The Delaware Lottery on January 3 announced the launch of the state’s first online sportsbook and a relaunch of its three online casinos. This announcement follows a successful soft launch that took place last December in partnership with BetRivers and its parent company Rush Street Interactive (RSI).
BetRivers currently powers the sole online sportsbook in the state and provides a range of betting markets across multiple collegiate and professional leagues. Starting January 4, Delaware players aged 21 and older are now able to wager on sporting events from their mobile devices. RSI’s leadership believes this is a new era for the Delaware gambling industry and a momentous development for players in the state.
Quotes from Rush Street Interactive CEO
“We are thrilled to begin this historic and much-anticipated launch of the new online sportsbook and casino with the Delaware Lottery and bring our award-winning product to Delaware,” Richard Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer of RSI said in a statement.
“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 favorite sports, slots, and table games from anywhere in the state.”
Similarly, residents will enjoy updated versions of the state’s three online casinos operated by Bally’s Dover Casino, Delaware Park and Harrington Raceway & Casino, respectively.
Rush Street Interactive Takes Over From 888 Holdings
Although it has taken this long for online sports betting to go live in the state, Delaware is no newcomer to iGaming. The state launched its legal online casinos back in 2013, making it the very first U.S. jurisdiction to do so. For ten years since the launch, 888 served as the state’s official partner until its contract expired early in 2023.
Rush Street Interactive took over from 888 following a highly competitive public RFP process that started last year. 888 allegedly bid for a return but could hardly match RSI as other interested companies also withdrew their bids. RSI will now power the First State’s iGaming for an initial term of five years, with a possible extension at the discretion of the Delaware Lottery.
“We are honored 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,” Schwartz further commented.
“The launch into Delaware builds on our proven track record of success in the Mid-Atlantic Region of Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey, where RSI has shown that online casinos and sports books complement each other, and we continue to set new records.”
RSI is one of the leading online gaming and sports entertainment companies in North America. Since its establishment in 2012, RSI has spread its operations to 15 U.S. states and overseas jurisdictions.
Stakeholders Hoping to Enjoy Mutual Benefits From Partnership
Both entities are looking forward to shared benefits from the partnership. Last November, Delaware saw a decline in its sports betting revenue despite a 13% growth in iGaming revenue from the previous year.
Betting handle hit $8.1 million, 20.6% less than November 2022’s spend of $10.2 million and a 24.3% dip from $10.7 million in wagers accepted in October 2023. The director of the Delaware Lottery believes that RSI can replicate the success from other jurisdictions in the First State.
“RSI’s successes in other jurisdictions, including neighboring New Jersey and Pennsylvania, are impressive, along with the company’s overall reputation and experience. 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,” Helene Keeley, Director of Delaware Lottery said.
“Together RSI and the Delaware Lottery are devoted to successfully delivering best-in-class products and services to our customers.”
