On Tuesday, Delaware house lawmakers failed to pass a bill reauthorizing a sports betting lottery in Delaware. The bill had the support of Governor Jack Markell, but was opposed by the gambling industry. The measure fell two votes short of the three-fifths majority needed for approval, with 23 votes in favor, 15 against and three abstentions. Delaware is one of only four states, along with Nevada, Montana and Oregon that is allowed to have sports betting. The revenue that would have been generated by passage of the legislation was a crucial component of the governor’s plans for the upcoming fiscal year. Markell’s first proposal included authorization of three more slot machines and betting casinos and would have allowed sports betting at up to 10 other venues. Strong opposition to that proposal resulted in amended legislation that would have required the three existing casinos to pay a total of $4.5 million annually in sports betting license fees. A lengthy debate on the legislation had opponents questioning the legality of a sports lottery and also argued against a provision that would have increased the state’s take from Delaware’s three slot machine casinos. Casino representatives said that the proposed increased revenue split for the state would cause financial hardship and could have put Harrington Raceway and Casino out of business. Harrington CEO Patti Key stated that Harrington had net income of more than $7 million in 2008, but that the legislation would have caused a deficit of more than $3 million. Markell and House Majority Leader Pete Schwartzkopf, the bill’s primary sponsor, said the legislation would have helped close a projected budget shortfall of $750 million in the new fiscal year. “This isn’t over,” said Markell, adding that his administration will continue to work to get a sports betting bill passed.
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