The Short Answer
Delaware has one legal online poker operator: Delaware Lottery's online poker platform (powered by 888 Holdings). Regulated since 2013 by the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement, it participates in the MSIGA player pool with New Jersey, Nevada, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Tables run frequently during peak hours due to shared liquidity, though Delaware's in-state player base is small.
Top Poker Sites / Current Status
Delaware Lottery operates the sole regulated online poker platform. There is no private competitive market—only the state's 888-powered product.
Delaware Lottery Online Poker Platform
- Operator: Delaware Lottery (state agency)
- Software: 888 Holdings platform
- License: Regulated by Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE)
- Age Requirement: 21+
- Availability: Delaware residents and anyone physically present in the state
- Table Selection: Low in-state liquidity; relies on MSIGA shared pool (see MSIGA section below)
- Estimated Average Rake: 5–6% depending on game format and stakes
- Sign-Up Bonus: Check Delaware Lottery website for current promotions
- Banking Methods: ACH transfers, debit cards (credit cards not accepted)
The 888 platform is functional and stable but noticeably dated compared to PokerStars or WSOP platforms. Graphics, UX, and mobile experience lag modern standards, but gameplay is reliable.
Regulatory Framework
Delaware became one of the first three US states to legalize and regulate online poker (May 2013), alongside Nevada and New Jersey. The framework is administered by the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), which operates under Delaware's lottery authority.
Key Regulatory Dates:
- May 2013: Delaware's online poker law signed; DGE licensing begins
- October 2013: Delaware Lottery launches online poker
- 2014–Present: MSIGA participation adds liquidity from other states
DGE Oversight:
- Age and identity verification (21+)
- Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance
- Monthly financial reporting and audit
- Responsible gambling tools enforcement
- Game integrity monitoring
Delaware does not have a separate "poker license" tier—the lottery operates under a single gaming license. Private operators are not permitted; online poker is a state monopoly.
Banking
The Delaware Lottery platform accepts a limited set of payment methods:
- ACH (Automated Clearing House): Direct bank transfers, the most reliable option. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days for deposits and withdrawals.
- Debit Cards: Visa and Mastercard debit cards accepted for deposits. Some withdrawal restrictions may apply.
- Credit Cards: Not accepted.
- Wire Transfers: May be available; check the platform's banking page.
- E-Wallets / Digital Wallets: PayPal and similar services are not offered.
Withdrawals are processed through the same method used for deposits (or via check/ACH if no original method exists). Processing times are typically 3–7 business days depending on your bank.
Tax Treatment
Delaware has a unique tax structure: no sales tax, no capital gains tax, but gambling winnings are taxed as ordinary income.
Federal Taxes:
- Gambling winnings of $600+ in a single session may trigger a W-2-G form from the operator
- You are responsible for reporting all gambling income (sessions under $600 included) on your federal return
- Gambling losses can offset wins, but only if you itemize deductions and keep detailed records
Delaware State Income Tax:
- Top state income tax rate: 6.6%
- Gambling winnings are taxed as ordinary income at your marginal rate
- No special "gambling income" exemption
- You may deduct gambling losses only if you itemize deductions (not standard deduction) and maintain detailed records
Record-Keeping:
- Keep session logs, hand history exports, and bank statements
- Maintain records for at least 3–5 years (IRS audit statute of limitations)
- Separate winnings and losses by calendar year
Responsible Gambling
Delaware enforces responsible gambling tools across all regulated gaming platforms:
Support Services:
- Delaware Council on Gambling Problems: 1-888-850-8888 (toll-free, confidential)
- Free counseling and referrals to treatment programs
Player Protections Built Into Delaware Lottery Platform:
- Self-exclusion registration (temporary or permanent)
- Spending limits (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Session time limits with warnings
- Account cooling-off periods (mandatory 24-hour waits)
- Deposit limits
Compliance:
- All operators (including Delaware Lottery) must prominently display problem gambling hotlines
- New players receive responsible gambling messages upon signup
- Operators verify age and monitor for underage play
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, contact the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems immediately.
How PokerSites.org Tests Delaware Poker Sites
Our review team has tested the Delaware Lottery online poker platform to assess:
- Account Creation & Verification: We verify the sign-up process, age/ID checks, and time-to-approval.
- Software Quality: We assess game stability, mobile responsiveness, graphics, and user interface against modern standards.
- Table Selection & Liquidity: We monitor peak and off-peak table counts, game variety (Texas Hold'em, Omaha, tournaments), and MSIGA liquidity availability.
- Banking Experience: We confirm accepted payment methods, processing times, and withdrawal reliability.
- Regulatory Compliance: We verify DGE licensing status, responsible gambling tool availability, and responsible gambling messaging.
- Customer Support: We test email and live chat response times and support quality.
- Game Integrity: We review hand history logs for fair dealing and audit results published by DGE.
All findings are updated quarterly. Our testing is independent and objective. See our methodology page for details on how we evaluate poker sites.
For broader context on regulated vs. unregulated US poker markets, see our US poker guide.