Who can play at online casinos in Delaware?

Anyone over 21 years of age and within Delaware’s borders can play with its online casinos. You must not be a part of the Delaware self-exclusion program or prohibited from gambling federally.

7. Are Delaware online casinos legit?

Any online casino licensed by the Delaware Lottery can operate legally in the state. These online casino sites must pass the state’s strict requirements for player safety, game fairness, and responsible gambling. In addition, 888 Holdings PLC, a reputable global gambling company, operates all online casinos in DE.

8. Can you play slots in Delaware?

Yes, you can play slot games in Delaware. This includes classic Vegas slot games and progressive titles.

9. What is the most trusted online casino in Delaware?

All online casinos in Delaware are operated by 888 Holdings PLC, a gambling company that provides casino products worldwide. 888 Holdings is traded on the London Stock Exchange and is generally regarded as one of the safest gambling companies in the world.

10. Are casino apps available to players in Delaware?

Yes, every online casino in Delaware provides a casino app you can download for iOS or Android. If you want to download the Android app, you must download it directly from the online casino site. The iOS app is available on the Apple App Store.

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