The expansion in the number of online sports betting operators in the District of Columbia in June marked the only real victory for the digital sports betting industry in 2024. For the moment at least. The industry has counted on expansion of existing online markets to enhance the bottom line in a year when new states seeking approval have slowed.
However, the success in D.C. did not translate to its neighbor to the north, Delaware. The state’s legislature adjourned at the end of June without approval of a multi-operator bill. HB 365, sponsored by Rep. Frank Cooke would have added up to six more online operators, two for each casino.
The proposal moved to the House Appropriations committee on May 23, but never got to a vote within the 12 legislative day window, per PlayUSA. As a result of the inaction, BetRivers remains the lone digital operator in conjunction with the Delaware Lottery.
BetRivers also holds a monopoly in Delaware’s online casino gaming market, working in collaboration with the three casinos. Expanding that element with the addition of DraftKings and FanDuel died as well.
Delaware was the first state to follow Nevada in launching sports betting in 2018 after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned PASPA.
Last year, Delaware left its original partner, 888, for BetRivers, comfortable with a single operator for such a small state. Both lottery and BetRivers parent, Rush Street Interactive, opposed expansion, concerned about a loss of revenue, per Bonus.com. A lottery representative said the state would lose $3 million a year.
The Sports Betting Alliance—BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics and FanDuel—supported the legislation, which could have opened up the market to the top sportsbooks. The legislature expects to revisit the issue next year.
“I do agree with the concept of opening up the gaming sphere, but I want to hear the debate and what the bottom line is for the state,” co-sponsor Rep. Peter Schwartzkopf said, per PlayUSA.
