The Delaware State Lottery has chosen Rush Street Interactive (RSI) as its new online gaming vendor, ending 888’s decade-long run. In its announcement on Thursday, RSI did not say when its technology would take over, but the bidding process requirement the selected operator to be able to flip the switch by November 1 of this year.
From a casino player’s perspective, if the transition goes smoothly, the big change will be the look and feel of the online casino products, as it will be completely different software. Casino games are still casino games, though, and if anything, RSI may be able to provide more variety than 888.
RSI will likely launch a sports betting platform at some point, as that capability was also a requirement the Lottery dictated. 888 did partner with Sports Illustrated to create the SI Sportsbook, but it never launched in Delaware.
The switch to RSI may end up being a problem for online poker players, though. 888 supplies the poker software for the state’s three racinos: Delaware Park, Harrington Raceway, and Dover Downs. The upshot of this is that 888 also powers WSOP.com, so Delaware players have enjoyed the ability to play at the same tables as players in Nevada and New Jersey, a necessity because of the state’s tiny player base.
Delaware poker players will likely be cut off from other states
With 888 out, Delaware poker players will likely be cut off from other states, unless some deal is/has been made. RSI bought Phil Galfond’s Run It Once Poker last year, but has yet to launch it in the US and wouldn’t get it going in Delaware without also setting it up in Michigan or New Jersey, which can share player pools.