Can You Sports Bet in Connecticut?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Connecticut. It launched in October 2021 after Governor Ned Lamont signed legislation authorizing sports wagering and online gambling earlier in the year.
Legalization and Launch of Sports Betting
Connecticut’s journey to legal sports betting involved years of discussions and negotiations. While the state had considered legalizing sports wagering for some time, a breakthrough came in 2021. Governor Ned Lamont played a key role by reaching agreements with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes, who operate Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun, respectively. These agreements paved the way for legislation (House Bill 6451) that authorized both in-person and online sports betting in the state. Governor Lamont signed the bill into law in May 2021, and following regulatory approvals, Connecticut’s first retail sportsbooks opened in late September 2021. Online sports betting platforms followed soon after, launching in October 2021, marking a significant moment for the state’s gambling landscape.
Connecticut Sports Betting Laws and Regulations
Connecticut’s sports betting landscape operates under specific laws and regulations outlined in House Bill 6451 and related agreements. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) oversees the industry, ensuring compliance and responsible gambling practices. The legal age for sports betting in Connecticut is 21 years or older. The state permits wagering on a wide range of professional and collegiate sports, with the exception of in-state college teams. However, there are ongoing discussions about potentially amending the law to allow bets on Connecticut-based college teams. The state’s sports betting framework includes a 13.75% tax rate for retail sportsbooks and an 18% rate for online platforms. These revenues contribute to state coffers.
Available Sports Betting Options
Connecticut offers residents and visitors a variety of ways to engage in legal sports betting. You can place wagers at retail sportsbooks located at Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino. Additionally, the state has three licensed online sports betting platforms⁚ DraftKings, FanDuel, and PlaySugarHouse. These platforms offer a convenient and accessible way to bet on a wide array of sports, from football and basketball to baseball and soccer, all from the comfort of your computer or mobile device. This blend of retail and online options ensures a comprehensive and competitive sports betting market in Connecticut.
Tribal Casinos and Sports Betting
Connecticut’s tribal casinos, Foxwoods Resort Casino (operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe) and Mohegan Sun (operated by the Mohegan Tribe), play a central role in the state’s sports betting landscape. These casinos were instrumental in the legalization of sports betting in Connecticut, and they now offer both retail and online sports betting options. Foxwoods partners with DraftKings for its online platform, while Mohegan Sun partners with FanDuel. This collaboration between the tribes and well-established sports betting brands has been crucial in establishing a successful sports betting market in Connecticut.
Revenue and Taxes
Connecticut’s sports betting market generates significant revenue for both the state and the tribes involved. The state levies a 13.75% tax on revenue from retail sports betting and an 18% tax on revenue from online sports betting. These tax rates are relatively standard compared to other states with legal sports betting. The revenue generated from sports betting taxes goes towards various state programs, including education, economic development, and problem gambling services. The tribes also contribute a portion of their sports betting revenue to the state as part of their gaming compacts. The introduction of sports betting has provided a new source of income for Connecticut, helping to fund important initiatives and contribute to the state’s overall economic growth.