News and Analysis
Delaware Rising - First Sportsbook and RSI Takes Over Online Casinos
Rush Street Interactive has officially taken over the Delaware market, powering and relaunching the state's three online casinos (Delaware Park, Harrington Online, and Bally's Dover) under the BetRivers brand, as well as launching online sports betting at each site.
Players can now place online sports bets for the first time in the Diamond State, with betting open on professional and collegiate games across 28 sports and markets, including spread bets, moneylines, futures, parlays, and props.
RSI has taken over from 888, which has been running the Delaware market since 2013. RSI and the Delaware Lottery have agreed to an initial five-year term, which can be extended.
Helene Keeley, director for the Delaware Lottery, said, "RSI's successes in other jurisdictions, including neighbouring New Jersey and Pennsylvania, are impressive, along with the company's overall reputation and experience.
RSI's commitment to responsible gaming, quality products, breadth of gaming content and customer service are key reasons we are so excited to partner with them.
Together RSI and the Delaware Lottery are devoted to successfully delivering best-in-class products and services to our customers."
We certainly can't wait to see what happens to the Delaware market as RSI revitalizes it. As one of the first states to legalize online gaming, there were big hopes for online casinos in DE, but due to the high tax rates on gaming and restrictive licensing setup, the market has stagnated over the last ten years.
Maine Proposes Exclusive Tribal Gaming Rights
Lawmakers in Maine will hold a public hearing on Wednesday to decide whether to grant exclusive online gambling rights to tribes. Federally recognized tribes in Maine have been offering legal online sports betting since LD 585 legalized the activity, and the market launched in late 2023. However, some parties now seek to extend this to cover iGaming.
Three proposals will be heard (carried over from the previous legislative session), with opposition expected from current state governor Janet Mills. We'll bring you more on this story next week.
Detroit Casino Revenue Down 3.1% in 2023
The yearly totals are in for Detroit, Michigan, showing a total revenue decline for the city's three land-based casinos of 3.1%. The drop is less significant than expected, given that Detroit's casinos were shut for over a month as staff struck in October and November, demanding better pay and working conditions.
MGM, the casino affected the longest by strike action, remained the market leader with a 46% share. MotorCity Casino placed second with a 31% market share, and Hollywood came in third with 23% of the market.
Prospect Georgia
SB 172, which seeks to legalize online sports betting in Georgia, has passed the Senate Regulated Industries vote by 8-4, meaning it will now advance to the full Senate for debate.
Legalized sports betting would require an amendment to the Georgia constitution and thus requires a two-thirds vote from the House and Senate to pass, after which it must be approved during a state-wide ballot.
Georgia is one of few US states where almost all gambling activities (lottery and charity-based gaming aside) remain illegal, including sports betting and land-based casinos.
Game of the Week
Mega Diamond Slot - AGS, RTP: 94%
This week, we're discussing a golden oldie and one of the most popular online slots on the market right now, AGS's Mega Diamond. Mega Diamond is a classic, three-reel slot game that's traditionally only been available at brick-and-mortar casinos until recently.
This no-frills, all-action title is now available at US online casinos and offers high-roller fun with bets starting from $0.05 and reaching up to $360 a spin, with max payouts of $450,000.
Like all true classics, the gameplay is simple, and all you need to do to start making wins is line up matching Mega Diamond, 7, or Bar Symbols. There are 9 paylines and some features to explore, including a progressive jackpot prize.
- Multipliers: These can be randomly added to some number 7 symbols, increasing any line by 2-5x.
- Wilds: The Mega Diamond symbols can act as Wilds, subbing for all other symbols except multipliers or other Mega Diamonds (there are three types of Mega symbols in total).
- Jackpots: If you match 3 red Mega Diamond symbols on a payline, you'll get the largest jackpot; 3 blue and you get the second tier; 3 purple, you get the third tier payout; and lastly, if you get 3 mixed Mega Diamond symbols on a payline, you'll win the fourth tier (smallest) progressive jackpot.
And that, Folks, is all you need to know to play and win Mega Diamond online slot. Aside from that, the higher your stake, the higher your chances of hitting a jackpot payout! Ready to spin? Then, set your bets and check it out at these AGS online casinos.