The sun is finally shining for Connecticut sports bettors: Connecticut online sports betting is live as of October 19, 2021. In-person sports betting got started on September 30, as DraftKings and FanDuel opened their retail wagering locations to the general public. Mobile sports betting apps provide fans the flexibility and convenience of placing a wager from anywhere at any time. Connecticut has three online operating licenses available—one for each of the state’s two federally recognized tribes and one for the Connecticut Lottery.
State of Connecticut Sports Betting Overview
The state took a big step closer to legal sports betting in early 2021 when Governor Lamont announced an agreement with one of the state’s two gaming tribes for Connecticut sports betting and online gambling.
The other tribe got on board shortly after, and the Connecticut legislature passed the implementing legislation. Per the amended tribal gaming compacts, Connecticut regulates several types of online gambling sites and sports betting.
Connecticut tribes may offer mobile sports betting and retail sportsbooks. The CT Lottery may offer mobile sports betting and up to 15 retail sportsbooks; Lottery-run sportsbooks may not be located within 25 miles of a tribal casino. CT tribes may operate online casinos and poker sites. Fantasy sports are officially legalized; operators must apply for DFS licenses. State to tax sports betting at 13.75%—state to tax online gambling at 18% for five years; 20% after that. Sportsbooks may not accept wagers on games involving in-state college teams.
State of Connecticut Sports Betting Timeline
On October 27, 2021, Rush Street Interactive and the Connecticut Lottery launched a new in-person retail sports betting location at Bobby V’s in Stamford. It is the third PlaySugarHouse in-person location to launch in the state.
On October 26, 2021, Rush Street Interactive and the Connecticut Lottery launched two in-person retail sports betting locations at Sports Haven in New Haven and Bobby V’s in Windsor Locks. Sports Haven is the first in-person PlaySugarHouse sports betting location in Connecticut.
On October 19, 2021, the Full launch for online sports betting in Connecticut begins today. Online and mobile sports wagering is now available to all Connecticut customers through three sportsbooks: FanDuel, SugarHouse, and DraftKings.
On October 12, 2021, Soft launch for online sports betting in Connecticut begins today. A limited group of 2,250 customers get early access to three online sportsbooks entering Connecticut: FanDuel, SugarHouse, and DraftKings.
On October 8, 2021, The new launch date for online Connecticut sports betting has been set for October 19. Some betting sites will be eligible to participate in a soft launch a week earlier on October 12.
On October 5, 2021, The online launch of Connecticut sports betting was delayed. The initial target date of October 7 is expected to be missed, and while officials don’t have a new target date, the delay isn’t expected to be extensive. The delay is caused by a memorandum of understanding from the federal government.
On September 30, 2021, FanDuel and DraftKings kicked off sports betting in Connecticut by opening their retail sportsbook locations. Bettors can visit these locations while they wait for online and mobile wagering to begin on October 7.
On September 27, 2021, The FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook each received clearance to start accepting retail bets. FanDuel will soon accept wagers at the Mohegan Sun Casino, while DraftKings will begin accepting bets at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in the near future. Online CT sports betting will get underway on October 7, 2021.
On September 16, 2021, Governor Ned Lamont’s Chief of Staff, Paul Mounds, said a full launch of online sports betting will take place on October 7. DraftKings, FanDuel, and Rush Street Interactive (SugarHouse) are expected to go live that day in Connecticut.
On September 9, 2021, Governor Ned Lamont tweeted that the federal government has signed off on plans for sports betting and online gaming in the state. The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs informed Governor Lamont that they had given final approval on revisions to the gaming compacts between the state of Connecticut, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, and the Mohegan Tribe.
On August 12, 2021, The Connecticut Lottery selected Rush Street Interactive as its partner. In addition to being the third and final statewide online sports betting operator, the company will operate up to 15 retail locations in the Constitution State.
On July 7, 2021, Mohegan and FanDuel Sportsbook confirmed an official partnership. FanDuel will open a temporary sportsbook at Mohegan Sun Casino in September, with a grand opening of its full sportsbook expected this winter. The CT Lottery has yet to announce its partner, which will be the third and final online operator in Connecticut.
On May 27, 2021, Governor Ned Lamont signed House Bill 6451, officially enacting it into law. However, an updated gaming compact between the state and its tribes must be sent to the federal government’s Department of the Interior for final approval. This process can take up to 45 days.
On May 25, 2021, House Bill 6451 passed in the Senate after being approved by the House the previous week. The Connecticut General Assembly has legalized sports betting. Once formally approved by Governor Ned Lamont, the renegotiated gaming compacts will be sent to the federal government for final approval.
On May 20, 2021, The House approved a bill that would allow sports betting and online gambling in Connecticut.
On May 10, 2021, The Connecticut Lottery issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a sports betting solution and related systems and services. Responses are due May 27, 2021. Four of 15 companies who submitted qualifications during the earlier process are specifically asked to respond with a proposal. However, the RFP is technically open for any company to respond. The Lottery expects to announce a sports betting partner on June 10, 2021.
On April 26, 2021, The Connecticut Lottery received 15 responses to its Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Unsurprisingly, there is significant interest amongst sportsbooks wishing to partner with the state lottery.
On April 12, 2021, The Connecticut Lottery Corporation published a Request for Qualifications and Capabilities, officially beginning the search for sports betting providers to partner with. The Lottery will use an accelerated process in the hopes of a quick launch of sports betting this summer. Responses are due April 23, 2021, at 3 pm local time.
On March 24, 2021, The Connecticut Public Safety and Security Committee moved forward three bills related to sports betting. HB 6451, SB 146, and HB 6512 are now in discussion on the floor of both Connecticut legislative chambers. Mobile sports betting appears to be on the path to legalization.
On March 18, 2021, The Office of Governor Ned Lamont announced an agreement between the administration, the Mohegan Tribe, and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation to modernize gaming options available in Connecticut. The deal includes allowing for sports wagering and online gaming. It also names the Connecticut Lottery Corporation as a partner in the efforts.
On December 7, 2020, DraftKings Sportsbook announced a partnership with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe to offer online sports betting in Connecticut, pending state legalization and approvals.