Tribes want in on online in Connecticut

Following encouraging comments by the key committee co-chairman in the Connecticut General Assembly surrounding the reconsideration of legalising some forms of online gambling in Connecticut, the States two recognised tribes have said they want in on any future online gambling initiatives should legalisation move forward.

Public Affairs co-ordinator for Foxwood Resort Casino operators, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN), told the Courant publication in a statement “Consumers are making many more of their spending choices online or through mobile devices, and industries that do not adapt to the digital consumer marketplace will suffer.

“The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation believes that regulation of Internet gaming, either at the state or Federal level, is inevitable. Regulation of Internet gaming will provide the much-needed player protections that are currently not available through unregulated offshore operators who are currently taking bets in the US and Connecticut. MPTN has been diligently studying the Internet gaming space and is preparing itself to be an active participant in the marketplace when regulations permit.”

The MPTN said online poker was on its radar in addition to a variety of other online casino games.

The other federally-recognised tribe in the State, the Mohegan Tribe, said any online gambling legalised in the State would afford the Tribe the right to operate a programme based on its legal compact with the state government.

“The industry would prefer punters spend their money at the casinos on gaming, food and entertainment, but if legalisation is inevitable, the tribes are “best qualified to run it,” said Chuck Bunnell, Mohegan Tribe chief of staff for governmental and external affairs.

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