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Online Poker in the State of Delaware: Where Does It Stand?

With just over a million people residing in the state, Delaware indeed is one of the least populated states in the country - but it is still doing quite well when it comes to online gambling, particularly online poker. As a matter of fact, the state stands at the peak position of states in the US that legalized online poker because Delaware online poker was legalized way before others like New Jersey and Nevada - in the summer of 2012.

But with quite a small player pool to start with, Delaware did the next best thing: it reached interstate agreements with Nevada in March 2015, enabling gamblers from the two states to play any pool game among those legalized in both. Consequently, gamblers from both states have more money-making options from online casinos. Before the interstate agreement, Delaware could only boast a few player pools.

Table of Contents

Best sites

Benefits

Online poker bonuses

Banking

Legality

Tournaments

Live poker

History

Faq

The partnership drastically increased (and improved!) the number of player pools gamblers could access from Delaware. The increasing player pool numbers caused a spike in the number of online gambling participants in both states. In addition, with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 to 2023, this further increased the number of participants in online poker in the state.

Best offers in Delaware as of December 2024

Sorry, there are no offers available in Ohio as of December 2024

But despite some challenges that have befallen online poker in DE, it has improved over time. Some of the common challenges are related to geo-targeting, software glitches, and banking issues. However, despite the obstacles, gamblers in Delaware can access casinos online from the comfort of their homes, which is satisfactory considering the prevailing regulations in many other states. And with Delaware’s partnership with other states like New Jersey, players can now benefit from a real trifecta - a much more active and exciting player pool where they have a chance to take home much bigger prizes than ever before.

So right now, the future of online poker in Delaware is looking rosy, and there’s more at the end of the Delaware rainbow - aside from the proverbial pot of gold, Delaware online poker enthusiasts can take advantage of a total of three online poker sites (with poker software from 888 Poker to boot) which are each affiliated with the state’s racetrack and casino properties, and all three of these sites run a variety of poker games, from No Limit Hold’Em to sit and go games on the shared pool with NJ and NV poker enthusiasts. But this is merely the beginning - did you know that it’s only in Delaware where you can also play games like Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo, Limit Hold’Em, and Seven Card Stud? The state boasts over 2 dozen tournaments each day, and the biggest event each week is the $100 No Limit Hold’Em tournament with a prize pool holding $15000 in prizes.

Delaware online poker remains as strong as ever, and every indication points to the DE online poker community holding their own against the bigger states. So if you’re interested in online poker in Delaware but aren’t quite sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place - and we’ll tell you all there is to know about online poker in the First State.

Best online poker sites in Delaware

Currently, only three online poker sites operate in Delaware today as legalized entities, with the three operating with software from 888 Poker. Players can access several promotions and tournaments on each of the sites, although the promotions differ in form across the sites. For example, each casino and online poker site offers varying deposit bonuses, and it’s up to you to choose which bonus works best for you. 888 Holdings started operations in 2012 but has no physical casino in Delaware or any other part of the United States, making it an offshore gambling platform. 888 Holdings does not allow any United States gamblers to access the games offered.

As already stated, the three online gambling platforms legalized in the state also have land-based casinos, which means that players can choose whether they want to have fun online or offline! In addition, being a member of a land-based casino does not impact the ease of registration on the online platform. As such, those who do not visit the land-based casino will not go through any stress or additional rigor when registering on the online casino and vice versa.

A man playing online poker in Delaware image

So, pay attention to these three legal and regulated online poker and casino platforms:

Harrington Raceway, whose online counterpart is Harrington Online
Dover Downs Casino (now known as Bally’s Dover Casino Resort), whose online counterpart is Dover Downs Online Gaming
Delaware Park, whose online counterpart is Delaware Park Online

More information about 888 Holdings

888 Holdings offer several casino games, enabling the legalized gambling platforms in the state to offer incomparable entertainment to their customers. The promotions available on the platform are different from what you can find on many other game providers, however. Here’s an important reminder: you cannot log in to all three gambling sites in the state simultaneously; you have to choose only one among them to enjoy online poker games in Delaware. Also, it is not advisable to register on international sites (read: offshore sites) in Delaware for casino entertainment; doing so will be at your own risk.

The software at 888 Poker is the same software utilized by WSOP.com, which is found in New Jersey and Nevada. This software is one of the pioneers and has existed for a long time, and it is used by all three online poker platforms in DE. The three platforms are essentially the same since they are all under the 888 Poker banner - the only difference is that each platform has varying brands and bonuses, so you can compare the three and decide which brand and bonus to sign up for.

Benefits of online poker in DE

There are a ton of benefits that come when you decide to play online poker in the First State. Check below for some of the benefits of playing poker online in Delaware:

Opportunity to learn

There are many things to learn from playing online poker games in Delaware (or anywhere else, for that matter). If you are a poker beginner, you can easily learn how to play in under a few minutes, meaning the sites offer relatively easy games. In addition, many games are self-explanatory, and there is no need to depend on a third party for guidance.

Meanwhile, bettors can easily make money from the games while they learn how to play, and there are plenty of bonuses and offers . Some gambling platforms in DE even offer free money online poker games, enabling beginners to learn how to play the game at no cost! The best part? You can also learn life lessons from playing poker games online.

For example, gamblers need a lot of patience to be consistent winners, and playing this game will force patience on you. However, the patience learned from the game can be applied to other aspects of your life.

Games offered

Many games await gamblers on the three legalized gambling platforms in Delaware. Remember that you can only register on one of the three sites, but you can rest assured that each offers many great games for the entertainment pleasure of their customers. Note also that you can make money from playing the games!

To make entertainment more available to their customers in Delaware, online casinos in the state attempt to add more games from time to time. All the games available on the sites are also qualitative, ensuring customers can access endless entertainment from their homes. In addition, and this is the most crucial part of them all: all gambling platforms, namely Harrington Raceway, Dover Downs, and Delaware Park, are legally accessible in all parts of Delaware - and they are regulated by the Delaware Lottery.

Constant tournament action

The third benefit of playing online poker in Delaware is that there are many tournaments that you can join daily, weekly, or monthly. Online poker providers in Delaware open their doors to many tournaments accessible to online gamblers. Virtually all legalized online poker platforms in the state offer tournaments. Some even offer tournaments on each of the games available on their platforms.

If you have special skills in any of the games, you have an exciting opportunity to participate in tournaments and cart home the great prizes attached to them. But be aware that the associated prizes also vary across gambling sites in Delaware, and since you can only register on one gambling site in the state, 888 Poker, you will be limited to the tournaments offered - so your best bet is to choose your tournaments wisely!

Easy access

Accessing online poker games is easy, even for beginners. You only need a device that can connect to the internet, like a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or Smartphone. In addition, several mobile operating systems are compatible with Delaware's online gambling platforms.

You may be required to download an app by some, but virtually all allow their customers to access their platforms via their mobile device's internet browsers. The ease of access enables customers to play poker games from any location, night or day. Moreover, many gambling sites load very fast, removing the need to wait for a long time before you start playing the available games.

One thing to note with DE online poker that makes it accessible to virtually everyone is that it’s inexpensive. For instance, games can begin with as little as $.01 - .02, which basically means you have the option to buy in with as little as $1. And tournaments are even more inexpensive!

Money management

The Delaware Council on Gambling Problems was set up to help gamblers avoid gambling addiction. As you may know, gambling addiction causes gamblers to spend more money than they can afford on casino games, leading to dire straits. Additionally, it can cause them to lose assets and render them incapable of meeting their day-to-day financial obligations to themselves and their dependents.

That said, the organization helps gamblers learn how to control their gambling impulses and get better, teaching them how to avoid losing too much money. The organization also offers support to the family and friends of gamblers - and may also provide financial assistance to those who need it.

Lower rate

Online poker and casino platforms in Delaware offer lower rates, which helps reduce the money the customers can lose to gambling. Granted, it may not bring much money at once, but it helps gamblers grow their wealth gradually and helps them better manage their finances.

Online poker bonus codes in Delaware

Each online poker Delaware offers bonus codes to make gambling interesting to their customers. Bonus codes can come in the form of a first deposit bonus, no deposit, reload bonuses, etc. In essence, they give customers more money to play casino games.

After registering an account on any of the three legalized gambling platforms in the state, you will receive a welcome bonus code registered only to new members. The bonus prizes will reflect on your account after providing the bonus code in the slot provided.

The bonus enables you to earn extra cashback and money for free. They can give you a 100% first deposit increase, free spins, and many other types of bonuses. But know that you cannot withdraw the bonus money without passing the test allotted by the gambling platforms. The test comes in the form of wagering requirements. The allure to attain the wagering requirement within the stipulated period will automatically strike out the bonus.

Considering the importance of wagering requirements, it is essential for you to properly assess the requirements before using the bonus code. If the terms of any bonus code look unacceptable, check another one. Many of the state's legalized gambling sites offer customers multiple bonus codes.

As of the moment, the welcome bonus provided by all three online poker platforms in DE are a 100% welcome bonus to as much as $500. This means that you can receive as much as $500 back if you make a $500 deposit. But note that this will be given to you in increments, as follows: the first increment of $20 will be given in chunks of $5 every time you earn bonus points of 40.The remaining bonus will then be given to you in increments of $10 when you earn 80 points. So this means you can earn two points with every $1 you rake. With this promotion, you can effectively earn back 25% for the first $20 you rake.

The greatest thing we’ve noticed with regulated Delaware online poker sites is that when you win, they will help you win more - and when you lose, they will offset your losses. It’s a win-win situation every time.

Depositing and withdrawing

The three legalized online casinos in Delaware offer several payment methods to customers. The general payment direction is provided below:

Open the casino platform in your browser or app.
Provide your login details.
Navigate to the cashier and click on it, then choose deposit.
Several payment options will come up, pick the preferred one, and it will direct you to the payment page of the preferred merchant.

The same process applies to withdrawing your winnings; only you will choose "Withdraw" in this case. When choosing a payment method, consider one that will not request too many details from you, promoting security.

Some of the payment methods accepted on the sites include the following:

MasterCard / Visa

Card payment processing is fast. Paying through the method is also easy, and the funds will reflect on the account instantly. Withdrawal through the method is also possible, although the withdrawal processing will take a little time. The card issuer may charge also extra costs when you deposit money using this method.

Bank transfer (ACH)

The payment method is highly secure, with many platforms also accepting it as a convenient payment method on gambling sites.

PayPal

The payment method is subjected to fraud detection 24/7, making it a safe option for payment on gambling sites.

These banking methods are continuously added to, so our advice is to check the platform where you are playing to make sure that the payment method you want to use is utilized.

Is it legal to play online poker in Delaware?

A woman playing online poker in Delaware image

Yes, you got it right: online poker is legal and bustling like a beehive in Delaware. As mentioned earlier, the state was the first to legalize online gambling, eight months before New Jersey or Nevada. The law that legalized online gambling in the state is HB 333 and it’s the same law that also legalized sports betting.

But you have to note that you can only access legal online poker in gambling sites domiciled in the state. Consequently, gambling online in Delaware on any offshore casino is not permitted. But fortunately, following online gambling legalization, three gambling platforms launched in the state on the 8th of November, 2013, with three offering online poker. These are Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway, which have their own counterparts in online casino and poker sites in DE.

You must also know that there are specific rules that a customer must follow to access and enjoy online gambling from home in DE. For example, players cannot transfer money to other players and are not permitted to transfer it across gambling sites in the state. In addition, the law mandates players to only register on one gambling platform at a time. And don’t forget the most important rule of all: players of online poker (as well as other games like other casino games like slots, blackjack, and roulette) can only sign up and participate if they are 21 years old and older. You can, however, play the state lottery when you reach 18, and DE online gambling is regulated by the Delaware Lottery.

The law above promotes security in online gambling, enabling the state government to manage online casino activities better. As already mentioned, the three gambling sites legalized to operate in the state are powered by 888, an offshore gambling platform. However, there are indications that more gambling sites will be legalized in the state, so stay tuned!

DE online poker tournaments

Check below for examples of online poker tournaments in Delaware:

Sit & Go (SNG)

This tournament has no formal start time. You can join the table any time you are ready to play. While at the table, you must wait for the table to be followed by others before the game can start, as the tournament only begins after every seat is occupied. You can play the game in a multiple-table format, requiring about 30 minutes per game.

Cash Games

All the legalized online poker sites in Delaware offer online poker cash games in which the participants can win real money. But before you can win real money in online poker, you must deposit money first. Playing cash online poker in Delaware is legal and will not put you on the wrong side of the law. The game's odds determine the amount of cash you can win.

Free Rolls and Free Poker

In this online poker tournament, you will not be required to pay an entry fee, but you can win real money from the prize pool. It involves playing free poker games online for real money. If you want to make real money without risking your bankroll, you can try it out. The players split the pot with other opponents, giving them a chance to win the entire pot provided they dealt certain cards.

Shared player pool in DE online poker

The best definition of a shared player pool in poker is a network of multiple platforms or websites pooling their players together, creating a more diverse, larger set of tournaments and games. Thanks to a shared player pool, lovers of poker games in Delaware can access more tournaments, increasing their opportunity to make money from online gambling.

More players can also participate in the tournaments and games, increasing the prize pool and making casino games more profitable. In addition, a shared player pool increases liquidity, consequently enhancing available games.

As of now, they have legalized online poker games in Delaware and partnered with online casinos in Nevada. Because of this, they can provide more games and tournaments to DE players. In fact, this led to a spike in the number of online gamblers in the state and helped gambling platforms retain many more customers.

They later partnered with gambling sites in New Jersey with the shared player pool offered by 888 Poker. The first shared player pool agreement was reached in 2014 between Delaware and Nevada, permitting the combination of their player pools for better customer entertainment. New Jersey later joined the deal in 2017.

But the DOJ later moved in , attempting to apply the Wire Act to operating online poker sites, preventing many states from forming a similar multi-state player pool (and even preventing other states from legalizing online poker in general). However, Delaware, New Jersey, and Nevada were fortunate enough to maintain their shared player pool arrangement. Following a prolonged legal battle, things are looking a lot brighter again. As proof of this, Michigan is on the verge of joining the online poker shared player pool. If the plan pans through, gamblers in Delaware can access more games and tournaments, giving them even more prize money.

Live poker

Players can access live poker in the state, with all the legalized casinos offering the game; these also offer online poker, leaving the customers to pick which they prefer. Live poker in Delaware is interesting, but its pace could be faster since the players are limited to a single table.

Most live poker games in the state feature 30 to 40 hands per hour. The slow pace is due to the longer time required by live dealers to distribute pots and collect chips, shuffles, and deal cards.

Live poker players in Delaware rarely hurry to play, especially with lower-stakes games. Instead, they would rather spend a lot of time talking, laughing, and having fun than playing, causing the game to take longer. The slow pace can be somewhat annoying to players accustomed to online poker games, where the pace is fast. However, even your annoyance can quicken the pace, and if you are a bit on the impatient side, you can always visit Delaware’s online poker platforms to take advantage of faster-paced games.

Live casinos in Delaware poker feature reads, which can improve live poker strategy, especially in large pots. Live poker offers more multiway pots than online poker in cash games or tournaments. It also allows players to take more liberties with their bet sizes than online poker.

History of Delaware poker

The northeastern crash of the housing market and the accompanying recession of 2008 caused an explosion in the gambling industry. Earlier, in 1994, Delaware authorized slot machines for the horse racing tracks in the state, with the revenues generated from the slot machine saving the racetracks.

The state increased the tax rate shortly after the 2008 recession, causing the racetracks to struggle. As a result, many gamblers in the state would cross over to Atlantic City and other neighboring states to access table games.

Delaware authorities included table games at the racetracks in 2010, giving the state a competitive edge and another source of revenue. Revenues from gambling formed 7% of the overall state budget, making it the 4th largest budget generator.

Then, the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act authorized Delaware Lottery to create a keno network in the state, sell lottery tickets, launch gambling online, and expand football betting. Delaware will rarely be on the mind of many when it comes to gambling in the United States. Delaware is a very small state with less than a million in population, but what is astounding to many is that it is a pioneer - it was the first state to ever legalize gambling, beating well-known gambling states like New Jersey and Nevada. For all intents and purposes, it leads the gambling industry in the US. As far back as 2012, the state took the big leap to legalize online gambling in the United States. This opened the door to the availability of several gambling options online. In addition, Delaware's decision to legalize online poker prompted some states to follow suit.

Online poker officially opened in the state of Delaware on the 8th of November, 2013, and even though the player pool was very small in the beginning, the agreement with New Jersey and Nevada has given hope to players in Delaware, who can now take advantage of a much bigger player pool and share tournaments with like-minded players in the other two states.

FAQ

What online poker rooms are now live in Delaware?

Only three online poker rooms are live in Delaware, and all have the backing of 888 Holdings, the giant offshore online casino platform. The three poker sites are: Delaware Park Poker, Harrington Raceway Poker and Dover Downs Poker. Each uses software jointly developed by Scientific Games Corporation, 888 Holdings, and Williams Interactive LLC. The services offered by the legalized online poker rooms are similar except for the difference in their deposit bonuses, cosmetic styling and branding, and promotions. You can open an account in all of the gambling sites in Delaware but must not log in to more than one at a time. Regulations also prohibit player-to-player transfer. The games on the platforms are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Do Delaware sites offer casino games and poker?

Yes, you can play more than a few online casino games on Delaware online casinos besides poker. Some other accessible games are: Table games, Slots, Jackpots. You can also access sports betting and other online casino games, including video poker, roulette games, blackjack, etc. Online casinos in Delaware can get their customers entertained endlessly, as there's virtually no limit to the casino games on offer. Some sites provide helpful information to their customers on how to play the games, making them welcoming to beginners with limited or non-existent knowledge about each game.

Does a player have to be a Delaware resident?

No, you do not have to reside in the state before you can register on any of the online casinos registered here. However, you must reside in the state before playing the casino games offered by any of these sites. Even if you are not a resident of the state, you should at least be within the state border before being able to play the games on those sites. Delaware uses geolocation software to make sure you are within the state when playing.

How old do you have to be to play at Delaware-regulated online casinos?

You can start playing online casino games in Delaware once you clock 18 years. However, bear in mind that your access to casino games at this age will be limited. Upon clocking 21, however, you can start accessing the full options of the game offered by Delaware online casinos and play online poker and other casino games for real money.

Wia Van Cauwenberghe

Editor | Writer

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