Best Casinos in Delaware
Gambling has a long history in Delaware, but for a long time, it wasn’t a state that welcomed betting. Over the last decade, however, it has become one of the leaders in the country—next to Nevada and New Jersey—that offer various legal gambling options. The state’s thriving gaming industry is comprised of casinos in Delaware , which have contributed significantly to its economic growth.
The Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act was signed in 2012 and, among other things, it authorized online gambling. Resultantly, Delaware became a pioneer in that arena, being one of the first states to regulate internet-based gaming in anything close to a permissive manner. Not long after that, Delaware became the first state in the country, post-PASPA, to legalize sports betting.
Today, you can gamble online in Delaware, and there are a slew of online casinos in Delaware where you can play your favorite games of chance legally and safely.
Top Online Casinos in Delaware
| Ranking | Casino Name | Bonus Amount | Review | Payment Options | Minimum Deposit | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 |
|
USD $3,750 Bonus |
|
$20 Min Deposit | PLAY NOW | |
| 5 |
|
$2,800 Slots + Cards welcome Bonus Bonus |
|
$10 Min Deposit | PLAY NOW |
An Array of Enticing Bonuses And of Games
Ducky Luck, Wild, Ignition, Bovada, and Las Atlantis are among the top online casinos in Delaware. They offer a range of enticing casino bonuses and allow you to play an array of games: slots, table games, poker, etc. They also allow you to cash out quickly when you’re ahead and give you various methods for doing so.
If you enjoy the thrill of gambling but would rather not go to an actual brick-and-mortar casino, these five online casinos represent the next best thing that you can legally enjoy while sitting in Delaware.
- Legality: Online gambling is legal in Delaware.
- Legal age to gamble: 21
- Number of land-based casinos: 3 (Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, Delaware Park, and Harrington Raceway and Casino)
- Gambling Authority: Delaware Lottery Commission
- Best Delaware gambling site: Delaware Park Online
Adjusting To The Modern Times
Delaware’s attitude toward gambling has undergone a shift over the years. What were once considered very draconian laws—prohibiting from very long ago any game of chance that involved a prize and “house consideration” (meaning the game had a “host” that took a cut in order to keep the game going)—have largely been reformed, and Delaware has become much more welcoming of gambling in its various forms. In fact, the state’s shift towards a more liberal stance on gaming paved the way for casinos in Delaware , including those located along the Delaware River.
The evolution of Delaware’s gambling laws seems to be part of an accommodating attitude toward a legal gambling framework in which states, such as Delaware, can both regulate and tax gambling activities. As a result, casinos in Delaware have become popular destinations for tourists and locals alike, offering a range of games and entertainment options that cater to different tastes and preferences.
Delaware Is Serious About Charities
Charitable gaming has always been part of the legal gambling scene in Delaware. The state allows law charities to raise money via poker “games,” and it has done so since 2004. The prize items must be worth no more than $5,000. Meanwhile, our charity game scene somehow has not evolved into pure Pay-to-Play.
Chari-table gaming still has an element of chance. Since 1975, Delaware has had a state-run lottery, which gives residents numerous ways to win, such as playing scratch-off cards or participating in the kinds of daily drawing you’d see in a typical state or national lottery. Additionally, visitors can also try their luck at casinos in Delaware , offering a variety of games and entertainment options that complement the state’s existing charitable gaming scene.
Plus, if you’re living in or visiting Delaware, there are a few different racetracks at which you can legally watch and bet on horse and harness racing. They’re quite generous with the offering of types and events, too, since you can also bet on races held in other states while partaking in the exhilaration of a Delaware racetrack.
Bonuses, Bonuses and More Bonuses!
The market for gambling in Delaware has broadened dramatically and now features a diverse range of online options. If you want to place a wager or engage in a game of chance from your home, there are numerous online casinos with a wealth of opportunities, to say nothing of the bonuses and rapid payouts.
Here are just a few of the online casinos where Delawareans can legally place a bet: Ducky Luck Casino, which offers a 500% bonus up to $7,000; Wild Casino, with a bonus of up to $5,000; Ignition Casino, which serves up a bonus of $3,000; Bovada, extending a $3,750 bonus; and Las Atlantis, which shimmies down the virtual aisle with a $2,800 bonus.
All For The Better Good
Over the years, Delaware’s gambling laws have taken a decidedly friendlier turn. For a long time, the state had a legal framework that was tightly wound around a few fundamental, almost antiquated, precepts.
Chief among them was the notion that any game of chance that had few prizes and a “house consideration” was an illegal gamble, unless it was specifically exempted. And with that framework, charity gaming was allowed, but tightly constrained.
You could hold a poker tournament for a good cause, but a good cause couldn’t set you up to play a game of craps. That was against the law. However, this restrictive approach began to change as the state started to open up its regulatory environment, paving the way for casinos in Delaware and other forms of gaming that were previously prohibited.
And all this weirdness across the state made Delaware a pretty unfriendly place for legitimate gaming for a long time.
Delaware Lottery vs Online Gaming
Delaware: The First To Offer Sports Betting
Thousands Of Slot Machines
Delaware has three state-sanctioned casinos that offer land-based gaming, which are often referred to as “racinos” because they also have racetracks for horse racing. These gaming venues provide all of the familiar gambling options you’d find in Atlantic City or Las Vegas, and then some. Delaware definitely has a few East Coast casino destinations worth checking out. Here are some specifics about the state’s primary casinos:
- Delaware Park: This casino offers 2,300 slot machines, as well as table games and poker (with a room that often hosts tournaments).
- Harrington Raceway: This is a smaller casino with about 1,500 slot machines, but it makes up for its size with decent table game offerings and a horse racing schedule.
- Dover Downs: Even larger than Delaware Park, Dover Downs offers a huge array of both gambling and non-gambling entertainment options. And some of the gambling options here are pretty unique for a casino.
Open-minded and Responsible
Delaware’s relatively open attitude toward gambling has not prevented some law enforcement activity. Most of that activity seems to be directed at maintaining the integrity of the gambling industry and ensuring that all operators (legal and illegal) comply with the law.
For example, in January 2013, a raid on an illegal gambling operation resulted in the arrest of several individuals (and the operation’s owner). Another incident involved a state-licensed casino that was close to crossing the line into illegal territory, which is why it’s essential for casinos in Delaware to adhere strictly to regulatory guidelines.
Such events are relatively rare in Delaware, where law enforcement appears to have its hands full with two major casinos and an assortment of unregulated gaming devices. However, they do suggest that the state’s commitment to the integrity of the gambling industry is serious, and that casinos in Delaware must continue to maintain high standards of operation to avoid any potential issues.
Overview
Delaware is a state that has made itself a comfortable home for gambling. The allure of games of chance attracts both residents and visitors, making for a nice little economy. It’s not a huge one — Delaware has fewer casinos than other states that offer gambling — but it is nevertheless a profitable business for the First State.
As for laws governing the activity, they’re not all that complicated. If you’re in Delaware, you can bet on just about anything you want, in almost any format. And if you’re not in Delaware but are a resident of one of the many states that have legalized online gambling, you can bet on just about anything you want, in almost any format, too — as long as you do it from an appropriate location within the state.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Gambling laws vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. We do not provide legal advice, and it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with local laws before participating in any gambling activities. We are not liable for any actions taken based on the information provided in this article. If you have (legal) concerns, please consult a qualified professional.