Connecticut Approves Online Gambling & Sports Betting

The Connecticut Senate has approved the largest ever gambling expansion in the state by voting in favour of sports betting and online gambling by a majority of 28-6.

In a marathon session that lasted late into Tuesday 25^th May lawmaker approved the bill that has taken years in the making and now goes to the governor Ned Lamont for his approval and then to the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of Interior.

As the governor was instrumental in its formation his signature is a formality and will see the Indian tribes of Connecticut compete against each other for customers.

In the bill all forms of online gambling will be permitted such as casino games and online poker along with sports betting, the state lottery will also be allowed to offer customers an online play.

Mohegan Sun and the Foxwoods Resort Casino in the state will be the major winners in the new gambling expansion and will now become even bigger employers within the state which they already are.

Connecticut has a population of some3.6 million residents and is ranked the 29^th most populous state in the US, however it is expected to generate millions in tax income for the state over the next few years.

Should it gain final approval lawmakers are hoping that sports betting will begin on 9^th September which is the start of the National Football League Season.

As part of the expansion in online gambling there will also be permitted 15 retail sports betting outlets statewide, however not betting will be allowed in-state college sports.

Another issue is from fantasy sports operators who from 1^st July will be blocked from offering their products to state players, under the new bill it requires companies such as FanDuel and DraftKings to be licensed to operate, something at present is not regulated.

Those companies say some 600,000 people play fantasy sports in Connecticut and if lawmakers are unable to write the regulations concerning fantasy sports betting in time then the activity will be banned until such time.

The Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association, said the bill “could result in the shutdown of paid fantasy sports in Connecticut for a significant period of time, possibly through the NFL season.’’

The group went on to say it “strongly urges the General Assembly to make the necessary changes to the legislation to ensure Connecticut residents can continue to participate in the fantasy sports contests they know and love.’’