Delaware Casinos Put Happy Face on Parlay Sports Betting

Operators of Delaware's three casinos are trying to make the best of a bad situation after a court ruling left the state's sports betting plan stripped of most of its options.

The three Delaware casinos, located at the state's race tracks, were expecting today to be a momentous occasion for sports betting as the state would begin handling wagers on most sports action. But a federal court ruling prevents that state from accepting any bets other than parlays of three or more on NFL teams, leaving the action a bit lackluster.

Sports gaming began at ten o'clock this morning, with short lines quickly dissipating as bettors wanting to be the first to use the new system placed wagers on this weekend's games. Television interviews of Chuck Rudd, the first gambler to place a sports bet at Delaware Park, featured an empty sports book in the background.

Officials at the casinos tried to make the best of an unhappy situation. Ed Sutor, CEO of Dover Downs, said, "I'm feeling better and better."

Sutor said the use of teasers and parlays above three-team minimums would increase the excitement and attraction of the sports betting options.

But the Philadelphia Inquirer asserts that "Delaware's casinos would be happy to get back the combined $11 million they spent in renovations."

Casino operators are worried that projected slots revenue increases foreseen due to the increased traffic sports betting would bring may now never materialize.

"We're not sure what to expect yet, but whatever it is we'll certainly make the best of it," Charlie Lockhart, assistant to the president at Dover Downs, told the Inquirer.