Delaware Sports Betting Revenue Takes a Heavy Hit in 2019

The Delaware Lottery, which regulates the state’s sports betting industry, reported that sports betting revenue in 2020 decreased by 32.8% compared to 2019. The handle also fell by 43.9%, with players wagering only $57.6 million in 2020, down from $102.6 million in 2019.

The decrease was due to a combination of the coronavirus pandemic and Delaware’s lack of mobile betting. Other states that offer mobile bettering faired much better than Delaware, which only offers land-based betting. These states were able to keep up a small, steady offering of bets even when most pro-sports leagues were on hiatus. When they resumed, betting resumed. The blow of COVID-19 could have been softened had Delaware had mobile operations in place.

Sportsbook Operators

Dover Downs and Harrington Raceway shut down in mid-March and reopened in July. Delaware Park only opened at the end of August. Though Delaware Park opened later than the other two, it generated $4.5 million in revenue, more than any other operator. While Delaware Park came out as the industry leader in 2020, it still showed a 42.3% decrease compared to 2019. Its handle also decreased by more than half.

Harrington Raceway came in second place with $2.1 million in revenue, a slight decrease from the $2.2 million earned in 2019. The handle slipped more significantly by 21%.

Dover Downs came in third place with $1.8 million in revenue, a 30.8% decrease compared to 2019. Handle decreased by 22%.