After losing in the General Assembly, the fight moved to the state Supreme Court and, finally, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia.

On Aug. 24, the appeals court issued a unanimous, three-judge opinion against single-bet sports betting in Delaware.

In September, lawyers for the state of Delaware filed a petition asking the entire 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to rehear arguments in a lawsuit filed by professional sports leagues and the NCAA, seeking a restriction on Delaware’s sports betting.

On Tuesday, Sept. 29, the appeals court refused to hear the petition before all 12 judges.

Gov. Jack Markell’s chief legal counsel Michael Barlow said, “It is important to remember that the NFL tried to shut down Delaware’s sports lottery entirely, but today Delaware has the only legal sports wagering east of the Rocky Mountains. The sports lottery has already – in three weeks – had more wagered than the entire 1976 sports lottery season.”

During the first week of Delaware’s new sports betting lottery, more than 14,500 bets were made at the state’s three racinos, grossing $257,870, according to Finance Secretary Tom Cook.

“We will continue to work with the racinos to attract players, benefit Delaware’s taxpayers and create new jobs.

“The governor is committed to working to create jobs across a range of industries and make Delaware the best state in the country for starting and growing businesses,” said Barlow.