Delaware has seen a surge in sports betting activity, with September 2024 marking a record-breaking month for the state. The Delaware Lottery reported a total handle of $23.2 million, a significant increase compared to the combined handles of July and August. This spike in activity can be attributed to the start of the NFL season, which always generates a lot of excitement and interest among sports bettors.
Online wagering played a significant role in Delaware’s record-breaking month, with $19 million of the total handle coming from online bets. BetRivers, the exclusive operator in the state, facilitated all online sports betting activities. In addition to online platforms, Delaware also has three land-based casinos where sports betting takes place. Delaware Park led the way with a handle of $13 million, followed by Harrington with $4 million, and Bally’s Dover with $2.1 million. The remaining $4.2 million was wagered in person at these retail locations.
Year-over-year growth in sports betting revenue in Delaware has been impressive. Revenue in September 2024 increased by a staggering 202.7% compared to the same month in 2023, when revenue was $1.5 million. The state has already surpassed its total sports betting handle for the entire calendar year of 2023, with $136.9 million in wagers accepted so far in 2024. Revenue for the 2025 fiscal year stands at $7.5 million, a significant improvement over the $2.3 million generated at the same time last year.
The NFL season has proven to be a major revenue driver for Delaware sportsbooks. Professional football remains a favorite among American sports fans, and the AGA predicts that $35 billion will be wagered on the NFL during the current season, up from $26.7 billion in 2023. Delaware has experienced fluctuations in monthly revenue figures in the past, but the NFL season consistently brings in high levels of betting activity. In January 2023, Delaware sportsbooks collected $2.3 million in revenue, and the trend continued with monthly handles exceeding $1 million in the final months of the year.
Overall, Delaware’s sports betting market is thriving, with the NFL season playing a crucial role in driving record-breaking handles and revenue for the state. As sports betting continues to grow in popularity, Delaware is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend and further expand its presence in the industry.