Delaware Lottery Announces Launch of New Sports Betting Kiosks

Some big changes are coming for sports bettors in the First State. 

The Delaware Lottery has announced the launch of 89 new self-service sports betting kiosks. They are being added to all official retailer locations and the state’s three racinos. They will allow bettors to skip the line when placing wagers, along with bringing a new range of bet options to residents across the state.

The Kiosks were created in partnership with Scientific Games, and Caesars Sportsbooks will supply the odds.

A Massive Change for Delaware Bettors

Delaware bettors have been able to place sports wagers at lottery retailers for years, but the process wasn’t overly convenient. Those looking to place wagers during busy betting seasons faced long waits and overworked employees. They were also largely limited to traditional wagering options, such as moneyline, total, and spread bets.

The new kiosks will change all of that. Not only will the self-service option cut down on wait times, but the kiosk will also offer far more betting options. Residents will now have more access to player prop bets, same-game parlays, and even live betting. 

While all sports wagers must still be placed in person, residents can use their tickets using the online Bet Ahead feature. This will generate a ticket code, making it easier to place the bet at the kiosk.

A New Challenge for Retailers

The new kiosks are meant to help ease the load on employees at Delaware Lottery retailers, but they will also bring a new challenge.

With bettors able to place wagers on their own, more pressure will be on retailers to ensure all of them are 21+. The self-service option could make it easier for underage bettors to place wagers. While locations will likely require IDs before bettors are allowed to use the kiosks, it will be harder for employees to monitor, especially during the busy betting seasons.

There is also a concern over how retailers can identify bettors who may be banned from sports betting. This includes those on exclusion lists, as well as those convicted of harassing athletes. 

Expansion Could Fuel Problem Gambling

Online sports betting is being blamed for the growth of problem gambling in the US. Struggling bettors can place far more wagers than they would at a casino sportsbook, which can lead losses to pile up far faster. This has led several states to consider scaling back the thriving industry, despite the spike in tax revenue it has delivered.

Delaware’s new kiosks aren’t a form of online betting, but it's the next closest thing. They will not only make retail betting more convenient, but also offer far more wagering options. That includes in-game betting, which a Pennsylvania report recently found to be highly dangerous for bettors struggling with addiction. 

While online betting is more dangerous, it also offers far more responsible gambling tools. That includes the ability to track wins and losses, which can help players effectively manage their budget. 

With increased access and fewer safety guardrails, there is reason to wonder if Delaware’s retail expansion will do more damage than good.