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Delaware appears to have little opposition in its attempt to pass a measure legalizing online gambling, including Web poker, in the state. Delaware is the first state to openly express an interest in forming state compacts. Both Rhode Island and West Virginia have been mentioned at the onset.
Delaware has already formed casino jackpot compacts with both Rhode Island and West Virginia via Cashola, a video lottery game offered by the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) from July 2006 to May 2011. Cashola has since been replaced by MegaHits.
Church leaders and the states harness racing association have objected to such legislation. Nevertheless, the bill cleared a Senate committee Wednesday. The measure was also approved by the state House last week.
Those living in Delaware, with its population of just under one million, would be able to play online poker and other table games over the Internet. Additionally, 20 more sites would offer “walk-in” sports betting. Currently, only three casinos in the state allow legalized sports wagering.
House Bill 333 is projected to generate $7.75 million in new state revenues, according to the Department of Finance. A representative for Scientific Games assured the committee that technologies do exist that ensures individuals from other states are unable to gain access to Delaware’s online gambling websites.
It was not immediately clear as to whether Delaware would pursue state compacts from the onset, however, it remains to be seen if the First State can sustain a viable player pool for online poker.
The final vote is scheduled for Tuesday June 26 (2012). Delaware Governor Jack Markell has been pro-gambling and is expected to sign the bill into law assuming it passes through the Senate next week.
Delaware is likely to be viewed as the state that opens up the floodgates as it pertains to legalized intrastate (and multi-state compacts) online poker.
- Chris Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
