Connecticut Legal Sports Betting Overview
CT Sports Betting Law Details
Status
📆 Retail Sports Betting Launch Date: September 30, 2021
📆 Online Sports Betting Launch Date: October 19, 2021
✅ Licensed Sportsbooks: DraftKings Sportsbook (Foxwoods), FanDuel Sportsbook Connecticut (Mohegan Sun), Sugarhouse Sportsbook (Connecticut Lottery)
💵 Legal Wagering Options: In-game betting, moneylines, parlays, point spreads, props, same game parlays, teasers, totals
🔞 Legal Gambling Age in CT: 21+
🈠Sports to Bet On: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, WNBA, MLS, eSports, minor league baseball, motorsports, golf, mixed martial arts, boxing, UK and European soccer, Olympics, and other international contests
🦠Permitted Banking Options: Mastercard, Play+, Visa
âš–ï¸ Connecticut Gambling Regulator: The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) – Connecticut Gaming Division
Sports betting in Connecticut is now legal. Governor Ned Lamont signed compacts with two tribes – the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and the Mohegan Tribe – under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act on October 19, 2021. These allow the tribes to offer retail sports betting on tribal lands and online sports betting off tribal lands. Additionally, the compacts permit the tribes to offer fantasy sports contests and online casino gambling.
Despite commercial casinos not being allowed in the state, the compacted tribes have obtained a master wagering license to offer various forms of betting. Each tribe can establish a partnership with a licensed operator. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribe has partnered with DraftKings Sportsbook to operate sports betting at Foxwoods Resort Casino, while the Mohegan Tribe has joined forces with FanDuel Sportsbook to offer sports betting at Mohegan Sun Casino. In addition to the tribes, the Connecticut Lottery has the opportunity to provide sports betting, including online sports betting, through its partnership with SugarHouse Sportsbook. The lottery also allows sports bets at designated retail locations.
Connecticut Online Sportsbooks Compared
The three available sportsbooks in Connecticut are highly regarded as some of the best in the entire country. DraftKings and FanDuel command over 60% of the US sports betting market share, while PlaySugarHouse is a reputable sportsbook operated by Rush Street Interactive. Let’s explore the online betting experiences provided by each of them, highlighting the strengths and advantages they offer to different bettors.
Best Mobile App – DraftKings
DraftKings takes the crown for having the best mobile betting app not only in Connecticut but globally as well. Upon opening the app, users are greeted with a wide range of promotional offers, popular bets, and intuitive navigation to different sports and events. The app’s interface is user-friendly, with a strong focus on usability and ease of use. While live streaming is exclusive to the app and limited to selected events, the “Flash Bet” in-play betting feature enables instant wagers throughout the game on various sports, including basketball and soccer.
Best Welcome Bonus – FanDuel
FanDuel stands out by offering the best welcome bonus for sports bettors in Connecticut, providing a risk-free bet of up to $1,000. If your bet is a winner, the winnings are paid out in cash. However, if you happen to lose your bet, your stake will be refunded as site credit. In comparison, SugarHouse offers a 100% match on the first deposit up to $250 with a playthrough requirement, while DraftKings provides a 100% bonus up to $2,000 with a playthrough requirement of 15x.
Best for Competitive Odds – FanDuel
While all sportsbooks offer highly competitive odds, FanDuel edges just ahead of the competition when it comes to offering the best value across popular markets like moneyline, props, and futures. FanDuel also presents attractive daily boosts and parlay promotions, giving them an advantage over both DraftKings and SugarHouse.
Best for Market Coverage – FanDuel
The only area where DraftKings falls slightly behind is market coverage, as it does not currently offer horse racing. However, FanDuel excels in this aspect, providing the most extensive range of betting options across different sports. With FanDuel, bettors can explore a wide variety of betting choices, making it the go-to sportsbook for comprehensive market coverage.
Best for Beginner Bettors – DraftKings
DraftKings takes the crown as the best sportsbook for beginner bettors in Connecticut. This title is earned due to its excellent mobile app, which is tailored for new bettors with user-friendly navigation and frequent promotions that cater to their needs. While DraftKings is the optimal choice for newcomers, those solely focused on the best welcome bonus should check out FanDuel.
Best for Payout Speed – SugarHouse
When it comes to payout speed, sportsbooks across the US generally have similar processing times. In Connecticut, all three sportsbooks specify that online banking withdrawals take around 3-5 days to reach bettors’ accounts. For Play+ withdrawals, FanDuel estimates up to 48 hours, while DraftKings mentions a range of 2-5 days. SugarHouse sets itself apart by offering instant payments for Play+ funding account withdrawals, ensuring swift payout processing.
NFL Betting Guide
If you’re an NFL betting enthusiast, we’ve got you covered with all the resources you need in one place. Our comprehensive NFL betting guide provides access to live markets, schedules, tips, and scores, ensuring that you stay updated on the latest NFL action and make informed betting decisions.
NBA Betting Guide
For those keen on NBA betting, our guide is your go-to resource. You’ll find a curated list of the best sportsbooks to bet on the NBA, along with expert tips and strategies to enhance your betting experience. Stay on top of the latest NBA betting trends and make well-informed wagers with our complete NBA betting guide.
MLB Betting Guide
When it comes to betting on Major League Baseball, our MLB betting guide has got you covered. We provide everything you need to make informed wagers, from odds and lines to prop bets and futures. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a beginner, our comprehensive MLB betting guide ensures you have all the tools and information necessary to maximize your success in the world of baseball betting.
How Does Connecticut Compare to Other States?
Connecticut holds strong market coverage in terms of sports betting, despite having only three sportsbooks operating in the state. The odds and prices offered by these sportsbooks are competitive, and the betting lines tend to align with industry standards. In terms of gambling revenue, Connecticut sportsbooks have generated significant earnings, with a handle of nearly $495 million and gross gaming revenue surpassing $41 million from October 2021 to March 2022. However, sports wagering gross revenue experienced a 50% decline in February 2022 compared to January, which may be attributed to the entry of New York’s sports wagering market. Connecticut’s tax rate on sports betting gross gaming revenue stands at 13.75%, favorable compared to the tax rates in neighboring states such as New York (51%), Pennsylvania (36%), and New Jersey (14.25%).
How to Place a Bet in Connecticut
If you’re new to sports betting in Connecticut, we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide on how to place a bet in the Constitution State:
- Choose from one of the three available sportsbooks in Connecticut: DraftKings Sportsbook (Foxwoods), FanDuel Sportsbook Connecticut (Mohegan Sun), and SugarHouse Sportsbook (Connecticut Lottery).
- Download the respective app on your Android or Apple device.
- Register an account by providing personal information, including the last four digits of your Social Security number, to verify your identity.
- Deposit wagering funds into your new account, taking note of any welcome or sign-up bonus details. Some bonuses may require entering a provided code, and it’s important to understand the wagering requirements associated with each bonus.
- Once you’ve completed registration, funded your account, and familiarized yourself with any bonus terms, you’re ready to start placing bets!
Banking Methods Available in Connecticut
In Connecticut, all sportsbooks accept credit and debit card payments. However, bettors may only attach one card to each account. While PayPal and other eWallets are currently not permitted, these restrictions are common as states introduce and regulate gambling and sports betting. For specific inquiries about deposit options, refer to the information provided on the sportsbook’s website or app.
Who is Not Eligible to Bet in CT?
Connecticut has straightforward eligibility requirements for sports betting, but it’s important to be aware of the various restrictions. To legally bet on sports in Connecticut, you must be at least 21 years old and physically located within the state. Residency is not a requirement. It is also not allowed to place a bet for anyone else or participate in wagering if you are enrolled in the state’s self-exclusion program. Specific restrictions apply to athletes, coaches, referees, and sports governing bodies, prohibiting them from betting on relevant sporting events. Sportsbook operators are required to make reasonable efforts to obtain information on ownership and individuals with positions of influence. Officers, directors, owners, and employees of licensed operators are also prohibited from betting on sporting events with their respective organizations. Individuals who have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling activities are also not eligible to bet.
Latest Connecticut Sports Betting Updates
Connecticut’s online sports betting market has witnessed a strong start since its launch in October 2021. Bettors can choose from three reputable sportsbooks: DraftKings (Foxwoods), FanDuel (Mohegan Sun), and PlaySugarHouse (Connecticut Lottery). However, the recent legalization of online sports wagering in New York in January 2022 may impact Connecticut’s handles over time, as New Yorkers no longer need to travel to Connecticut to place sports bets.
Timeline for Sports Betting in Connecticut
- February 2022: Betting handle continued to grow in Connecticut despite the entry of New York into the online sports betting market, with a total handle exceeding $158 million.
- January 2022: December 2021 figures indicate a sports betting handle of $150 million in the state.
- December 2021: In November, the first full month of offering sports betting in Connecticut, bettors wagered $128 million, and sportsbooks garnered $15.8 million in gross gaming revenue.
- October 19, 2021: Soft launch period ends, and all three online sportsbooks in Connecticut are fully operational.
- October 12, 2021: Online sportsbooks enter the “soft launch” period.
- October 5, 2021: Launch date postponed due to federal delays in publishing relevant documents.
- September 30, 2021: Retail sports wagering launches in Connecticut.
- September 2021: The state Department of Consumer Protection announces an October 7 launch date for retail and online sports betting.
- September 2021: The Secretary of the Interior approves amended gaming compacts entered by the state and the tribes, allowing tribes to offer sports betting. The Connecticut Lottery partners with Rush Street Interactive for online sports betting, and the Mohegan Tribe partners with FanDuel Sportsbook.
- May 2021: New law expands gambling in Connecticut, allowing sports betting by tribes and the lottery. It also permits online casino gambling. Compacts with tribes require approval from the Department of Interior.
- March 2021: Gov. Lamont states that sports betting in Connecticut was very close to becoming a reality, with an agreement in place with the Mohegan Tribe and negotiations almost finalized with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe.
- 2020: Two legislative proposals for sports betting fail, with one aimed at off-track betting parlors and the other creating “entertainment zones” for sports betting.
- 2019: An initial sports betting proposal fails amid disputes regarding who can offer sports betting and the tribes’ exclusivity over casino gambling.
- 2018: Supreme Court invalidates PASPA, opening the door for states to authorize sports betting. Connecticut passes a law preparing for this possibility.
- 2017: Connecticut passes a law positioning the state to establish sports betting should PASPA be overturned.
Future of Connecticut Sports Betting
The future of sports betting in Connecticut involves the intricate interplay between the Mohegan Tribe, Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, and commercial gaming companies. The tribes hold a strong position due to their compacts with the state, granting them exclusivity over casino gambling and sports betting. They have even threatened to stop payments to the state if legislation changes their exclusivity. Any potential entry of commercial gambling companies into the Connecticut market would require approval from the tribes and significant negotiation. For now, sports betting in Connecticut remains primarily within the realm of the tribes, with the Connecticut Lottery playing a smaller role.
Unique FAQs
- Is betting legal in Connecticut? Yes, casino gambling and sports betting are legal in Connecticut. Casino gambling is available only at properties owned by the Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Casinos, while sports betting is operated by the tribes and the Connecticut Lottery.
- How old do you have to be to bet in Connecticut? You must be 21 years old to wager on sports or casino games, and 18 years old to play fantasy sports, purchase lottery products, and play keno.
- When did sports betting launch in Connecticut? Online sports betting launched on October 19, 2021, following a successful soft launch. Retail sports betting became available on September 30, 2021.
- What sportsbooks are legal in Connecticut? Three legal sports betting operators are available in Connecticut: DraftKings Sportsbook (Foxwoods), FanDuel Sportsbook Connecticut (Mohegan Sun), and SugarHouse Sportsbook (Connecticut Lottery).
- Are sportsbooks in Connecticut safe? Yes, sportsbooks in Connecticut are safe. Strict regulations and oversight ensure the integrity of the operations, preventing any fraudulent activities.
- Do I have to pay taxes on betting winnings in Connecticut? Yes, gambling winnings are taxable as income by both the federal government and the state of Connecticut. Gambling losses may be deductible based on your winnings.
- Can you play DraftKings in Connecticut? Yes, DraftKings is available for play in Connecticut. They have a partnership with Foxwoods Casino.
- Which sportsbooks will be available in the future? Any expansion of the sports betting industry in Connecticut would require significant political negotiations, as the tribes are determined to retain their exclusivity. The entry of commercial gambling companies into the state would be challenging without approval from the tribes.
In conclusion, Connecticut has embraced legal sports betting, offering opportunities for bettors to engage in online and retail wagering. The state’s three sportsbooks provide competitive odds and comprehensive market coverage, catering to both seasoned bettors and beginners. However, the future of sports betting in Connecticut is intricately tied to the tribes and potential negotiations with commercial gambling companies. With robust regulations in place, betting enthusiasts can enjoy a safe and regulated sports betting environment in Connecticut.
