USA Today and other media outlets have reported that on Tuesday, May 12, the Delaware state senate approved a sports gambling bill by a vote of 17-2
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Now the bill just requires the signature of governor Jack Markell -- a strong supporter of the bill -- to become law.
Once Markell signs the bill into law, Delaware will become the first state east of the Mississippi River to allow sports wagering.
The USA Today article states that it is estimated that sports betting will generate roughly $50 million annually for the state of Delaware, which Markell said will help with a projected $755 million shortfall in next fiscal year's budget.
"I am very pleased that the senate acted so quickly to pass the sports lottery legislation and I very much appreciate the leadership from both sides of the aisle," Markell said via statement. "In particular, I want to thank Senator (Tony) Deluca as the lead senate sponsor and the leadership in the house of representatives who came together to get us closer to our meeting our budget challenges."
To read the USA Today article in its entirety, click here.
A report by wdel.com explains that senators Thurman Adams of Bridgeville and Gary Simpson of Milford abstained from voting. Both are members of the board of the directors for the State Fair, majority owner of the Harrington Raceway and Casino.
To read the wdel.com article in its entirety, click here.
(With files from USA Today and wdel.com)