Editor Note: Gov. Ned Lamont has confirmed that legal sports betting will commence online Oct. 7, 2021. Read the article.
Editor Note: The state has passed a legalization law as of June 2021, but a federal permission is still required. Read the article.
Legal sports betting came to all the states around Connecticut and now it will finally within the state after State-versus Tribes disagreements prevented meaningful progress in the past year.
The Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes of Connecticut assert exclusivity in all forms of gambling based on a 1990s compact with the state. They say sports betting would have been included in that compact, if not for the federal prohibition in place at the time.
Therefore, if the state wants to modernize and expand gambling and introduce Connecticut sports betting, it must go through them. To date, the argument stops there with threats of lawsuits and delays if the state doesn’t comply.
Is sports betting legal in Connecticut?
Yes, as of October 2021, Connecticut sports betting will be a reality. Gov. Ted Lamont tried to advance a sports betting agenda and an online lottery in 2019, but those efforts stalled around the arguments of tribal gambling exclusivity. A hearing in early 2020 was meant to kickstart discussions, but did not make much progress. (Read Connecticut legalization updates).
Where can I bet at Connecticut sportsbooks?
Fanduel, Sugarhouse and Draft Kings are expected to be the first three license holders and online sportsbook partners.
Currently, the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville and Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard are the main Indian casinos in Connecticut. Because of the stalemate over sports betting, it is not available here or anywhere else in the state.
Many residents commute to New York for work and can wager in that state.
What about mobile sports betting apps in Connecticut?
Mobile football betting or online gambling will be features of the new law, for residents within state borders.
