There's a super lot of wagering choices in Delaware
By DOVER - Will Boston Scott score a touchdown or won’t he?
How about Miles Sanders or Dallas Goedert?
Does Patrick Mahomes throw more than two touchdown passes or less? Jalen Hurts perhaps?
Even betting on heads or tails in the coin toss is in play Sunday.
Fans can make those wagers and more than 560 others for this year’s Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl showdown.
Through the Delaware Lottery, a multitude of proposition bets are available at the state’s three casinos for those hoping to cash in.
Once the big game kicks off in Glendale, Arizona, Delawareans throughout the state will have a vested interest in just who scores, punts, intercepts and more.
So will the State of Delaware itself. Throughout the season, fans bet on teams to win the Super Bowl with varying odds.
There’s two left, of course. If the Eagles win the Super Bowl, the state loses $91,800. If it’s KC on top, Delaware makes $95,800.
The First State is hardly alone in wagering on results of the National Football League’s extravaganza event.
According to a recent American Gaming Association survey, a record 50.4 million American adults (20%) are expected to bet on Super Bowl LVII, a 61% increase from the record set in 2022. Bettors plan to wager an estimated $16 billion on this year’s championship game, more than double last year’s estimates, the survey showed.
Also, according to the survey:
• 30 million American adults plan to place a traditional sports wager online, at a retail sportsbook or with a bookie, up 66% from 2022.
• 28 million plan to bet casually with friends or as part of a pool or squares contest, up 50% from 2022.
Bally’s Dover Casino and Resort, Harrington Raceway and Casino, and Delaware Park in Wilmington all offer parlay and proposition wagers, along with point spread bets and more.
Retail sites for proposition parlays in Kent County are in Camden, Dover, Harrington, Magnolia, Marydel, Milford, and Smyrna. Some towns have multiple locations.
In Sussex County, there are participating retailers in Bridgeville, Dagsboro, Delmar, Dewey Beach, Fenwick Island, Georgetown, Laurel, Lewes, Millsboro, Millville, Milton, Rehoboth Beach, Selbyville, and Seaford.
A full list of participating retailers and their addresses is posted online at delottery.com.
For Bally’s Dover Casino and Resort, “In general, NFL wagering volumes have been steady and comparable to previous seasons,” said John Hensley, director of sports and horse betting.
“Given competition from surrounding states, that can be viewed as a positive.
“In the two weeks leading up the to the Super Bowl, foot traffic increases as ‘casual’ bettors supplement our regular players.”
Clearly, Mr. Hensley said, “The Eagles playing in the Super Bowl this year does add an air of excitement and intrigue as there is no shortage of opinions from the fans as to who will win and why.
“The Delaware Lottery does a fantastic job managing the risk involved with sports betting, especially with the local team involved, leading to steady and balanced wagering.”
When it comes to National Football League, Major League Baseball, National Hockey League, and National Basketball Association title events, Mr. Hensley said, “The Super Bowl is far and away the No. 1 championship to wager on.”
And as to where fans are putting their money, Mr. Hensley said, “When it comes to the Super Bowl, everyone favors taking a position on a side, Chiefs or Eagles, spread or moneyline – and everyone will tell you why their wager will be a winning one.”
“The lottery also rolls out a comprehensive list of ‘prop’ bets on the game that are too numerous to list. These props are an affordable way to enjoy the game from many different angles – number of sacks, scores, individual player accomplishments, etc. – there is something for everyone.”
Owner G.L. Jefferson said he expects a lively atmosphere inside Jeff’s Tap Room in Bridgeville, with food and drink specials along with the local favorite Eagles on the field.
“We have a huge Eagles following and there’s been plenty of excitement, people chattering and going on about them,” he said. “It’s going to be a great day Sunday and we’ll have a great turnout.”
Parlay cards still draw in patrons, but not like they did before Maryland legalized sports betting, Mr. Jefferson said.
“Before that we’d have them coming in from Federalsburg, Denton, Hurlock,” he said. “It’s hurt us a bit not seeing them come in because they would come in and play their cards, order some wings or have a beer or two or a couple sodas.”
Still, Mr. Jefferson said, “We have a steady amount of people who come in and bet the Eagles every week, bet the Ravens every week.
“We have a big crowd of Cowboys fans that come in, too.”
Add it all up, and Delaware Lottery Director Helene Keeley has enjoyed the run toward Sunday, and can’t wait for kickoff.
“The (days) leading up to the game are always an exciting time for us no matter who is playing,” she said. “Having the Eagles involved, though, makes that even better.
“As a lifelong Eagles fan, I know that I’m beyond excited.”
