Connecticut commences full online sports betting and igaming launch

Connecticut

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has officially authorised the full launch of online sports betting and igaming within the region, which began at 6am, local time, today.

This has permitted the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, Mohegan Tribe and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe to commence with sports wagering, with each tribe also able to facilitate the offer of online casino.

The trifecta are the only permitted entrants to the state’s online sports betting ecosystem, with the CLC, Mohegan, and Mashantucket tribes, teaming-up with Rush Street Interactive, FanDuel, and DraftKings, respectively.

The statewide launch of sports betting and igaming follows the completion of a successful seven-day soft launch that began on October 12, 2021.

“This is an exciting moment for our state and our tribal partners,” Lamont said. “Connecticut has proven to be a leader when it comes to the gaming economy going back decades, and that legacy will continue with the launch of these new online options for all eligible residents. 

“I am very proud to say that I placed the first legal, in-person sports wager in our state’s history just two weeks ago, and I encourage those who want to participate in placing wagers to do so, responsibly. 

“I extend my gratitude to the staff at the Department of Consumer Protection for their efforts over the last several months to make this possible, particularly since this is one of the fastest state implementations of online gaming and sports wagering of any state in the nation.”

RSI has gone live in the region via its PlaySugarHouse brand, with the official sportsbook of the CLC to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on all mobile devices, tablets, desktop and laptop computers for unlimited players aged 21. 

In addition, Connecticut players will also soon be able to place bets in-person at one of 15 accessible PlaySugarHouse retail sportsbooks across the state, including at Bobby V’s locations in Stamford and Windsor Locks; Sports Haven in New Haven; and the Winners locations in Hartford, Manchester, Waterbury, Torrington, New Britain, Milford, and Norwalk, subject to regulatory approvals.

“We are very pleased to formally launch our award-winning online sportsbook across Connecticut following a smooth and successful trial period that demonstrated the safety and reliability of our platform,” stated Richard Schwartz, CEO of RSI

“We are especially excited to come to market as the NBA and NHL seasons commence and with the MLB playoffs and NFL and collegiate football seasons all underway. 

“It is a great time for sports fans and we look forward to offering PlaySugarHouse and Connecticut Lottery players the best betting experience in the state.”

Furthermore, Scientific Games, via OpenBet, has also entered the newly-legalised market, doing so alongside long-term partner FanDuel.

Cathryn Lai, chief commercial officer at OpenBet, commented: “It’s fantastic to see Connecticut embrace legalised sports betting and officially open its doors. We’re proud to have delivered our transformed and modern sports betting technology to one of the biggest names in the US market and support their entry into Connecticut. 

“Players are sure to love the exciting new experiences on offer to them, which can be easily and responsibly accessed through their mobile devices.

“This latest launch demonstrates we’re once again delivering on our promise to provide world class sports betting entertainment for players worldwide.”