Although Delaware’s online gaming scene is set for a change, online poker enthusiasts will have to wait a bit longer for their favorite game. Recently, Rush Street Interactive (RSI) took over as the state’s sole online gaming provider from 888Holdings, which had been offering services in Delaware since 2013. However, RSI’s current lineup doesn’t include online poker.
Delaware, known for being the first state to launch online gaming, has a law limiting the market to just one operator. This means RSI’s absence of an online poker offering leaves a gap for local poker players. Although the state’s small population of just over one million has enjoyed a vibrant poker market, largely due to shared player pools with New Jersey and Nevada under the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, this will now be on hold.
While RSI offers sports betting and casino games, its poker options are currently non-existent. The fact that RSI acquired Phil Galfond’s Run It Once Poker in 2022, suggests potential future expansion into the US poker market. Delaware Lottery officials have acknowledged this possibility.
In August of last year, Delaware Lottery director Helene Keeley revealed to us that Rush Street Interactive is in the process of developing a poker platform, which they are eager to introduce to players. Keeley noted the ongoing collaboration between the Delaware Lottery and Rush Street Interactive to make poker accessible to Delaware’s audience, although a specific launch timeline is not yet decided.
Delaware has allowed sports betting at its three retail casinos since 2018, and mobile betting was only approved in 2023. The recent shift in the online gaming landscape saw 888Holdings unable to offer sports betting last year. RSI’s launch on January 5 means that Delaware bettors still have time to place bets on the remaining NFL playoffs this season.
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