Delawareans hoping to leap into the online gambling world might have to wait up to another week.
The Department of Finance will allow an unknown number of anonymous patrons to test the system starting Thursday before allowing other bettors within Delaware’s borders to access it.
Delaware’s three casinos launched free online table games and slot machines in August to help ensure a smooth transition into its final form.
But state Lottery Director Vernon Kirk says there are other possible bugs that could occur when people start using real money in the games.
“There are a lot of reconciliations going on in and out of various bank accounts and things like that," said Kirk. "So, we just need a few days for these things to process and then [for them to actually hit] customers’ bank accounts and the casinos’ bank accounts.”
Dover Downs CEO Ed Sutor approves of the cautious approach, noting the problematic rollout of the health insurance marketplaces earlier this month. He says you only get one chance to make a good impression.
“And we want to make a good first impression when people go on there and the state does [as well]," said Sutor. "So we’re heartened by [Director of Finance Tom Cook’s] position that if it’s not ready, [he’s] not going to let it go. But if we’re ready let’s do it.”
A state advisory committee chaired by Sutor is also recommending Delaware drop a provision giving the state the first $3.7 million of internet gambling revenue earned and allow casinos to keep a larger share of revenue generated beyond that initial amount.
