Delaware preparing to launch 'full-scale' sports betting in June

Steve Gardner | USA TODAY

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Delaware officials are moving quickly to ensure their state is among the first to offer wagering on sports events.

The office of Gov. John Carney issued a statement Thursday saying that Delaware will run its gaming program through the state lottery and expects to launch it sometime in June.

The action comes in the wake of this week's U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allows states to decide whether to allow its residents to bet on sports.

Delaware had paved the way for legal sports gambling through a state law passed in 2009. In a statement obtained by USA TODAY Sports, Finance Secretary Rick Geisenberger said the state was prepared for the Supreme Court's decision and "had plans in place for months."

NEWS: Delaware to move forward with sports betting, state announces days after SCOTUS repeals PASPA. pic.twitter.com/r9mxHf12Wc — A.J. Perez (@byajperez) May 17, 2018

The state will begin training lottery and casino staff early next week on how the program will be implemented.

The state plans to offer what it calls "full-scale sports gaming," including head-to-head betting on individual games in professional and college sports -- with the exception of games involving Delaware-based teams.

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