888 Holdings and Rush Street Interactive (RSI) are among the finalists competing to be selected as Delaware’s online gambling software provider. This comes as the state prepares to enter its second decade of regulated online gaming.
In January, the Delaware Lottery announced that it would accept applications from iGaming vendors for the exclusive contract to provide online gambling services in partnership with Delaware’s three racinos: Delaware Park in Wilmington, Dover Downs in Dover, and Harrington Raceway in Harrington.
A Long-standing Partnership with 888
888 has been providing online gambling services in Delaware since the state approved online gaming in 2013. Over the years, Delaware and 888 have also collaborated with WSOP.com, pooling players in Nevada and New Jersey. 888 retains a favored position in the renewal process due to its long-term relationship with the state.
Rush Street’s Competitive Push
However, Illinois-based Rush Street Interactive is making a strong bid for the contract. The company acquired Phil Galfond’s Run It Once online poker platform in 2022 and is actively seeking to expand its presence in the U.S. iGaming market. RSI’s application brings competition to 888’s hold on the market, with the company having a robust infrastructure to launch and support online poker operations in Delaware.
Other Applicants and Selection Process
While 888 and Rush Street are the primary contenders, they are not the only companies that applied. Seven entities in total were approved by the Delaware Lottery in early 2023, including Evolution Gaming, GeoComply Solutions, Kambi Group, LexisNexis, and Light & Wonder (formerly Scientific Games). However, 888 and Rush Street appear to be the only applicants fully capable of launching or continuing online poker in Delaware without the need for third-party partners.
All seven finalists will make presentations to Delaware Lottery officials this spring. The winner will likely secure a five-year contract to provide online gambling services, with the contract set to go into effect later this year.
The outcome of this vendor renewal is closely watched as it will shape the future of Delaware’s online gaming landscape.
