Delaware Legal Poker 2024
Ready to play online poker? Delaware has your back. Along with Nevada and New Jersey, the tiny eastern state of Delaware is the only US state to offer fully legal and regulated online poker.
Delaware may be nicknamed “The First State,” but it was actually the second state to pass gaming regulation for Internet play. Today, legal poker sites in Delaware are now open for you to enjoy from within state lines.
Joining the party in late 2013, Delaware was just ahead of New Jersey in offering legit poker on the web, and currently allows several legal poker websites to operate. And like New Jersey, Delaware residents are not limited to online poker; they can play classic casino games as well.
Is Online Poker Legal in Delaware?
Yes. HB 333 - AKA the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012 - makes it legal to gamble online within state borders. That means Delaware residents and visitors can play Texas Hold'em online (as well as traditional casino games like blackjack and roulette) within state borders for real bucks without fear of being sent to the slammer. Who wouldn't want extra peace of mind while playing at online poker Delaware sites?
Are Any More Bills Likely?
Delaware may have legalized Internet poker and casino games in 2013, but they are already moving fast with expanding on existing laws.
The First State's relatively small population - it has under a million residents - always meant Delaware would have to seek interstate compacts with other regulated states in order to boost player pools. There just isn't a large enough player pool to fill the tables at online poker DE legal websites.
And those moves are being seen now. Recently, Delaware Governor Jack Markell signed a Multi-State Internet Wager Agreement with his Nevada counterpart, Governor Brian Sandoval, to allow their state player pools to merge. That's huge news for players at legal poker sites in Delaware who now have access to an expanded market.
Furthermore, the agreement will make it possible to expand such "compacts" with other states as and when they legalize and regulate. That means in terms of playing online poker, Delaware players have a lot to look forward to.
What's the Live Poker Scene Like?
Delaware has introduced plenty of exciting land-based gambling recently, mostly confined to legal 'racinos' and brick-and-mortar casinos like DoverDowns and the Harrington Raceway & Casino.
As with other states, a healthy state lottery also operates in Delaware. Under the expanded 2012 gaming act, existing brick-and-mortar gaming establishments can open their own legal poker and casino websites.
The Future of Legal Poker In Delaware
Internet gaming was officially launched in November 2013, beating out New Jersey by just a few weeks, and results have been slow, to say the least.
Various technical teething problems, geolocation issues, bad (or total lack of) marketing, and low player numbers are all hampering the future of poker online in Delaware.
But as each property's marketing campaigns kick in during 2024, and more interstate compacts are formed, the market should continue to increase. So online poker Delaware players can rest easy knowing that all the issues have been worked out.
Further interstate compacts - probably with its close neighbors New Jersey and Pennsylvania (if they legalize soon, as is expected) - are essential if the online gambling market is to succeed in Delaware and convince other small states that regulated Internet gaming is the way forward.
FAQ
Is Online Poker Legal in Delaware?
Yes. As of November 2013, regulated poker sites are available to residents of Delaware.
What Age Do You Have to Be To Gamble There?
18 for lottery and horse racing, 18 for poker and 21 for casinos are the minimum gambling ages.
Are There Any Live Casinos in Delaware?
Yes, several casinos exist in the state, and all offer poker as part of their games. Currently all three casinos offer Internet gaming operations of their own.
Can I Make Deposits In Delaware?
Of course. As part of the state's new regulated online climate, Americans living in The First State can make real-cash deposits on the web. Since UIGEA, many banks and credit card companies have stopped processing payments made for gambling online, and even though states like Delaware have legalized Internet gaming, it can still be tricky to make deposits. Always check with our top reviews at LegalPoker.com about the best methods to use. And if you're still having trouble, contact your bank and let them know that the online poker Delaware legal situation has changed, so they should accommodate you.
