Delaware Disappointed with Ruling on Sports Betting

In the last weeks of August, Delaware’s state legislature ruled that only parlay wagering on NFL games would be allowed. This limit was disappointing as it was expected the limit would be more extensive or nonexistent.

The law passed allows Delaware to organize parlay betting on at least 3 NFL Games. It was hoped that they would allow more than three. Delaware is the only state east of the Rocky Mountains that does allow some sort of legal sports lottery on NFL football. It is hoped that the revenue from this type of gambling will keep schools open and keep teachers from straying to other occupations that pay more. Revenue from betting is also planned to be put forth for  police efforts as well. The ruling could be taken to appeal.

Delaware hoped to have the ability to wager on all sports but this was banned because judges felt it was against the 1992 Professional Amateur Sports Protection Act. Currently Nevada, Montana, Oregon and Delaware are exempt under this statute.  Delaware Governor Jack Markell knew that Delaware was included in the exemptions under this act so he tried to allow betting on individual games. He wanted betting to take place at a state race track casino and be monitored by the state and taxed. A former restaurant at the race track had been remodeled for a high sum of money in anticipation to be a betting bar.  However, protesters took the streets and the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals stopped everything. Currently Nevada is the only state really taking advantage of the exemption to this Act.

The Delaware plan was opposed by professional sports leagues who said betting on games would put their sport in a bad light and make a bad example to young people. Governor Markell was certain being exempt from the 1992 act would allow the state to take advantage of multiple bets on Professional Sporting Events as patrons do in Nevada. Unfortunately the judges didn’t see things the same way and sided with the sports leagues.

In any case the state’s three casinos will begin offering parlay bets in the near future. They hope to bring in about $3 million or more. It was hoped that $53 million would be generated if it would have gone in favor of multiple bets and that would offset the $800 million deficit in the state budget.

Although an appeal may be filed, Delaware is moving on to focus on table games and some say this should have been the focus all along. Proponents feel that blackjack, roulette and other table games would attract more affluent gamblers and bring in more money to the state than sports betting. Governor Markell isn’t sure about that but he’s prepared to move on and use what he can in order to obtain more money for the state.

For now, Delaware officials will take the court ordered exception on “parlay” bets and try to generate some income off of those. Parlay bets aren’t always the best bet for the betters so it may be a challenge getting these kinds of bets.

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