Delaware lawmakers are seeking to expand the state’s mobile sports betting industry by allowing more online sportsbook operators to do business in the state. House Bill 365, sponsored by Rep. Frank Cooke and Rep. Bill Bush, would permit casinos to work with up to two online sports betting companies for a fee of $500,000 for a five-year license. Successful companies would have to pay the state 18% of their monthly adjusted gross sports lottery receipts.
Currently, BetRivers is the only online sportsbook operator in Delaware, bringing in millions in revenue in just the first few months of operation. Lawmakers believe that expanding the industry will generate even more revenue for the state and keep Delaware competitive with neighboring states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
However, some officials, like Delaware Finance Secretary Rick Geisenberger, are concerned about the potential negative impact of allowing more online sports betting operators in the state. They argue that it could lead to reduced state revenue and worsen problem gambling issues.
Despite these concerns, online gaming company RSI, which currently operates BetRivers in Delaware, has reported significant revenue increases since launching the online sports betting platform. The company is opposed to the proposed bill that would allow more operators in the state, claiming it would reduce revenue for the state and disrupt the current lottery-based gaming model.
The debate over expanding online sports betting in Delaware continues as lawmakers weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of bringing more operators into the state.
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