WDDE – State lottery officials say they’re making progress on expanding internet gaming options. So far, about 3,800 people registered accounts for the service, which can be accessed through the websites of Delaware’s three casinos. Those bettors wagered $8.2 million since going live at the end of October.
Comprehensive statistics won’t be available until mid-January, which could give an indication as to whether those casinos will see any profit from the venture this fiscal year.
Legislation legalizing iGaming earmarked the first $3.75 million in revenue for the state, something lottery director Vernon Kirk says was just a preliminary number the group drafting the bill came up with.
“We don’t have any benchmark. We don’t have any model. You know, we just don’t know. There’s nothing you can say. There’s no [similar system] other than Europe and I’m not sure that’s [an apples to apples comparison],” said Kirk.
Kirk says his office is also focused on providing software compatible with Mac operating systems, expanding game and slot content and making the entire system accessible on mobile devices.
“All these things are coming over the next handful of months, if you will. There’s no real definitive timetable, but they’re coming. And all these things will contribute to the popularity of the site and help our customers have a better experience,” said Kirk.
He estimates that work should be complete within 12 to 18 months.
Nevada and New Jersey also recently legalized online gambling, with the Garden State tallying nearly 110,000 new accounts in its first four weeks of existence.
