Delaware may be one of the smallest states, but it holds a prominent place in the U.S. sports betting history. As an early adopter of legalized sports wagering in 2018, the First State offers both retail and a single regulated online sportsbook, giving bettors a legal and secure way to wager on their favorite teams.
Last updated: 24 June 2025, 08:15AM
On this page, we break down the best legal US sportsbooks found in the state, including their odds, promotions, and DFS platforms. From BetRivers’ digital convenience to lively brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, find everything you need to bet smartly. But first, start by browsing our curated list of Delaware sports betting sites below:
We dive into every sportsbook with a hands-on approach, testing everything from account setup to cashing out. This lets us uncover what truly matters to bettors in Delaware. From user experience to promo value, we assess it all. Below, you’ll find the key factors we focus on when rating each platform.
We only recommend sportsbooks that have built a strong, positive reputation among players. We investigate their track record, licensing credentials, and overall standing in the industry. Sites that consistently deliver fair play, transparency, and user satisfaction rank higher on our list.
Your safety is non-negotiable. Every sportsbook we feature is vetted for strong security protocols, including encrypted payments and safe data handling. When you bet on sports in Delaware, you deserve a platform that takes your protection seriously, and we make sure they do.
We test load speeds, navigation, and functionality across desktop, mobile browsers, and apps. Laggy interfaces or frequent crashes result in lower ratings, because betting at a top-tier sportsbook shouldn’t be a struggle.
From welcome offers to reload bonuses and odds boosts, we sign up and test these promos ourselves. We verify that the terms are fair, the rewards are worthwhile, and whether the bonuses genuinely add value beyond the headline. Loyalty programs also get our attention.
Coverage matters just as much as quality. This is why we look for a wide range of sports, markets, and bet types, as well as standout features like in-play betting, bet builders, and cash-out tools. Extra points go to sportsbooks that cater to DFS fans, too.
Delaware made history as the first state to legalize sports betting after the fall of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. But its journey began much earlier, with the state pioneering limited wagering long before nationwide acceptance. Today, Delaware is one of the few places where sports betting is legal both online and offline. Here’s how online sports betting in Delaware took shape and where things stand today:
2009: Delaware pushed for full-scale sports betting but was restricted to NFL parlays due to federal laws.
2018: After PASPA was overturned, Delaware became the first state to offer single-game sports betting, expanding beyond parlays.
2023: The state transitioned from 888 Holdings to BetRivers as the sole provider of online sports betting in Delaware.
2024: BetRivers officially launched, marking the state’s first full-scale online sportsbook.
Delaware residents 21 years and older can legally place bets. While retail sportsbooks are available at casinos like Bally’s Dover, Harrington Raceway, and Delaware Park, online betting is currently limited to just one operator—BetRivers. However, House Bill 365 could soon open the market to more online sportsbooks.
Bettors can wager on pro and college sports, though player prop bets on in-state college teams are prohibited. Parlays, moneylines, and futures are all available under Delaware Lottery’s oversight.
In April 2024, Delaware introduced House Bill 365 to expand online sports betting beyond BetRivers’ monopoly. The bill, still under review as of 2025, is expected to bring new operators by 2026.
From January to April 2025, BetRivers, Delaware’s sole online sportsbook, posted a $59.7 million handle, up 10% from 2024. In May 2025, Delaware’s sports betting generated $8.4 million in net gaming revenue, which is a 115.4 increase from last year. The surge supports state programs through a 50 tax rate.
In Delaware, bettors pay no state income tax on sports betting winnings, but federal taxes apply at 24% for wins over $5,000 or 300 times the wager. All winnings must be reported as “Other Income” on IRS Form 1040.
The state applies a 50 tax on gross sports wagering revenue, one of the highest rates in the country. Delaware sports betting tax revenue is divided, with 40 going to racetrack casinos and 10% directed toward supporting horse racing purses.
Though BetRivers stands alone as Delaware's online sportsbook, its bonuses pack serious value. From sign-up perks to ongoing rewards, these Delaware sports betting promos offer something for every type of bettor:
Most sportsbooks welcome new users with a generous sign-up deal, usually a deposit match or bonus bet for simply signing up and placing your first wager. At BetRivers, for instance, new users get a “second chance” bonus bet up to $250, which is a great way to start with extra confidence.
Pro Tip: Use safer bets first rather than longshots to secure the bonus.
Available on select days or during high-traffic events, this bonus adds extra funds when users make deposits to their accounts. Offers typically include a 25% top-up up to $100, with wagering requirements commonly set at 3x.
Pro Tip: Use reload offers during promos with enhanced odds or parlay boosts for better returns.
Sportsbooks will match your first deposit dollar for dollar up to a certain percentage of a specified maximum amount. The bonus money becomes available for betting immediately, but requires players to wager through the amount multiple times before permitting withdrawals.
Pro Tip: Deposit an amount you’re comfortable playing through to unlock the bonus value fully.
BetRivers enhances select game odds for a limited time—like +200 instead of +150—with no extra requirements. These temporary upgrades mean bigger potential payouts on the same bets.
Pro Tip: Check daily for boosted lines to capitalize on premium value opportunities.
No-deposit bonuses are the unicorns of sportsbook promotions - hard to find but incredibly valuable when spotted. These free credits (typically $10-$20) require nothing more than registration, giving you risk-free betting capital.
Pro tip: When you see this offer, jump on it immediately - there's no downside to it.
Loyalty programs reward consistent players with perks such as bet credits, cashback, and exclusive promotions. You earn points with every wager, which can be redeemed for bonuses or prizes. Some programs are tiered, unlocking better rewards over time—perfect for dedicated bettors who want value from every play.
Delaware’s sports betting market is defined by high-volume wagering on professional and collegiate sports. The absence of in-state professional teams shifts focus toward neighboring markets, particularly Philadelphia franchises. From high-energy NFL games to fast-paced tennis tournaments, here’s a look at the sports that consistently draw the most betting interest in the First State:
The NFL dominates Delaware’s betting scene, with fans backing teams like the Philadelphia Eagles. In the southern parts of the state, there’s also notable support for the Baltimore Ravens. Bettors can explore moneylines, spreads, totals, and extensive prop markets. The action builds throughout the fall, reaching its peak during the Super Bowl and postseason betting.
Basketball's fast-paced nature makes NBA betting popular in the state, especially with the Philadelphia 76ers enjoying strong local support. Fans typically wager on point spreads, game totals, and player performance props. The playoffs see increased betting action, while offseason futures markets allow bets on next season's champion or MVP.
America’s pastime still holds strong with Delaware bettors, particularly during the summer when other leagues quiet down. MLB bets range from run lines and totals to individual player stats. Betting activity sees a noticeable uptick around headline events like the All-Star Game and World Series, thanks in part to the strong Phillies following in the state.
Despite lacking an in-state NHL franchise, Delaware still sees strong hockey betting throughout the season. Many residents turn to the Philadelphia Flyers’ matches for their bets. Delaware sportsbooks provide plenty of betting options like puck lines, over/unders, and props on individual performances. In-game betting during the live Stanley Cup playoffs generates the most intense betting action in the whole season.
While betting on in-state college teams is restricted in Delaware, out-of-state programs attract strong attention. Bettors regularly follow top-ranked NCAA football and basketball teams, wagering on popular markets like point spreads, totals, and moneylines. Futures bets on national championships and individual awards also keep the action going well beyond the regular season.
Tennis betting remains active throughout the calendar year, with tournaments happening worldwide. Delaware online sportsbooks offer various betting options, including match winners, exact set scores, and dynamic live betting. While Grand Slams, such as Wimbledon and the US Open, draw the most attention, regular ATP and WTA events ensure consistent engagement from tennis bettors.
Horse racing holds a steady presence in Delaware’s betting scene, led by local tracks like Delaware Park. Bettors can place wagers on win, place, and show outcomes, along with exotic bets like exactas and trifectas. With historical roots in the state, horse racing offers a unique pari-mutuel betting experience that sets it apart from other sports.
For sports fans who enjoy instant competition rather than season-long commitments, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) offers a fast-paced alternative to traditional sports gambling. Fully legal in Delaware, DFS lets players build virtual teams by selecting real athletes within a salary cap.
Your team earns points based on how those players perform in actual games, with higher scores translating to bigger winnings.
Popular DFS contests cover major leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB, giving Delaware fans the chance to compete using their knowledge of national and regional teams. Whether you prefer head-to-head matchups or large tournaments, DFS provides a strategic way to engage with your favorite sports.
Placing real-money wagers in Delaware’s sports betting market is simple and secure. Whether you prefer mobile sports betting or desktop, follow these five easy steps to get started:
1. Choose a Licensed Online Sportsbook
Currently, the only fully functional online sportsbook available in Delaware is BetRivers. Daily Fantasy Sports fans, however, can also access platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel for short-term contests.
2. Create an Account & Verify Your Identity Next, sign up by entering personal details such as name and address. You must be at least 21 years old and will need to verify your age with a valid photo ID.
3. Make a Deposit Now, visit the cashier section to fund your account using methods like PayPal, debit card, or bank transfer.
4. Claim a Welcome Bonus New users at BetRivers can often access promotions like bonus bets or deposit matches.
5. Place Your First Bet
Explore the available sports, select your preferred betting market, enter your wager amount, and place your bet. Remember, you must be physically located within Delaware to complete the transaction.
Delaware residents love the convenience of wagering from anywhere, whether at home or on the go. Although choices are limited right now, BetRivers remains the only fully operational online sportsbook in the state.
As the sole option, the BetRivers app does not disappoint. It features a clean, user-friendly interface, fast loading speeds, and a compact app size, compatible with both Android and iOS devices. Bettors can easily download it from the App Store or Google Play and have full access to welcome bonuses, along with occasional exclusive promotions.
With the market continuing to grow faster than ever, more sports betting apps in Delaware are likely to launch. Until then, the BetRivers app offers a reliable and smooth mobile betting experience for local punters.
Delaware might fly under the radar, but when it comes to sports betting, the First State knows how to make a statement. With a growing appetite for online wagers and in-person action, Delaware is quickly becoming a go-to spot for fans who want more than just a casual bet.
Although BetRivers is currently the only legal operator for online betting, the future looks bright. The state’s legal framework and legislative rules remain open to change, with Delaware positioned to welcome more sportsbooks in the coming years. This means bettors will soon have no shortage of options.
Ready to see who’s leading the game? Check out the latest bonuses at the best Delaware sportsbooks and sign up today to get started.
Delaware Sports Betting FAQs