Delaware to Launch Legal Online Gambling in September

The status of online gambling laws across the United States has progressed exponentially over the last two years. Thus far, only two states ““ Delaware and Nevada – have officially passed laws to regulate various forms of online gambling, while several others are working diligently to implement relative legislation. Leading the pack presently is Delaware, who announced a rigorous schedule that would see legal online poker going live across the state no later than the end of September.

The request for proposal was issued by the Delaware State Lottery on January 31, 2013, “to invite interested Vendors to submit Proposals for the implementation of an Internet Gaming System and Services  Solution (the “Internet Gaming Solution”? or “Solution”?) which  is a turnkey  offering inclusive of a backend technology platform, operations management and support services as well as an array of  game content from multiple Vendors to offer casino table games, Video Lottery games, poker, bingo and keno.”?

In layman’s terms, Delaware is seeking a series of operators, software suppliers, support providers and other IT companies to undertake the task of pulling together a full-scale online gambling regiment within the state. Much like Nevada has been doing since mid-2012, Delaware would have to research all applicants, approve those who pass the state’s regulations and sanction the testing of all systems in preparation for the impending launch.

The 144 page document goes on to say, “It is the Lottery’s intent to begin offering Internet Gaming no later than September 30th, 2013. All proposed components of the Solution must be delivered, installed, implemented, acceptance tested and ready to be operational by the agreed-upon schedule.”?

The vendors sought by Delaware gaming officials include primary vendors and secondary vendors. Primary vendors include operations management providers and platform providers, while non-primary vendors encompass the game content providers and support service providers.

Operations management providers would be the forefront managerial positions, handling the elements that are visible to players; account management, promotions, bonuses, VIP programs, networking and website marketing, as well as fraud and collusion detection.

Platform providers would be in charge of the backend technology, developing the full-scale software platform in which to integrate all of the gambling amusements, banking functions and other player resources so that they work together in a seamless environment.

Game content providers are responsible for developing the actual games to be provided on the software platform. The legislation passed by Delaware in 2012 legalized the following online gambling amusements: casino table games, video lottery games, poker, keno and bingo.

Support service vendors are pretty self-explanatory, providing third-party customer support expertise via multiple methods (telephone, email, live chat, etc.) These vendors would also be responsible for player identification and geo-location, hosting services and payment processing.

All vendors are required to possess a minimum of one year experience in their field, having provided real-money online gambling services in North American and/or European markets.

The Request for Proposal embraces a complete schedule for all necessary activities. Primary vendors and game content providers are expected to be submitted and presented between the dates of April 1-12, with final recommendations offered to the gaming official’s board of directors on April 19th. Content providers and support service vendors would come in late April to early May. The Delaware State Lottery anticipates final decisions on all vendors by May 10, 2012, giving electives more than 3 months to prepare and test all elements before the projected Sept. 30th launch of online gambling in Delaware.