Delaware Sees Record-Breaking Growth in Sports Betting Revenue for September

Delaware sports betting revenue surged to impressive levels in September 2024, reaching close to $3 million, according to data from the Delaware Lottery. This figure represents a substantial increase from the $958,547 generated in September 2023, marking a year-over-year rise of more than threefold.

Compared to August, the revenue climbed by 322%, underscoring the significant momentum as the state’s sports betting market continues to grow, especially with the NFL season in full swing.

For the 2025 fiscal year, which began in July, Delaware’s total sports betting revenue has now exceeded $4.7 million. This latest data follows revenue reports of over $1 million in July and $702,075 in August, meaning that September alone ed for a 66.9% increase over the combined July and August totals. As more players in the state engage with both retail and online sports betting options, Delaware’s growing market underscores the rising appeal of legalized sports betting.

Online Sports Betting Dominates Revenue Growth

The revenue increase was driven in part by the significant volume of bets placed online through the BetRivers platform, which Delaware residents can access due to a partnership with Rush Street Interactive. Online sports betting ed for $19 million of the state’s total $23.2 million handle in September. This demonstrates that online wagering is becoming the preferred option for bettors, likely due to its convenience and accessibility.

Retail sports betting also saw substantial action in September. Of the total handle, $4.2 million was wagered at the state’s three retail sportsbook locations: Delaware Park, Harrington Raceway, and Bally’s Dover. Combined, these locations generated over $1 million in revenue, showcasing strong performance across physical venues as well. This dual growth in both online and retail channels highlights the comprehensive reach of Delaware’s sports betting market, which continues to benefit from seasonal increases associated with major sports events.

Delaware Park’s retail sportsbook, which operates in collaboration with BetRivers, led the revenue figures for the month. It recorded a handle close to $13 million, resulting in approximately $1.2 million in revenue. Harrington Raceway followed with nearly $4 million wagered, generating $383,207 in revenue. Lastly, Bally’s Dover sportsbook saw a handle of $2.1 million, producing $263,554 in revenue. Together, these retail venues contribute a valuable share to Delaware’s betting landscape, balancing the online market’s strength with physical betting opportunities.

A History of Leadership in Delaware’s Sports Betting

Delaware has been at the forefront of legalized sports betting in the United States. In June 2018, Delaware was among the first states to launch retail sports betting shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision to repeal the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). This decision gave states the authority to regulate and operate sports betting, and Delaware swiftly capitalized on this opportunity by launching its retail sportsbook options.

For several years, Delaware bettors could only access sports betting at retail locations. However, in December 2023, the BetRivers platform expanded Delaware’s sports betting options by introducing online sports wagering. This partnership between Rush Street Interactive and the state’s three casino operators marked a pivotal shift, enabling residents to place bets from their devices, a convenience that has since proven popular as indicated by September’s numbers. The online platform has allowed Delaware to keep pace with neighboring states that offer similar digital betting options, drawing more engagement from residents and visitors alike.

With NFL games fueling betting activity and Delaware’s expanding online options continuing to attract more bettors, the state’s sports betting revenue appears positioned for further growth in the coming months. September’s data shows that a blend of retail and online options caters to diverse betting preferences in Delaware, with the accessibility of BetRivers online platform leading to a remarkable $19 million handle. Meanwhile, the robust performance at Delaware’s three retail sportsbooks illustrates that in-person betting still has a dedicated base, providing the state with a balanced market that can thrive across various betting preferences.

The success of Delaware’s sports betting operations highlights the potential for growth as the market matures and the state continues to capitalize on its early entry into the sector. The growing popularity of online betting through BetRivers and steady performance of retail sportsbooks position Delaware to maintain its competitive edge in the region’s sports betting landscape. As other states continue to legalize and expand their betting options, Delaware’s established infrastructure and successful online adoption could sustain its reputation as a leading player in the U.S. sports betting market.

Source:

”Delaware sports betting revenue surges in September”, cdcgaming.com, October 08, 2024.