Delaware egaming bill heads to Senate vote
HB 333 heads for full floor vote on 26 June " would allow online casino games through state lottery.
A bill which would authorise online gambling in Delaware including casino games and sports lottery is heading for a crucial vote which could see it passed into law by the end of the month.
HB 333 cleared a Senate committee hearing on Wednesday, having been passed by the state’s House of Representatives earlier this month. It will now be subject to a full floor vote at the state senate on 26 June, where it must receive a 60% majority to pass.
The bill, sponsored by Representative John Viola, would allow the sale of lottery tickets online and casino-style games and to be offered under the control and operation of the Delaware Lottery.
It also permits the expansion of keno games beyond Delaware’s three existing casinos to more than 100 sites, and sports lottery at venues other than the video lottery agents, such as bars or convenience stores.
HB 333 has the backing of Delaware Governor Jack Markell, who needs to sign the legislation into law before the legislative session ends on 30 June.
Markell first announced plans for egaming in the First State back in March and claims that the expansion of gambling would provide a welcome boost to the state’s land-based casinos.
He says the extra revenue the regulation would attract would eliminate the US$4m in slot machine fees paid by casinos each year and cut their table game fees from $6.75m to $3m, helping them to remain competitive with nearby states.