Delaware will launch full-scale sports gambling next week, becoming one of the first states to do so in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling that paved the way for legalized sports betting.
Visitors to the state’s three casinos will be allowed to place bets beginning at 1:30 p.m. EST on June 5, the state announced Thursday.
The move comes after the Supreme Court struck down a federal law that effectively prohibited states from legalizing sports betting. This month’s 6-3 ruling from the court deemed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act unconstitutional.
“Delaware has all necessary legal and regulatory authority to move forward with a full-scale sports gaming operation, and we look forward to next week’s launch,” Gov. John Carney, D-Del., said. “We’re hopeful that this will bring even more visitors into Delaware to see firsthand what our state has to offer.”
The state legislature passed a law in 2009 allowing the state to authorize gambling on professional and collegiate sports. Then, the state lottery was given the authority to begin enacting regulations for sports betting, with the exception of Delaware-based teams.
The governor’s office said the Delaware Department of Finance and the state Attorney General’s Office determined there were no legal obstacles preventing the state from allowing sports wagering in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The sports betting operation will launch at Delaware Park, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino and Harrington Raceway & Casino. The state will allow single-games and championship wagering on pro baseball, football, hockey, basketball, soccer, golf, and auto racing.
