Del. lawmakers approve online gambling

DOVER, Del. - The Delaware Senate on Wednesday narrowly approved a bill authorizing online betting, and more venues for sports wagering and other gambling.

Senators voted, 14-6, for the bill, which required a three-fifths majority. Having cleared the House this month, the measure now heads to Gov. Jack Markell, who is expected to sign it.

In addition to allowing online slots and table games, the bill expands keno beyond Delaware's three casinos to at least 100 other sites, and betting on NFL football to at least 20 noncasino sites.

Administration officials say revenues generated by the expanded gambling opportunities will allow them to eliminate $4 million in annual slot machine fees paid by the casinos and cut their table game fees from $6.75 million to $3 million. - AP