From June 5 to June 24, when the revenue numbers were reported to officials, nearly 70,000 wagers for a total of just over $7 million were made at Delaware Park, Dover Downs and Harrington Raceway. Bettors won a little more than $6 million, leaving the state with the $1 million in revenue.
During that three-week stretch, Delaware sportsbooks have a hold percentage -- the amount the house keeps of the amount wagered -- of better than 14 percent. In comparison, Nevada sportsbooks' hold percentage has been 5.5 percent since 1992.
"We were pleasantly surprised," said Delaware Lottery director Vernon Kirk. "I'm cautiously optimistic, but check back with me when football season starts. No matter how you look at it, we have a good first few weeks, but I'd be surprised if it stayed that strong."
Kirk said baseball accounted for 75 percent of the money wagered, with the World Cup (10 percent) and NBA Finals (8 percent) the next most popular events to bet during June.
During that three-week stretch, Delaware sportsbooks have a hold percentage -- the amount the house keeps of the amount wagered -- of better than 14 percent. In comparison, Nevada sportsbooks' hold percentage has been 5.5 percent since 1992.
"We were pleasantly surprised," said Delaware Lottery director Vernon Kirk. "I'm cautiously optimistic, but check back with me when football season starts. No matter how you look at it, we have a good first few weeks, but I'd be surprised if it stayed that strong."
Kirk said baseball accounted for 75 percent of the money wagered, with the World Cup (10 percent) and NBA Finals (8 percent) the next most popular events to bet during June.
