Casino Amendment Helps Delaware Pass Sports Betting
After defeating Governor Jack Markell's sports betting bill just hours earlier, the Delaware House reconsidered after the bill was amended and passed the proposal. The new addition which led to the lawmakers' approval gave concessions to the three state racetrack casinos, permitting table gambling in the future.
The sports gambling bill had been beaten 23-15, but once the concerns about protecting the casinos was addressed, the vote in favor went 30-4. Racetrack officials had been worried that sports betting would drain them of revenues needed to operate.
"My administration worked with the leadership in the house and senate to get this done," Markell said in a prepared statement. "We never stopped fighting to do what was right for the taxpayers of Delaware."
The bill now advances to the Senate for approval.
Racinos are guaranteed to be able to introduce blackjack and other table games to complement the slots and electronic gaming. Additionally, the track cut from sports wagering was increased.
Delaware used a grandfather clause in the federal law against sports betting to reopen its dormant sports gambling system. A New Jersey lawmaker is currently suing for the right to legalize sports booking at Atlantic City casinos, saying the special treatment of Delaware and three other states is unconstitutional.
