[clevfan]

Gambling on sports could bring state top draws
Delaware Wave
June 15

Sports wagering isn't a new issue to the state of Delaware -- the state had a sports lottery in the 1970's -- but it is definitely something that needs further exploration.

The negatives of gambling immediately jump to mind, but certainly, there are some positives involved for sports fans.

In particular, it could mean Delaware as a destination for more major sporting events. While betting on sports isn't ever going to bring a Super Bowl to Frawley Stadium, the First State could become a more attractive venue for sports like boxing.

Because of the draw of wagering on the event, Las Vegas is often the home to many world-class boxing matches. Atlantic City is the east coast's version, but without sports wagering, promoters would have to seriously consider moving events across the ocean to Delaware.

Already, Dover is home to the largest sporting event in the state, hosting the twice-a-year NASCAR races at Dover Downs. With slots already in Dover, imagine a sports book parlor nearby. Wilmington recently lost a major sporting event in the Ladies Professional Golfers Assocation Tour Championship, which used to be held at DuPont County Club, when it moved to Maryland last year.

The state's capitol is also still looking to build an arena near Delaware State University that could be home for several Hornets teams, plus a minor league hockey team. Boxing promoters could very easily find a home there.

Delaware could also become the East Coast host for the Arena Bowl of the Arena Football League. The championship game is played annually in Las Vegas.

Like the legislation to make sports wagering a reality, this will not happen overnight.

But the economic booms created from gambling and, in turn, the marquee events that the state could draw because of it, should weigh heavily in the minds of those who can make betting on sports an actuality.