There are two online sportsbooks operating in the state: FanDuel Sportsbook, a major player in the industry, is partnered with the Mohegan Tribe. Meanwhile, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has an agreement with DraftKings Sportsbook, providing another option for online betting in Connecticut.
The Connecticut Lottery also had a partnership with Rush Street Interactive, which operated SugarHouse Sportsbook at one point. However, this partnership has since ended, leaving the lottery to search for a new partner.
Retail sportsbooks are also limited in Connecticut, with only 15 off-track betting locations throughout the state. However, the Connecticut Lottery will eventually be able to offer retail sports betting, pending finding a partner. Currently, the most popular retail betting locations are Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun.
Rules and Regulations for Legal Sports Betting in Connecticut
In order to engage in legal sports betting in Connecticut, the individual must be at least 21 years of age. This is a standard requirement for most states that have legalized this industry.
It is also important to note that while betting is not limited to residents of the state, bettors must physically be within the state’s borders when placing a wager.
The two available online sportsbooks in Connecticut have a wide range of betting options and accept bets on various sports leagues. However, there is a unique rule regarding college sports betting – it is illegal to bet on in-state college teams unless they are competing against other teams in a tournament. Betting on other collegiate sporting events is allowed and can be an attractive option for bettors.
Top Sports to Bet On in Connecticut
College basketball is popular here but due to the state’s regulations, betting on in-state college teams can only occur during tournaments. The UConn Huskies, both men’s and women’s teams, have had great success over the past few decades, making them a top choice for sports betting around March time.
With no professional sports teams in the state, many fans turn to neighboring states such as New York and Massachusetts for their favorite teams. The New England Patriots have a large following in Connecticut and are considered the most popular NFL team.
In terms of MLB, fans in Connecticut are divided between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. Both teams have a strong history of success, making them attractive options for bettors.
Tips for First-Time Bettors in Connecticut
For those new to sports betting, it can be challenging to win bets immediately. However, here on BettingLadies.com we have put together guides with tips and tricks that can help improve your chances of success and keep you in the game longer.
For example, one tip we give our bettors is to diversify your betting types, which allows you to choose the best options for each game. Also, you need to understand betting odds and lines to make informed decisions.
Finally, taking advantage of promotions and bonuses offered by sportsbooks can greatly benefit new bettors. Our key partner FanDuel is a sportsbook known for excellent promotions.
How Connecticut Introduced Sports Betting
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe have the authority over sports betting in the state. The Connecticut Lottery was also granted permission to offer sports betting, though it is currently without a partner.
The initial launch of sports betting in Connecticut was met with great success, reaching $1 billion in total handle within just nine months after going live. However, there has been a decline in activity since then. The recent signing of new gaming compacts between the Native American tribes and Governor Ned Lamont marked the official start of the state’s sports betting industry.
Under these compacts, both tribes were able to partner with sports betting operators, while the lottery was also given the opportunity to do so. Along with some retail sportsbooks scattered throughout the state, online betting remains a popular option for bettors in Connecticut.
It all started with passing Public Act 17-209 – this was before the overturning of PASPA (where betting became legal across the county), and there were no clear steps towards legalizing this industry at that time. In the following years, there were multiple attempts to pass bills legalizing sports betting, with House Bill 5168 and Senate Bill 21 both being rejected in 2020. These attempts were met with opposition, as they also aimed to expand the number of casinos in the state.
It wasn’t until 2021 when progress was made, thanks to a new gaming compact agreement between the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes and the state. This paved the way for a bill to be passed, allowing the Connecticut Lottery to also enter the sports betting market.
