Delaware Lotto: 'Intent' To Offer iGaming By Sept. 30State Likely Not Too Far Behind Nevada's Progress |
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Delaware, which legalized online gaming in 2012, intends to kick off its first real-money games by Sept. 30, 2013, the state’s lottery recently announced.
The Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act authorized Internet gaming under the control and operation of the Delaware Lottery, which is now seeking help with technology solutions. The state is also looking to partner with West Virgina and Rhode Island for online poker.
The legislature took up the proposal amidst growing gaming industry competition from neighboring states. “Our industry is on the severe defensive,” Brian Selander, chief strategy officer to Gov. Jack Markell, told Card Player in Mar. 2012.
Nevada should closely edge out Delaware, as the switch could be flicked on in the Silver State this spring. Nevada’s model is slightly different, as poker would be the only game allowed out of the gates. It appears that Delaware could start with a wide array of casino tables games.
The aforementioned states are the only two in the country with legal gambling on the Internet. However, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is expected to make a decision by Friday on a bill currently sitting in his hands, which could give Atlantic City a huge boost.
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