Delaware Legalizes Sports Gambling, And Governor Makes First Bet

On Tuesday, Delaware became the first state to take advantage of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision and legalize full-scale sports betting — with the governor first in line to lay down money on a single game.

Gov. John Carney put $10 on the Phillies game that night — and it paid off. The Phillies beat the Cubs 6-1.

On May 14, the high court struck down a federal law that prevented states from legalizing sports gambling. The justices ruled that Congress can ban sports betting itself but said it can't mandate what state legislatures do or don't pass.

While a number of states were poised to take advantage of the change in the law, Delaware was the first across the finish line.

That makes Delaware the second state with fully legal sports gambling, following Nevada, which had legalized the practice before the federal law was passed in 1992.

Mark Eichmann of member station WHYY reports that casinos in Delaware aren't anticipating a massive windfall as a result of the shift — especially as other states, most notably New Jersey, move to follow suit.

But local gamblers are pleased that they don't have to turn to online betting, or travel to Las Vegas, to place their bets, WHYY's Zoë Read says.

And the state is hoping that gambling pays off — if not directly, then indirectly, Read reports:

"State officials expect the launch to make a significant contribution to tourism in Delaware — where 17 percent of visitors participate in gambling.

" 'Tourism is a big thing in our state, particularly as we move into the summer season ...' Carney said. 'Today we're going to be first in offering them an entertainment opportunity so they can support their sports teams ... by making a legal wager.' "

Some gambling-addiction researchers are worried about the consequences of legalizing sports gambling.

If you or a loved one have a gambling problem, consider calling the National Council on Problem Gambling's hotline.

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