Delaware Lottery launches first online sportsbook
Powered by Rush Street Interactive (RSI) and BetRivers, the sportsbook soft launched on 27 December. After a successful first week of operation, the new sportsbook is now fully live in Delaware.
Players can access a range of wagering options across professional and collegiate leagues, games and players. Betting options include spreads, moneylines, player props, futures and same game parlays.
Accompanying the new sportsbook are three updated versions of the state’s existing online casinos. These will continue to be operated by Delaware Park, Bally’s Dover Casino and Harrington Raceway & Casino.
RSI sees off competition to land Delaware igaming contract
RSI secured the contract to power the Delaware Lottery’s igaming offering in August of last year. This followed an RFP process that reportedly also involved 888. RSI was the only remaining bidder after other interested parties pulled out.
RSI will provide igaming for an initial term of five years, with extensions at the discretion of Delaware Lottery. Delaware Park and Harrington Casino & Raceway sites are accessible through the BetRivers multi-state app and website, while Bally’s Dover Casino offers its own standalone app and website.
“RSI’s successes in other jurisdictions, including neighbouring New Jersey and Pennsylvania, are impressive, along with the company’s overall reputation and experience,” Delaware Lottery director Helene Keeley said.
“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.
“Together RSI and the Delaware Lottery are devoted to successfully delivering best-in-class products and services to our customers.”
RSI CEO Richard Schwartz added: “We are thrilled to begin this historic and much-anticipated launch of the new online sportsbook and casino.
“With our extensive offering of gaming content, wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods, real-time cash-out approvals and best-in-class customer service, Delaware customers are going to love the convenience of wagering on their favourite sports, slots, and table games from anywhere in the state.
“We are honoured 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.”
Mixed results for Delaware in November
The launch and relaunches come on the back of a mixed November for Delaware. The Delaware Lottery reported a year-on-year rise in igaming revenue but posted a decline in revenue from sports betting.
Total igaming revenue in Delaware in November was $1.1m (£882,214/€1.0m). This was up 13.0% from $987,423 in November 2022 and 13.5% ahead of $982,919 in October 2023.
Turning to spending, players spent $32.1m on igaming in November. This was 24.8% lower than $42.7m in 2022 5.3% ahead of $30.5m in October.
As for sports betting, revenue in November amounted to $576,800. This was 62.3% less than $1.5m in November 2022 and also 78.0% behind October’s $2.6m haul.
Sports betting spend for the month was $8.1m. The Delaware Lottery said this was 20.6% behind $10.2m in 2022 and 24.3% less than $10.7m in October 2023.