Delaware takes $322k in sports bets on opening day

Delaware was able to generate over $322,000 (€273,000) in wagers on the first day of full-scale sports betting in the US state.

On Tuesday, Delaware began accepting it first full sports wagers after the state last week became the first to legalise single-game wagering since the Supreme Court voted to overturn the federal 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).

Delaware officially launched its regulated, full-scale sports betting service at 13:30 EDT on Tuesday, with GVC Holdings-owned Stadium Technology Group’s proprietary sports betting platform powering sportsbooks at the state’s three casinos.

According to ESPN, Delaware Lottery director Vernon Kirk said that Delaware Park, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino and Harrington Raceway & Casino took a combined $322,135 in bets on the opening day.

Delaware Governor John Carney placed the first full sports wager in the state, betting on the Philadelphia Phillies to beat the Chicago Cubs in Major League Baseball.

“For us, it’s really an enhancement of our tourism industry,” said Carney, whose $10 proved successful after the Phillies won 6-1.

“It will attract a lot of visitors to our state, particularly at this time of year, during the summer, coming to our beautiful beaches south of here.

“They come here and stop at the casinos and do slot machine and table gaming.

“This will be another opportunity for them.”

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