DELAWARE LOOKING AT INTERNET GAMBLING


03/29/2012 : DELAWARE LOOKING AT INTERNET GAMBLING
 
Online lottery, casino games and mobile offering proposed
 
The expansion of gambling in the U.S. State of Delaware is a hot topic this week following a plan revealed by Governor Jack Markell's administration at a weekly leadership meeting Tuesday that proposes some reduction in land casino taxes, replacing this revenue with other gambling modifications that include internet gambling.
 
According to Delaware Online, Secretary of Finance Tom Cook told legislative leaders at the meeting that the Administration is investigating the possibility of an online intrastate gambling expansion that ranges from selling lottery tickets to offering web-based casino games such as online slots, blackjack, poker and roulette online, as well as a mobile offering for State residents.
 
Land-based measures included in the proposal are the expansion of the sports lottery to twenty additional sites next fiscal year, a Keno offering in 100 sites throughout the State, enabling tax relief measures for terrestrial casinos.
 
At present, casino games and sports wagering are permitted at only three Delaware State racetrack casinos; Dover Downs, Delaware Park and Harrington Raceway.
 
The proposal outlines the hosting of online casino-style games by three land casinos, with oversight by a state computer system.
 
Profits from internet casino games, up to a threshold of $3.75 million, would go directly to the State coffers and anything over and above will be split between the hosting casinos and the state’s horse racing industry.
 
Proceeds from lottery sales, estimated at $900 000 per annum would go to the state.
 
"This is like any other business, you have to turn around and move with the times and be able to provide your product in an environment where people can access it," Cook reportedly told legislative leaders.
 
Ed Sutor, chief executive, Dover Downs said:  "Internet, that's the way of the future. This could be a big plus for the state of Delaware."
 
Brian Selander, Governor Markell's chief strategy officer, said the tentatively titled "Delaware's Gaming Competitive Act of 2012" proposal, currently being considered by State lawmakers, is in draft phase and is likely to be introduced before the General Assembly's next two-week break in April.