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States allowing several sports betting operators have seen significant growth over the last few years, fueling record-setting wagering numbers across the country. However, a few states with smaller populations have taken a different approach – allowing for just a single operator to offer sports betting and other online gaming options.
Delaware is the oldest of those markets and may be looking for a change. After a decade of 888 Holdings handling the state’s online gaming options, the state switched to Rush Street Interactive earlier this year.
However, some legislators are proposing a bill to bring in even more operators. The General Assembly’s Internet Sports Lottery Legislative Working Group recently released several recommendations to see the state create a more robust market.
“From our review and our perspective, we think that having more is better for lotteries, because it creates more competition, it ensures that everyone has a good platform and it allows more options for the public to choose what they want to do,” state Rep. William Bush (D) told Delaware Public Media.
Details On The Plan
Delaware Lottery officials note that a potential change could jeopardize the state’s contract with Rush Street. As a small population state with only about one million people, lottery director Helene Keeley believes having a single operator is the best option for the state to maximize revenue.
The change to Rush Street has seen major revenue increases for the state, Keeley says, with online gaming rising in March by 440% and online gaming up 225%.
State Rep. Frank Cooke (D) is sponsoring the new legislation and disagrees with lottery officials’ assessment. He argues that other states, including some with low populations, have allowed for a more competitive environment and seen revenue success.
“You should have a multiple choice, and I can make a choice where I want to go to do that – not just one where they monopolize everything,” he said. “I don’t think we should just be stuck on one sports betting company.”
Cooke’s plan calls for six mobile sports betting operators, two each to partner with the state’s three casinos. Operators would pay a $500,000 five-year licensing fee with 18% of monthly adjusted gross sports income going to the state’s general fund.
In other Delaware online gaming news, the change to Rush Street has left the state’s online poker players out of the game at least temporarily until the company officially announces a launch.