Online Poker in Delaware 2025: Legal Status, Sites & Regulations

Online poker in Delaware has been legal for more than a decade, making it one of the earliest U.S. states to regulate internet-based gambling. Since the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012, the state has maintained a stable, government-managed system for online poker and casino gaming under the oversight of the Delaware Lottery and Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE).

Today, Delaware’s small but active market connects players with larger interstate networks through the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). This allows residents to compete with players from Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia on the BetRivers network; MSIGA members in 2025 also include Nevada and New Jersey. Although the number of operators is limited, Delaware continues to be a pioneer in providing secure, state-regulated access to real money poker in 2025.

This guide outlines the current legal status, major licensed platforms, regulatory framework, and how Delaware’s system differs from other legalized poker states.

Is Online Poker Legal in Delaware?

Yes, online poker is legal and regulated in Delaware. The state officially authorized online gaming in 2012, becoming the first U.S. state to pass comprehensive legislation allowing online poker, slots, and table games. The system launched publicly in 2013, well before larger states like Pennsylvania or Michigan entered the market. In 2025, the Delaware Lottery relaunched regulated online poker with BetRivers Poker (Run It Once software) after an 18-month blackout period.

Under Delaware’s law, all online poker and casino operations are run through the Delaware Lottery, which partners with the state’s three land-based casinos, Delaware Park, Harrington Raceway, and Dover Downs. These casinos operate online platforms under a unified software network managed by 888 Holdings, branded as Delaware Poker.

Players must be 21 years or older and physically located within state borders to participate. The law strictly prohibits unlicensed offshore sites, and the DGE monitors all gaming activity for fairness, geolocation compliance, and responsible gambling standards.

Delaware’s early adoption of online poker set the stage for interstate cooperation and helped shape national policy around legal, regulated real money poker in the U.S.

Licensed Poker Sites and Apps in Delaware

Delaware’s online poker market operates under a single licensed network administered by the Delaware Lottery. Instead of multiple competing operators, the system connects all three state casinos, Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway, through a unified platform that shares liquidity and branding.

Players can access the same games, tournaments, and promotions regardless of which casino’s site they register on. This structure simplifies licensing oversight and ensures consistent gameplay quality across all platforms.

One account works across all three casino fronts (state-run model). Each site is available via desktop browser or mobile app, offering a mix of cash games, Sit & Gos, and tournaments with buy-ins starting as low as $0.10 and are identical regardless of where you register. Deposits and withdrawals can be made through PayPal, ACH bank transfer, or Play+ prepaid cards, and player verification is required to comply with Delaware’s identity and geolocation rules.

Despite Delaware’s smaller population, the shared 888/WSOP network gives residents access to thousands of active players, creating a gaming experience comparable to larger states.

How Online Poker Is Regulated in Delaware

The Delaware Lottery and Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) jointly oversee all online poker operations. Every platform must pass strict audits for software integrity, player fund segregation, and responsible gambling compliance before being approved for public use.

Unlike privately licensed markets, Delaware’s online gaming system is state-run, meaning that all revenue passes through the Delaware Lottery before being distributed to casino partners and state programs. This structure provides high transparency and consumer protection.

The DGE enforces several core rules:

• All player data must remain confidential and encrypted.
• Geolocation software must confirm a player’s presence within Delaware’s borders before any hand begins.
• Random Number Generators (RNGs) are independently tested to ensure fair dealing.
• Responsible gaming tools such as deposit limits and self-exclusion lists are mandatory on all platforms.

This framework has made Delaware one of the most stable and compliant jurisdictions for online poker in the United States. Regular audits, financial disclosures, and consumer protection standards guarantee that residents can safely play real money poker in a fully legal, state-supervised environment.

Interstate Poker and Shared Liquidity

Delaware was the first state to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), a cooperative framework that allows poker operators in participating states to share player pools.

It officially entered the agreement in 2015, linking with Nevada’s online poker market through the BetRivers Poker network powered by Run It Once, which links Delaware with Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia via MSIGA. New Jersey joined the pact in 2017, followed by Michigan in 2022. This shared liquidity dramatically improved game variety and prize pools for Delaware players, who now compete in tournaments and cash games that span multiple states.

Operators such as WSOP.com and 888poker run synchronized tournaments across all connected states, featuring prize pools exceeding $100,000, levels that would not be achievable in Delaware’s local player base alone. These multi-state games are regulated through cooperation among each state’s gaming authority, ensuring all participants remain under legal U.S. jurisdiction.

As of 2025, Delaware continues to benefit from this alliance, giving players access to the same major events as those in Nevada and New Jersey, including WSOP Online Bracelet Events. Discussions about expanding MSIGA to include Pennsylvania and West Virginia remain ongoing, which could further strengthen the shared liquidity ecosystem.

Overview of Poker Games Available

Delaware’s licensed poker platforms offer a focused but diverse selection of real money games through the 888poker-powered network. Players can access a variety of classic formats and tournament structures designed for every bankroll size.

While Delaware’s local market is small, the MSIGA network ensures that players have access to constant activity, especially during peak hours. Tournament schedules mirror those of larger states, offering daily freerolls, rebuy events, and Sunday majors.

The integration with 888’s software also allows for cross-platform compatibility, meaning players can access their accounts and bankrolls from any partner casino website. The interface is lightweight and optimized for mobile devices, allowing for seamless gameplay whether at home or on the go.

Tax on Online Poker Winnings in Delaware

All poker winnings in Delaware, whether from live tables or online platforms, are considered taxable income under both state and federal law. Players are required to report all real money poker earnings, regardless of the amount or whether a W-2G tax form is issued.

At the federal level, poker winnings are taxed as gambling income and must be declared on IRS Form 1040. Large payouts may be subject to automatic withholding, typically at a rate of 24%. Delaware residents must also include these winnings on their state income tax return. At the federal level, poker winnings are fully taxable and losses may be deducted up to the amount of winnings if you itemize (IRS Topic 419). Delaware taxes gambling winnings as income; the state does not generally withhold at source. For state-level treatment of losses, consult the Delaware Division of Revenue or a tax professional.

Poker rooms licensed in Delaware may issue W-2G forms for significant tournament payouts or large cash game wins. However, even smaller amounts are reportable income under state law.

Players who regularly participate in online poker are advised to:

• Keep detailed records of buy-ins, losses, and tournament results.
• Consult a tax professional familiar with gaming income.
• Review the Delaware Division of Revenue’s current tax tables before filing.

The state’s strict tax compliance reflects its broader goal: maintaining a transparent and accountable gaming industry while ensuring that licensed poker remains a legitimate, state-regulated activity.

How to Play Online Poker in Delaware

Here’s a quick overview on how to play online poker in Delaware. The process is straightforward, provided you meet the eligibility and location requirements set by the Delaware Lottery and its partner casinos.

1. Choose a Licensed Platform. Select one of the three authorized casino websites, Delaware Park, Bally’s Dover, or Harrington Raceway. Each site connects to the same poker network, offering identical games and promotions.
2. Create and Verify Your Account. New players must provide their name, date of birth, address, and last four digits of their SSN for identity verification. Delaware’s systems also use geo-location software to confirm that you’re physically inside state borders.
3. Make a Real Money Deposit. Deposits can be made using ACH bank transfer, debit/credit cards, PayPal, Play+ cards, or in-person cash transactions at participating racino cages. Minimum deposits typically start at $10.
4. Choose Your Game Type. Once verified, you can select from cash games, tournaments, or Sit & Go events with varying stakes. Tables operate under the shared liquidity agreement, meaning you’ll face players from Delaware, New Jersey, and Nevada.
5. Play Responsibly. All licensed sites include responsible gaming tools, allowing you to set deposit limits, cool-off periods, or self-exclude if needed. Delaware residents can also contact the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems at 1-888-850-8888 for confidential support.

Thanks to its long-standing legal framework and partnership with established gaming operators, Delaware offers one of the safest and most transparent ways to play online poker for real money in the U.S.

Future Outlook for Online Poker in Delaware

Delaware remains a key reference point in U.S. iGaming history, the first state to legalize online poker in 2012 and one of the earliest to join MSIGA, enabling interstate poker networks. While player traffic and platform variety have fluctuated, the state continues to adapt its regulations to modern technology and player demand.

The relaunch of BetRivers Poker in 2025 marked the start of Delaware’s next growth phase. Backed by Rush Street Interactive and powered by Run It Once software, it signaled a technological leap from the older 888poker system. The platform’s integration with Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia strengthened cross-state liquidity and brought a more competitive experience for local players.

Looking forward, the state’s regulators and operators are exploring several key developments:

• Expansion of the MSIGA network to include more states, potentially boosting prize pools and daily tournament schedules.
• Improved mobile and app functionality, ensuring seamless play for users across devices.
• Stronger responsible gambling frameworks, including predictive analytics to identify at-risk behavior.
• Potential reopening of live poker venues like Harrington Raceway’s poker room, which remains on hold but could return with updated licensing conditions.

With stable legislation, active regulatory oversight, and emerging technology, Delaware is expected to maintain its position as a trusted, transparent, and secure jurisdiction for real money online poker in the years ahead.

Delaware Online Poker FAQs

Is online poker legal in Delaware?

Yes. Delaware legalized online poker in 2012 under the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act. All games are regulated by the Delaware Lottery and are open to players aged 21 and older physically located within the state.

Can I play on PokerStars or WSOP in Delaware?

Currently, Delaware players can only access poker through state-approved platforms powered by BetRivers Poker (formerly the 888poker network). PokerStars does not operate in Delaware.

What online poker sites are legal in Delaware?

The only legal options are those connected to the Delaware Lottery: Delaware Park, Bally’s Dover, and Harrington Raceway, all sharing the same BetRivers-powered network.

How are winnings taxed?

Poker winnings are taxable at federal and state levels. The IRS requires reporting of all gambling income (Topic 419); Delaware generally does not withhold at source.

Can I play against players from other states?

Yes. Delaware shares player pools with New Jersey, Nevada, Michigan, and West Virginia through the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).