The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on Delaware’s sports betting earnings was substantial in 2020.
Delaware’s sports betting earnings decreased by 32.8% in 2020 compared to the previous year, reaching a total of $8.4 million. This decline was attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent suspension of sporting events.
The COVID-19 outbreak had a significant effect on Delaware’s sports betting revenue in 2020.
Over the previous year, bettors placed a total of $57.6 million on sporting events, a 43.9% decrease from the $102.6 million wagered in the preceding year. In 2020, the number of bets placed reached 1.3 million, a decline from 2.5 million in 2019.
Due to statewide restrictions related to the COVID-19 outbreak, Delaware’s sports betting operators were compelled to halt operations for a period exceeding four months between mid-March and July.
Delaware exclusively permits land-based sports betting, meaning bettors were unable to legally place wagers during this period as all casino establishments were closed for over four months.
Dover Downs and Harrington Raceway reopened their sportsbooks in July, but Delaware Park’s retail facility remained closed for that month and did not reopen until August 30.
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