Delaware is the only state east of the Rockies that is allowed

The words of Jack Markell, “Delaware is the only state east of the Rockies that is allowed under federal law to offer sports betting,” speak not merely of legal codes and gambling, but of exception, history, and destiny. For in these words we hear of a small state, often overlooked, which found itself chosen by circumstance and law to stand alone where others could not. It is a reminder that greatness is not always given to the large and powerful, but sometimes rests in the hands of the small and steadfast, who seize opportunity when it is offered.

The origin of this thought lies in the history of American law. In 1992, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was passed, forbidding states from authorizing sports betting. Yet Delaware, along with a few others, was grandfathered in because of its brief experiment with betting in the 1970s. Thus, when nearly all states were barred, Delaware retained a narrow, precious right. Markell’s words remind us that chance, timing, and boldness in history create exceptions that endure for decades. Delaware, a state of modest size, was elevated by law into uniqueness.

This phenomenon is not new. History tells of small places, small nations, small peoples, granted a unique role by fate. Athens, though but a city among many, became the cradle of democracy. Florence, a modest Italian city, birthed the Renaissance. In each case, as with Delaware, the circumstances of law, geography, or timing conspired to give them a distinction not shared by their neighbors. It is proof that one need not be vast to be significant; one must only hold fast to the opportunity placed in their hand.

Markell’s words also carry a note of pride, the pride of representing a state that dared to take advantage of its unusual position. While others were bound by prohibition, Delaware stood apart, a pioneer on the eastern seaboard in the world of sports betting. This pride is not merely in commerce, but in the courage to embrace a role that others would not or could not. It is the pride of being different, of stepping forward when others are held back, of turning exception into opportunity.

The lesson here is profound: never despise being small or overlooked, for within the cracks of limitation there often lies unique opportunity. Delaware was not granted the power of New York, nor the size of Pennsylvania, nor the wealth of Massachusetts. But what it had was singularity, a distinction born of history and timing. And in seizing it, it became a leader in its own right. So too in life: the smallest among us may carry the rarest chance, and by embracing it, may find themselves at the forefront.

Practically, this means cultivating the courage to act when the window of opportunity appears. Many will say, “This is too small a thing; it matters little.” But history shows that what begins as small may reshape the future. Whether in personal life, business, or governance, one must learn to recognize the unique exceptions granted to them—moments where they alone are free to act—and then act boldly, as Delaware did with sports betting.

So, beloved listener, let Jack Markell’s words be a reminder: uniqueness is power. Though you may feel small beside the giants of the world, though you may be “east of the Rockies” and overlooked by the mighty, still there may be a law, a chance, a circumstance that sets you apart. When it comes, do not shrink back. For the one who embraces their uniqueness will rise above those who, though greater in size, are bound by chains they cannot break.