HB 251 Summary

• Authorizes advance deposit wagering (ADW) as a licensed pari-mutuel betting system allowing individuals to establish accounts and place wagers via internet or telephone on horse and harness racing.

• Requires ADW providers to be licensed and prohibits accepting wagers from Delaware residents without a license and written contract with the racetrack where wagers will be placed.

• Mandates ADW providers pay source market fees and on-track location fees to licensed racetracks under contracts governed by Delaware law with terms not exceeding three years.

• Directs 50% of source market fees (net of state pari-mutuel taxes and ADW licensee fees) to be distributed to purse funds for horses and racing.

• Applies ADW authorization and regulatory requirements to both harness horse racing (Chapter 100) and thoroughbred horse racing (Chapter 101) operations in Delaware.