Sports Betting and Internet Gambling Legalized in Connecticut

The Connecticut Senate ed legislation of sports betting and internet gambling shortly before midnight of May 25, 2021. The legislation expands the state’s tribal gaming option and opens the door for online and retail sports betting.

The bill was ed by the House of Representatives earlier this month on a 122-21 and the Senate ed the bill on a 28-6 vote. It will serve as a new compact between the government and the state’s gaming tribes once it is signed into law by Gov. Ned Lamont. Once signed, the deal will go to the federal Department of the Interior, which is expected to approve the bill by June or early July.

Fine Details

Following the approval of the federal Department of Interior, the agreement will allow the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes to open and regulate the sportsbook at their Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods casinos. The tribes will also be able to start an online sportsbook and casino each, which would be regulated and licensed separately by the state consumer protections department.

Connecticut Lottery will also be able to begin to operate an online sportsbook under the agreement as well. The lottery is allowed to operate as many as 15 additional retail sportsbooks across the state. The only limitation is that the sportsbooks cannot be within 25 miles of the two casinos.

The sportsbooks that will be available in Connecticut will not be able to offer bets on in-state programs such as the UConn Men’s and Women’s basketball teams.

Economic Growth

Connecticut’s state representatives say that the legalization has been a long and strange trip and that it is much more about gaming and gambling. They say that the legalization of sports betting and online gambling represents an economic development and that it is worth celebrating.

“This really is an important economic development bill. That’s what it is. his is worth celebrating to finally reach this point,” said Senate President Pro Tem Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven.

The bill which legalizes sports betting and online gaming in Connecticut permits single-game wagering. This would indirectly prohibit daily fantasy contests. DFS operators would have to receive a licensed, but the process could lasts for months, which would prohibit operators from offering contests during the regulatory review process. This means that operators such as DraftKings and FanDuel may not be able to offer bets for the football season, which is perhaps the most popular sport for DFS players.

Source:

“Connecticut Senate es Sports Betting Legislation, Looks to Launch Ahead of 2021 NFL Season”, actionnetwork.com, May 26, 2021.