Connecticut enters the U.S. sports betting fray

Connecticut State Senator Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, and other members of southeastern Connecticut’s legislative delegation have submitted a bill that would authorise online and in-casino sports betting at Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan casinos.

In addition the Connecticut Lottery Corp., in agreement with the Indian tribes, would be authorised to offer online Keno.

The bipartisan bill, supported by more than a dozen representatives, includes provisions for location and age verification.

“The Mohegan Tribal Council deeply appreciates the bipartisan and bicameral support,” Mohegans’ chief of staff, Chuck Bunnell said.  “The respect for our government-to-government agreements and the need to keep Connecticut competitive is being recognized and we stand by those who stand for Connecticut.”

An existing exclusive sports betting rights agreement between the State and the Tribes means that any measures and the subsequent implementation would need to be negotiated and agreed.

“Connecticut needs to play catch-up with surrounding states if we’re serious about modernizing our existing gaming industry,” Osten said in a press statement.

“Fortunately, we can do that with a relatively simple regulatory fix. The U.S. Supreme Court decision last year paved the way for the expansion of private-sector sports betting, and I think Connecticut is in a good position to take advantage of that. We have the infrastructure with the tribal casinos, we can use the new revenue, and we’ve got bipartisan support. This should be an early session success story.”

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