Delaware raises the stakes by adding sports betting
It’s official, Delaware is now the only state east of the Mississippi to allow sports betting. Governor Jack Markell signed the historic – and controversial – legislation into law Thursday at Delaware Park in Stanton.
It’s official, Delaware is now the only state east of the Mississippi to allow sports betting. Governor Jack Markell signed the historic – and controversial – legislation into law Thursday at Delaware Park in Stanton. And with the bitter negotiations behind them, places like Delaware Park can now focus on bringing new gamblers to the state.
Listen:
[audio: 090514bcsports.mp3]
The new law gives Delaware’s three casinos a leg up on regional rivals Atlantic City, Pennsylvania’s racinos and Maryland, which will soon have slots.
But Delaware Park president William Rickman says he’s not quite ready to release a marketing strategy.
Rickman: My point right now is to wait and see what kind of bet it is cause that’s going to determine how successful it is, The Supreme will view this, and if we have straight bets it will be tremendously successful. Parlays, it will still be successful, but not as successful. So that’s really the big question.
Officials say they expect to have sports betting up and running in three months, table games in about six.
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