by KYW's Mark Abrams
Delaware’s governor on Thursday signed a law authorizing creation of a sports lottery in the First State. But there are still a few hurdles before gamblers can place their wagers.
Gov. Jack Markell (at lectern above, surrounded by lawmakers) signed the measure inside Delaware Park, one of three "racinos" in the state where sports betting would be allowed.
And, while Markell is hoping that it will attract interest from people in several states –- and much needed revenue to make up a significant hole in the state's budget -- he must wait for a legal review from Delaware’s Supreme Court before anyone can make a wager.
William Rickman is the primary owner and chief executive officer at Delaware Park:
“We really can’t do anything until the Supreme Court makes the decision. So we are positioned to go forward with all sports betting. I’m hoping we can do it by the opening of the football season.”
At issue is the kind of bets people can make. One type would be a straight bet on a team. The other, called a parlay bet, is a more complicated wager that can take odds and other factors into account.
Rickman explains:
“For instance, you could have over-unders, you could have the team plus odds, plus something else. So, the more multiples there are in the bet, the higher the return but the less sophisticated the wagerer.”
And while wagers could not be made on any Delaware teams, there is opposition to the new law coming from the NFL as well as the NCAA.
It’s expected that the Delaware Supreme Court could weigh in on the sports betting law as early as next month.
(Photo by KYW's Mark Abrams)
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