Delaware May Fight Maryland Slots With Sports Gambling
Maryland's legalization of slots at horse tracks has caused consternation in Delaware, whose race tracks draw heavily from the neighboring state. Some politicians want to fight back by using the state's unusual ability to host sports gambling.
Delaware is one of four states that may legally ignore federal laws against sports booking. Along with Oregon, Nevada, and Montana, the state was grandfathered in when Congress passed a 1992 law making it illegal for any state to allow sports wagering.
The four states were excluded from the law because each had at the time or in the past a version of legal sports gambling on its books. Nevada, of course, allows casinos to offer sports betting. The others had all had various lottery forms of wagering on sports.
Now Delaware lawmakers are eyeing bringing back some forms of sports betting to combat potential customer losses to Maryland slots. One gambling industry analyst predicted the state could take in as much as $26.3 million in revenue by legalizing sports betting at its Dover track.
Not only is Dover Downs expected to take a harsh blow from the new Maryland law, but the state is facing a $200 million budget deficit. Current Governor Ruth Ann Minner has spoken out against sports gambling, but the incoming administration of Governor-elect Jack Markell may be more amenable.
Dover Downs regular Joe Fahey said, "It'd be great if they put a sportsbook at the track. I mean, people play the ball games whether it's legal or not, anybody can find a bookie. Might as well have the state get some of the pie."
