Risks and benefits to mobile sports betting in Delaware

Del. – Experts say the more that you gamble, the more likely you are to continue chasing the dream of that big win. With greater accessibility, they are concerned it will bring greater problems, especially for young adults and college students in Delaware.

Arlene Simon is the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems Executive Director, and she says, “It’s really a catch twenty-two, the state uses it certainly for income, but its for a lot of people, its a real danger or hazard.”

That potential hazard, mobile sports betting. Gambling in the palm of your hands. Right now Delawareans have to cross state lines to have that access on their phones, and when that changes, officials worry the popularity could lead to gambling addiction.

“Mobile betting has been really on the rise. It is especially dangerous, I think, for younger people and college students,” but officials with the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems believe it’s a financial opportunity the state couldn’t ignore.

“It got to the point where, I believe the legislatures felt that we were losing a lot more than we were gaining,” and a big portion of the potential income – would go to a State fund to support infrastructure projects.

“The money that goes into that fund goes to schools, goes to open space, it goes to young farmers program, it goes to highway construction.”

The Executive Director of the Delaware lottery pledges to move forward responsibly-
also saying there will be a limit on how much you can bet at one time.

“We want our players to have a good experience,” Keeley said. “We do not want anybody losing their cars, losing their homes, betting their mortgage, whatever it may be.”