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The US state of Delaware rolled out its free online casino gaming platform Wednesday ahead of its planned October launch of real money online gambling.
"This first phase will allow us to really get the players acclimated to the virtual world in a legalized environment," said Tom Cook, Delaware's secretary of finance.
Casino games include roulette, blackjack, poker and slots. The online gambling platform will be operated by slots manufacturer IGT and its subsidiary DoubleDown Casino.
Chief Executive Ed Sutor of Dover Downs Hotel & Casino told USAToday.com the free play will be used as a regional marketing tool, combined with banners offering promotional deals and special offers.
"We are going to try to the best of our ability to get those people from the free-to-play to come play here," he said.
Casino play for real cash will only be permitted for those residing within Delaware’s border. The First State has a total population of just under 1 million people.
Neighboring New Jersey will be unveiling its own intrastate real cash online casino industry over the coming months. Its population is closer to 9 million but would likely market to neighboring cities such as New York and Philadelphia. Nonresidents may partake in New Jersey’s real money online gambling provided they are physically located within the state’s borders.
Delaware offers limited sports betting options, something New Jersey will not for the time being.
- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com
