When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn The Delaware online poker scene is thriving, but which sites are worth your attention? We know that poker is legal in the First State. We also know there are plenty of big-name operators doing great things. And we now know the best online poker sites in DE, as outlined in this guide.
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| Best Crypto Poker Site |
CoinPoker |
150% deposit bonus up to $2,000 |
150% deposit bonus up to $2,000
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CoinPoker
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Play Now |
Black Chip Poker |
100% up to $2,000 |
100% up to $2,000
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Black Chip Poker
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Play Now | |
BetOnline |
100% Bonus up to $1,000 |
100% Bonus up to $1,000
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BetOnline
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Play Now | |
Ya Poker |
100% up to $2,000 |
100% up to $2,000
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Ya Poker
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Play Now |
- Show Full Guide
Best Sites for Delaware Online Poker – Our Top Four Picks
What are the best offshore poker sites to play on and what features should you be looking out for? We have done a deep dive into the best sites available for players in Delaware. Based on our research, extensive tests, and feedback from players, these are the four best offshore DE poker sites:
- CoinPoker – Bet with crypto and get 33% rakeback
- Black Chip Poker – Join tourneys with over $10M GTD
- BetOnline – Play soft players and try rare games like Short Deck Poker
- Ya Poker – Big guarantees and funky game types such as all-in or fold events.
Expert Reviews of the Best Delaware Online Poker Sites
The Delaware poker scene is packed with options. We know you don’t have time to sort through them all, so we’ve done the hard work for you. Using our vast network of resources and years of experience, we’ve tested every major poker site in Delaware and, based on what we saw, these are the state’s finest operators.
1. CoinPoker – Best for Crypto and Rakeback
- Payout time: Immediate
- Established: 2017
- License: Curaçao eGaming
- Headquarters: Willemstad, Curaçao
- Restricted states: None
Our Verdict: Rating 9.9/10
CoinPoker is at the forefront of Delaware online poker with its crypto-first approach and lucrative rakeback schemes, which can only be unlocked when you use their native token, CHP.
It’s well worth it, as the rakeback percentages here dwarf many of those at other poker sites in Delaware. Our experts believe this is a trend which will catch on at other DE poker rooms as crypto and custom tokens begin to work alongside or replace traditional loyalty points, which play a huge role at real money online poker sites.
Clearly, CoinPoker isn’t afraid to do things differently. This is also true of their games selection, as you’ll sometimes spot unusual options like Open Face Chinese Poker.
But CoinPoker does do some things traditionally. There are tons of Texas Hold’em tourneys and cash games, including the Big Bang events which run every day and carry some meaty guarantees.
All of this combines to attract a large player pool which leads to more tourneys, bigger guarantees, and plenty of cash games running round the clock.
Features Overview
- Poker Options: 9/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 9/10
- User Experience: 8/10
- Payment Methods: 8/10
- Customer Support: 9/10
Pros 
- Get huge rakeback by using native CHP token
- Try niche games like Open Face Chinese Poker
- Consistent guarantees in daily schedule, like Big Bang tourneys
- Free poker guides for beginners
Cons
- High-stakes tables not always full
- Familiarity with crypto is essential
2. BetOnline Poker – Best Overall Service
- Payout time: 24 hours (Mon-Fri 9am to 1pm)
- Established: 2001
- License: Panama Gaming Commission
- Headquarters: St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda
- Restricted states: NJ
Our Verdict: Rating 9.8/10
The team behind BetOnline has been in the gambling business since 1991. Pooling their experience and resources, they launched BetOnline in 2001 under the Panama Gaming Commission’s jurisdiction.
Today, with more than 25 years in poker and 30+ years in the gambling industry, it’s safe to say the executives at BetOnline know what they’re doing.
That’s clear from the moment you hit the sign-up button New customers receive a $1,000 first deposit match and, from there, the rewards continue to flow. If we’re being honest, some of the bonus wagering requirements could be improved.
For example, the minimum deposit required to trigger the welcome offer is $50. Additionally, you’ll need to rake $50 to release $5 of your bonus. Having said this, a four-figure first deposit match is more than you’ll get as locally licensed Delaware poker rooms.
Getting into the specifics, BetOnline has instant-play and downloadable software. We preferred the desktop app as it’s a bit more stable, but the instant-play software is fine if you just want to ante up quickly.
BetOnline offers all the main game types including Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, Draw, and Mixed Games. Cash game and tournament buy-ins start at $1. A few high stakes tables (e.g. $25/$50+) would be nice but, overall, there’s a nice spread of games.
Indeed, cash games are given a boost by the bad beat jackpot which pays out a progressive prize (usually over $1 million) if someone loses with four-of-a-kind.
For tournament players, the combination of generous guarantees, including a regular $3 million series, means there’s always something to play for.
Some tweaks to the wagering requirements would be nice and it would be good to see rakeback offered. However, as an overall package, BetOnline stands out as the leading offshore DE online poker room.
Features Overview
- Poker Options: 9/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 8/10
- User Experience: 8/10
- Payment Methods: 9/10
- Customer Support: 9/10
Pros
- $1,000 first deposit match
- $100k leaderboard challenges and promotions
- Covers all popular variants, including Open Face Chinese Poker
- Cash game straddles and all-in cashout feature
Cons
- Bonus wagering requirements could be improved
- No rakeback
Delaware Online Poker Legislation Timeline
- 2012: Delaware online poker sites have been legal since 2012 thanks to the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act. That act legalized online poker, casino gaming, and lottery games in the state.
- 2013: The first licensed Delaware online poker sites launched in November 2013.
- 2014: Delaware enters the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, which means licensed operators can connect to playerpools in Nevada and, subsequently, New Jersey and Michigan.
- 2024: Switch from the state’s official poker network, 888, to one operated by Rush Street Interactive (RSI) takes place.
As you can see, players have been able to enjoy Delaware poker online since 2012. However, what’s important to note is that the number of options is limited if you stick to locally licensed sites.
RSI provides the foundation for three poker rooms operated by Bally’s Dover, Delaware Park, and Harrington Raceway, all of which use the same underlying software.
If you want more variety when you play online poker in Delaware, it’s worth trying internationally licensed sites, also known as offshore DE poker sites.
Is Online Poker Legal in Delaware?
Yes, it’s legal to play online poker for real money in Delaware. In fact, live poker in Delaware is also legal. This state has been offering local licenses since 2012.
However, because of the way gambling laws are structured in the First State, only three local racinos have been given poker licenses. These sites do share player pools with their counterparts in Nevada, Michigan, and New Jersey.
Even with liquidity sharing pacts in place, the amount of action at locally licensed Delaware online poker sites is limited.
The most active DE online poker rooms are licensed internationally by reputable agencies such as Curacao eGaming. Offshore poker sites are available to players around the world, including those in multiple US states. This means they have larger player pools which, in turn, gives operators scope to offer bigger tournament guarantees and more lucrative bonuses.
Offshore Sites Are Legal
The combination of locally and internationally licensed online poker sites in Delaware does create a bit of confusion. However, the important point to remember is that no US citizens have been prosecuted for using offshore poker sites.
What’s more, our recommended offshore poker sites have been active for more than a decade in most cases.
They’re regulated by long-standing governing bodies, and they use the latest security software. This means they’re every bit as legit as their local counterparts and, because they offer more games and promotions, they’re often the first choice for savvy DE poker players.
Delaware Online Poker Laws
Delaware gambling laws make it legal to play poker in land-based casinos or online. Under the terms of the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012, poker is legal under these conditions:
- Operators must be licensed
- The minimum age to player poker in Delaware in 21
- Profits are subject to tax (this may not apply if you use offshore DE poker sites)
DE Online Poker Bonuses
Play online poker for real money in Delaware and you’ll get access to a bevy of bonuses. Indeed, it doesn’t matter if you play cash games or online poker tournaments in Delaware, the following offers will be on hand to give you a timely bankroll boost:
Welcome Bonuses: All offshore DE poker sites give you a welcome bonus when you join. Welcome bonuses can include cashback, free credits, and tournament tickets.
Deposit Match Bonuses: Any promo that rewards you for adding funds to your account is known as a deposit bonus. A deposit promo that gives you an equal number of free credits to the amount of money you added to your account is known as a match bonus.
No Deposit Bonuses: Certain bonuses, such as sign-up and loyalty rewards, aren’t predicated on a financial transaction. These promotions are known as no deposit bonuses.
Freeroll Bonuses: Poker freerolls are tournaments that don’t have an entry fee but pay out cash prizes. Certain promotions will give you freeroll tickets when you complete certain tasks.
Ongoing Promotions: Any promotion that spans multiple weeks or months is known as an ongoing offer. Common examples of ongoing promotions are loyalty rewards.
Loyalty Bonuses: You can earn loyalty rewards when you play online poker for real money in Delaware. Each real-money bet you make earns a certain number of points and these points can be used to unlock special rewards.
Refer-a-Friend Bonuses: Directing your friends and family to one of our offshore poker sites using a special link gets you and them a bonus.
How to Play Online Poker in Delaware
You can create an online poker account and start playing for real money by following these straightforward steps.
Pick a Delaware Poker Site
Select an offshore poker site, such as BetOnline.Click to Register
Use our secure sign-up link to open the BetOnline registration page.Open the Registration Form
Tap “Join” to start the registration process.
Enter Your Details
Input your name, email, password, country, zip code, phone number, and date of birth.Verify Your Account
Tap “create account” and verify it via an email link sent to your inbox.
Log In, Deposit, and Play
Start a game using the instant-play software or download the desktop/mobile app to log in, make a deposit, and play.
Delaware Poker Apps
Offshore Delaware online poker operators will always give you the option to play via a mobile device. In general, offshore poker sites don’t offer native iOS or Android apps. Some do, but others don’t.
Regardless of whether you can download an app or not, the fact remains you can access a full range of services via smartphones and tablets.
In fact, what’s nice about using a mobile poker site or app is that you never miss out on a fishy cash game or tournament overlay. As long as you’re able to focus, it’s easy to ante up via any mobile device and play your favorite poker games.
Pros & Cons of Delaware Poker Apps over Desktop
Look across the online gambling industry and mobile platforms are taking over, particularly when it comes to casino gaming and sports betting.
However, despite the recent advances in mobile technology, poker is still popular on desktop devices. There is a case, however, to be made for mobile poker apps. So, to help you choose the ideal medium, here are the pros and cons of mobile poker platforms:
Pros:
- You can play anywhere and at any time
- A great way to access potentially profitable games
- Touch controls make the games feel immersive
- Increased accessibility gives you more opportunities to claim bonuses
Cons:
- It’s hard to play more than one table at a time
- Cards and icons are smaller to its easier to miss things
Payment Methods in Delaware
Payments make the Delaware online poker world go round. If you want to play for cash prizes, you need secure ways to make deposits.
Similarly, if you want to reap the benefits of value bets, bluffs, and MTT wins, you need ways to withdraw your money. Offshore poker sites are highly regulated, which means your money is safe when you use these payment methods:
- Visa and MasterCard: The two leading credit and debit card providers can be used for deposits and withdrawals at our recommended offshore casinos. The average time for debit card withdrawals is three to five days.
- Wire Transfer: You can send money directly from your bank account to a Delaware poker site and make withdrawals using this method. Wire transfers are best for large transactions.
- Money Orders: It’s possible to fund your account by going to a local affiliate store and requesting a money order. Once you’ve filled out the request and received a code, use that to make a deposit.
- Cryptocurrencies: The top-rated Delaware offshore poker sites let you make deposits and withdrawals using a variety of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Cryptos are great for small transactions. Additionally, withdrawals are, typically, processed within 24 hours.
Types of Poker Games Through Delaware Online Poker
What games can you play at the top DE online poker sites? Well, for starters, you can play free cash games and tournaments with fun credits. You can’t win cash prizes playing these games, but they’re a great way to learn the basics and have fun.
You can play freeroll tournaments and win cash prizes, but that’s not the same as using fun credits. The main ways to play for real-money prizes are cash games, multi-table tournaments (MTTs), and sit & go tournaments (SNGs). These formats are available at micro, low, medium, and high stakes.
Finally, you can play cash games and tournaments in these formats:
Texas Hold’em
Texas Hold’em is the most popular variant, regardless of whether you’re playing live poker in Delaware or using an offshore site. Every player gets two hole cards they can combine with five community cards. The aim is to make the best five-card poker hand or force everyone else to fold. Hold’em can be played as Limit, Pot Limit, or No Limit.
Pro tip: Try the micro stakes No Limit Hold’em cash games on Everygame for an easy introduction to poker.
Omaha
For a more dynamic, action-packed way of playing poker, try Omaha. Unlike Hold’em where you get two hole cards, everyone starts with four hole cards in Omaha. This instantly increases the number of hands you can make.
Another important rule in Omaha is that you have to use both of your hole cards in combination with three of the five community cards. This rule generates a lot of action, which is why poker pros enjoy Pot Limit Omaha (PLO).
Pro tip: Dive into the madness of PLO cash games at Everygame.
Stud
Stud is a traditional poker variant. You don’t typically find Stud tournaments online, but it is a popular cash game variant.
This game doesn’t have community cards. Instead, everyone gets seven cards, four are dealt face-up and three are dealt face-down over multiple streets. The aim is to base your decisions on your cards and the ones face-up in front of your opponents. Stud can be played as Limit or Pot Limit.
Pro tip: Join SportsBetting.ag to access an impressive mix of high and low stakes Seven Card Stud.
Draw
Draw is exactly what you’d expect, a poker variant where you have one main decision: stick or draw. The most popular format is Five Card Draw.
Everyone places an ante to get five cards dealt face-down. After assessing the value of your hand, you can either fold or play. If you play, you’ve got the option to swap as many or few cards as you like. After the draw, another betting round goes down and, if two or more players remain in the pot, a showdown takes place.
Pro tip: Learn how to play Draw poker and take advantage of the soft games at SportsBetting.ag.
Tax on Online Poker Winnings in Delaware
Gambling winnings are taxable in Delaware. As per the State Lottery, all wins over $5,000 will have 24% withheld to cover federal tax. Additionally, any profit you make from gambling, including poker, is subject to state tax of between 2.2% and 6.6%, depending on your annual earnings.
One thing to note is that these rules apply to all online gambling, sports betting, and poker sites in the First State. Offshore poker sites aren’t required to report your betting activity to US authorities.
So, while there are rules in place regarding gambling profits, the IRS won’t know whether or not you’ve won or lost money at an offshore poker room.
Regulated Poker Sites vs Offshore Poker Sites
We’ve already given you an overview of the Delaware online poker scene with regards to locally and internationally licensed sites. Both types of DE poker sites are great but, if you want the best selection of games and promotions, offshore sites have the edge.
Some other things to consider when you’re sizing up regulated vs. offshore DE online poker rooms are.
| Offshore Poker Sites | Regulated Poker Sites |
| Your winnings aren’t reported to the IRS | Poker wins get reported to the IRS and are liable for tax |
| Bigger networks means there are more weak players to compete against | Playerpools will be smaller than offshore sites, so there are fewer games to play |
| The promotions are more lucrative and there are rakeback offers | Bonuses and promotions aren’t as lucrative |
| The operator’s HQ and support team aren’t located in the US | Operators are licensed in Delaware, so you have a local point of contact |
| The servers aren’t based in the US, which can cause connectivity issues (even though this is rare) | Regulated Delaware poker sites have local land-based partners |
Tips for Playing Online Poker for Real Money in Delaware
Before you can learn how to play online poker in Delaware tournaments and cash games and come out on top, you need to master the basics. Some of the best poker tips we can give you as a novice are:
Playing Online Poker vs Poker Live in Delaware
Delaware had one live poker room at the time of writing, which means it’s possible to ante up and stare down opponents in cash games and tournaments.
Live poker has a lot going for it. It’s social, it’s engaging, it’s interactive, and it’s enjoyable. What’s more, there’s a buzz to live casinos that can’t be recreated online.
Add to all of this the fact that live poker players are, in general, weaker than online players, and it’s easy to see why Delaware casino poker rooms are thriving.
However, for all the benefits there are to playing live poker in Delaware, offshore sites still have the edge. Of course, everyone has their own preferences but, when you look at it objectively, online poker is a better overall proposition.
To back up this claim, here are there the benefits to playing online poker:
- The games are faster, so you get to play more hands per hour.
- You can play freerolls and micro stakes games, something that’s not possible in live poker rooms.
- There are bonus offers and rakeback, so you get money even if you lose.
- Games are available 24/7 via desktop and mobile devices.
- It’s possible to play multiple games at once.
- The playerpools are bigger, so it’s easier to find weak players (aka fish).
Live Poker in Delaware – Casinos With Poker Rooms
There used to be three places to play live poker in Delaware: Harrington Raceway & Casino, Dover Downs, and Delaware Park. Unfortunately, the poker rooms at Harrington Raceway and Dover Downs were closed at the time of writing.
The good news is that you can still play cash games and tournaments at one Delaware casino poker room.
Delaware Park Casino
- Address: 777 Delaware Park Blvd, Wilmington, DE 19804
- Opening hours: 11am – 3am, Monday to Sunday
The Delaware Park poker room at the casino might not be able to compete with its counterparts in states such as Nevada and New Jersey, but it’s a solid option for locals. Cash games start at $1/$2 and you can usually find action up to $2/$5.
One thing that cash game players will appreciate is the rake-free promotion. Basically, you can play $2/$5 Hold’em cash games on Wednesdays and Fridays from 4pm to 8pm without paying any rake.
In terms of Delaware Park poker tournaments, you can usually find two or three running throughout the week and four per day over the weekend. The average buy-in is $65, but there are tournaments that cost $120+. For a final flourish, Delaware Park Casino offers loyalty rewards, high hand bonuses, and table service.
How Delaware Poker Compares to its Neighboring States
In terms of live poker, Delaware is lagging behind other US gambling hot spots such as Nevada online poker, New Jersey, and Michigan.
However, when it comes to Delaware poker online, there’s a lot going on. That’s because players in the state have access to locally licensed and offshore poker sites.
Players in other states, such as California and Florida, only have access to offshore poker sites. So, in this regard, Delaware is one of the best places to play online poker in America.
Sweepstakes Poker Online
This guide to online poker in Delaware has focused on offshore and locally licensed sites, but there’s actually a third option.
Sweepstakes poker sites are legal in virtually every US state and offer a way to play free games but win prizes. The model is simple: you wager free credits known as Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. Gold Coins are just for fun. Sweeps Coins can be exchanged for prizes.
In essence, they’re tickets that give you entry into a sweepstakes draw. However, instead of actually entering a draw, you simply get to redeem Sweeps Coins for prizes, including cash payments. All of this is possible thanks to US sweepstakes laws.
As long as you’re not required to pay for coins, these sites are legal. Therefore, if you want to try something different, check out sweepstakes sites such as Chumba and WOW Vegas.
History of Online Poker in Delaware
Most people see the 2012 Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act as the defining moment for online poker in the First State. In many ways, it was a pivotal time because the act opened the door to locally regulated online poker and casino sites.
However, offshore poker sites have been available in Delaware for many years. So, while 2012 is an important date, it’s fair to say that poker has been popping in Delaware for more than 20 years.
Famous Delaware Poker Players
Delaware isn’t particularly flush with famous poker players, but there are some. Isaac Kempton, for example, has over $4.7 million in tournament earnings. Among his list of accolades is a WSOP Circuit title, as well as multiple wins on the PokerGO Tour.
Another notable name is Alexander Borteh. He won a WSOP bracelet in 2007 and is regarded as a Limit Hold’em specialist.
Responsible Gambling in Delaware
Poker should be fun. That means you should always play within your means and never make rash decisions. The best offshore poker sites have responsible gambling tools to help you stay in control, including:
- Personalized deposit limits
- Limits on the stakes you can play for
- Problem gambling FAQs and advice
- Timeouts and self-exclusion options
In addition to those resources, you can contact the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems if you need help.
The Best Delaware Online Poker Site for October 2024 – Key Takeaways
- Fully legal and safe to play online poker in Delaware
- Big opportunities for rakeback at CoinPoker
- Distinct advantages to playing online poker vs live poker in DE
Affiliate Disclosure: Techopedia may receive advertising commissions for visits to a suggested operator through our affiliate links, at no added cost to you. However, all our recommendations are unbiased and follow a thorough review process. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly and you must be of legal gambling age.
How We Test and Review Poker Websites
150+ Gambling Platforms Reviewed
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Playing online poker is becoming more popular by the day and you need to choose a reputable site that best matches your needs.
We here at Techopedia have an in-house review process that’s analyzed by our poker experts that covers each and every aspect of the most popular online poker sites in the world.
In particular we look at:
- Rakeback and other bonuses
- Game selection
- Player pool size
- Reputation and safety
- Payment methods
To find out more, take a look at our detailed guide on how we test gambling platforms and poker sites featured on Techopedia.
FAQs
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References
Here are some resources that might be helpful if you want to play online poker in Delaware:
- http://www.gamblersanonymous.org
- https://www.curacao-egaming.com/
- https://crypto.com/university/crypto-wallets
- https://www.americangaming.org/
- https://ir.rushstreetinteractive.com/news/news-details/2024/Delaware-Lottery-Launches-Online-Sports-Betting-With-The-Transition-To-BetRivers-Powering-The-States-New-Online-Casinos–Online-Sportsbooks/default.aspx
