As the home of one of the world’s largest casinos, it may come as a surprise that sports betting is illegal in Connecticut. In this case, rather than giving you a guide about the best Connecticut sports betting sites, we’ve provided an insight into the current state of sports betting legalization and the other gambling options residents can enjoy instead.
For now, some CT sports bettors are even accessing illegal off-shore bookmakers, which means that there is no protection for players. Now that a wave of sports betting legalization has swept the country, it’s possible that legal Connecticut sports betting site could come sooner rather than later. If this happens, Connecticutians will be even more great gambling options, which already includes legalized casino table games and horse racing.
Current Connecticut Sports Betting Situation
Since the federal court gave states the green light to legalize sports betting in 2018, Connecticut sports betting sites’ lawmakers have been trying to figure out the best way to bring it to the state. Rather than lawmakers being opposed to legalization, there have been a number of troubles in getting the state’s tribal casino operators to agree with lawmakers on the details of a bill. At the moment, the tribal operators are demanding exclusivity to being the only Connecticut online bookies and physical retailers.
Opposed to this idea is Connecticut’s governor, who has said he believes that other companies should be able to benefit from what is likely to be a hugely profitable industry. The tribal groups are some of the most successful in the country and have already paid the state $9 billion as a part of revenue sharing provisions. The current bill would introduce sweeping gambling expansion measures, including allowing sports betting, internet gambling, and iKeno to be run by the tribes.
With tensions running high between both parties, there’s no telling when progress will be made. For now, some sports bettors in Connecticut may be tempted to sign up to out-of-state or off-shore bookmakers. This is highly recommended against, as Connecticut is only one of two states in the country to explicitly outlaw off-share gambling.
Are Connecticut Daily Fantasy Sports Apps Available
For those who still want to bet on something related to sports, daily fantasy sports (DFS) betting is tolerated in Connecticut. In 2017, the Connecticut government approved a law that explicitly legalized sports betting in the state, though this has yet to be finalized as the state’s tribes haven’t signed off on it. This is required as the state and the tribes have an agreement that tribes give 25% of casino revenues in exchange for gambling exclusivity.
Despite this technicality, players are still able to access the Connecticut sports betting apps DraftKings and FanDuel. These are both highly popular in the country, and give players the chance to draft fantasy lineups of players from major sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. Players can also draft fantasy lineups from college teams, which in many states is restricted. DFS differs from sports betting as players can benefit from different strategies and research of current events to be successful. Because there is more skill to it than luck, it is not defined as being a game of chance, and therefore not quite gambling.
Connecticut Online Casinos
Online gambling is explicitly illegal in Connecticut, though like a sports bet, odds are it is possible that this will change. For now, players are allowed to enjoy free-to-play casino games such as video poker and blackjack as long as no real money is wagered.
The lack of Connecticut online sportsbooks would be frustrating if it weren’t for the state’s world-class casino offerings. Both the Foxwoods Resort and Casino and the Mohegan Sun casino are known by gamblers around the world for providing a premier gaming experience. Whether it’s slot machines, table games, or entertainment, visitors can find it all at Connecticut casinos.
Online State Lottery in Connecticut
Odds are you know that since 1971, the Connecticut Lottery has been awarding lucky players unique jackpot games. These games are run by the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, and include national draw games such as the Powerball and Mega Millions and local games such as Cash5.
Recently, lawmakers attempted to establish the sales of online lottery tickets. This could have been the first step toward easing online gambling in the state, though it failed to pass at the final hurdle. Already, sales of lottery tickets generate roughly $300 million for the state from over a billion dollars in sales.
Off Track Horse Betting in Connecticut
Until Connecticut online sportsbooks are legalized, Connecicutians are able to bet on horse track racing. There are no horse racing tracks within the state, so bettors must place bets at off-track parlors and racing websites. This, alongside daily fantasy sports, is the only online betting option that locals can enjoy.
These betting options tend to be popular with locals, with the state having a rich history in racing. A number of greyhound tracks used to exist within the state, though these were eventually closed down due to declining attendance. There have been attempts to make greyhound racing illegal, though the lack of greyhound tracks has ended the need for this.
What Would Legal Connecticut Sports Betting Look Like?
The most recent bill to allow sports betting sets a number of provisions for how sports betting would operate in the state. First, in-person wagers would be taxed a tax rate of 10%, while online wagers would be taxed at 14.75%. Operators hoping to offer sports betting would need to pay a license fee of $750,000 as well as an application fee of $100,000, with physical licensees able to offer mobile betting too.
A controversial element to the bill would see that the state Lottery would also be able to offer a Connecticut sports betting site. As all of these revenues would go to the state, the major tribes have challenged this for going against their gambling exclusivity agreement. Either way, odds are it seems as though lawmakers are set on offering mobile betting. This is important, as states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania have proved that mobile sports betting is popular.
Bettors can expect to bet on all major sports leagues in the event of legalization, including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and more. Some states even allow for betting on esports tournaments, so if this seems like it will be profitable for Connecticut online sportsbooks, it’s likely they’ll offer this too. We believe Connecticutians deserve legal sports betting options and access to the best online betting sites if nothing else than to bet on their winning Connecticut Sun women’s basketball team. That way, they can be sure that they’re betting safely in a regulated market.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to CT sports betting, we’re sure that legalization is a certainty at some point in the future. It all comes down to whether or not the state and lawmakers can agree to compromise on the issue. For the time being, both are losing out to the off-shore gambling markets illegally luring in players, so it’s beneficial for everyone to find an agreement to allow Connecticut online bookies. Until then, bettors can enjoy the lottery, daily fantasy sport, race betting, and casino games. Once sports betting is legalized, there’s not much more that gamblers could want!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have any more queries about how legal gambling works on Connecticut sports betting sites, especially around online gambling? Below in this bonus section, we offer educated answers to some frequently asked questions about sports betting and online gambling in CT.
Is online gambling and sports betting legal in Connecticut?
Sports betting is illegal in Connecticut, meaning there are no Connecticut online gambling sites. Other forms of online gambling is limited. Players are unable to buy tickets to lottery tickets online, nor are they able to bet on table games or sports bets. However, customers can use horse racing websites to place bets, as well as bet on daily fantasy sports.
What is the Connecticut legal gambling age?
There are two minimum gambling ages in Connecticut. The state laws stipulate that players must be over the age of 18 to participate in the lottery and off-track betting, while they must be over 21 years of age to play at a casino.
Are unlicensed bookmaker sites safe?
It is not safe to use unlicensed bookmaker websites. For bookmakers and casinos to earn licenses, they must first prove that they are committed to protecting players and meeting strict security requirements. Without a license, it’s possible that neither of these factors are considered by operators.
Can I use off-shore or out-of-state internet betting sites to bet?
Connecticut’s laws expressly forbid anyone from gambling at out-of-state or off-shore internet betting sites. For those considering signing up, remember that punishments may be given, and if not, the site accepting players from illegal markets is probably untrustworthy. Hopefully, laws will change soon to allow Connecticutians to bet at licensed online casinos.
Can I use the FanDuel or DraftKings app in Connecticut?
Both FanDuel and DraftKings can be downloaded in Connecticut, although players will be unable to access the sports betting features. Instead, players can use the apps to bet on daily fantasy sports such as NFL, NBA and MLB. These are some of the best Connecticut sports betting apps on the market, so we recommend trying them out.
Do Connecticut casinos have sportsbooks?
For the time being, Connecticut casinos do not have a sportsbook. However, players can bet on horse racing at the casinos, making it just another great pastime to enjoy on top of the state-of-the-art slot machines and table games that are available.