2013 Press Releases
November 7, 2013
iGaming Goes Live In The First State
Delaware Lottery Announces Online Play of Casino-Style Games Is Officially Public and Available To Delaware Residents Ages 18 and Older
Dover, DE - November 7, 2013 - The Delaware Lottery is pleased to announce that the First State is the first to go live with iGaming. Starting today, Delaware residents ages 18 years of age and older will have full access to and be able to play casino-style games on the Internet that include poker, blackjack, roulette and video lottery. In conjunction with online gaming providers Scientific Games (SGI) and 888 Holdings, the iGaming technology platform will operate through the individual websites of Delaware Lottery's three licensed Video Lottery agents Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway & Casino. Each will serve as the primary point for engagement with players.
“We are very excited to not only be the first state in U.S. history to go live with a comprehensive, intrastate iGaming system, but also to be one of the first state lotteries to deliver new, innovative, and cutting-edge technology as an alternative way for our players to play some of their favorite casino games,” said Lottery Director Vernon Kirk. “Delaware has been a frontrunner in the gaming industry and for bringing new forms of revenue to our state, first with the casino racetracks, then Sports Lottery and now iGaming. I'd like to thank Secretary of Finance, Tom Cook, for all of his support. Through the continued support of our state, its patrons and our vendor partners, the Delaware Lottery hopes to continue to advance in the gaming industry and to bring new playing experiences to Delaweareans.”
Last week (Oct. 31), the Delaware Lottery rolled out iGaming with a soft launch of the online gaming system at Delaware's three casinos and made it available to a select number of preferred players. In doing so, the Lottery and casino personnel were able to monitor the system's live account creation, identity checks and game play in real time, and with real money, and could ensure the workings of the daily accounting and reconciliation process that take place with such an online system.
Additionally, to guarantee proper play of iGaming, a Facebook account will not be required, but a full battery of authorizations and verifications will be employed to authenticate a player's identity and age, and also to ensure that the player is within the borders of Delaware when they play.
“Delaware is now fully operational with a turnkey solution for their iGaming platform, game content, and operational services with advanced responsible gaming tools and sophisticated player tracking in place,” said Pat McHugh, President of North American Lottery Systems for Scientific Gaming.
In May 2013, Scientific Games International, 888 Holdings and Williams Interactive LLC, were the chosen primary vendors to operate Internet gaming systems and services in Delaware. 888 Holdings is a worldwide Internet gaming leader offering best of breed poker and casino products across 150 global markets. Scientific Games is a leading developer of technology-based products, services and associated content for worldwide gaming and lottery markets. Scientific Games also offers an array of experience in the gaming industry with a distinctive history in Delaware's land based environment. Williams Interactive LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Scientific Games.
