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Sports Gambling Becoming Likely for Delaware
DOVER, DELAWARE --
As gambling measures are passed throughout the US, and politicians search for ways to bring greater revenues to their constituents, Delaware leaders seem more likely than ever to reinstitute sports gambling in the state. Legislators in Delaware cite the need to exploit the competitive advantage the state owns over its neighbors as a prominent reason to legalize sports wagering.
While first Pennsylvania and now Maryland have introduced slots to their race tracks, eliminating the edge once held by Dover Downs, legalized sports betting would be an opportunity available only to Delaware, and no act by Maryland or Pennsylvania lawmakers could follow the Delaware measure.
Delaware remains one of four states grandfathered in when the US Congress outlawed sports gambling federally in 1992. Along with Montana, Oregon, and Nevada, Delaware had previously had a legal form of sports betting, and was granted exception under the national law regarding future sports wagering.
Current Governor Ruth Ann Minner had promised in 2007 to veto any move to bring sports action back to the state, but a new administration is about to take office, under entirely different circumstances.
The state's budget is estimated to be in the red by $560 million, and cannot afford a loss of revenue to neighboring states which have acted to lure gamblers into staying closer to home. While figures regarding the impact of legalized sports betting differ greatly, the gambling industry says new revenues may increase for the state as much as $71 million a year. The Governor's Task Force Report lowballed a still-impressive $22.5 million to $30.6 million annually.
Incoming Governor Jack Markell says he's undecided, but the day he takes office, one look at the state's bills may persuade him which side he wants to support.
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