Gambling Laws of Connecticut Legal State Of Gambling

History and Timeline for Connecticut Online Gambling

This timeline outlines the sequence of events that culminated in the legalization of gambling in the state of Connecticut.

Gambling has had a historical presence in Connecticut, with activities dating back to the 18th century. However, in the 19th century, there were efforts to curtail gambling, and by the mid-1800s, various forms of gambling were prohibited in the state. Lotteries were among the limited gambling activities allowed intermittently, notably during specific periods for fundraising purposes. Connecticut saw shifts in its gambling landscape throughout history, with various regulations and amendments influencing the permissibility and prohibition of different forms of gambling within the state.

• 1848: Harness racing marks the origin of gambling in Connecticut, commencing with the opening of the first racetrack in Hartford. Gambling was initially viewed as a means to raise funds for various community causes, including schools and churches, often utilizing lotteries for public projects like infrastructure development.
• Emergence of Casinos: Casino gambling gained traction, notably with the opening of Foxwoods Resort Casino in 1992, swiftly becoming one of the world's largest casinos. Today, Connecticut hosts several other prominent casinos, including Mohegan Sun, The Ridgefield Playhouse, and Two Rivers Casino & Resort.
• Rise of Sports Betting: Betting on sports experienced a surge in popularity, with numerous establishments across Connecticut offering betting opportunities. Locations such as The Gridiron Sports Bar & Grill in Manchester and Harry’s Ale House in Fairfield have become notable spots for sports wagering.
• Online Gambling Evolution: Online gambling in Connecticut traces its roots back to the late 1990s when the first online casinos began to emerge. Since then, the online gambling industry has undergone continual growth and diversification within the state.

Legalization of Sports Betting in Connecticut

• 1976: Connecticut initiated legal betting on racing and jai alai through the Connecticut OTB, functioning as a government agency similar to the state lottery today, providing off-track betting options.
• 1993: State privatized the Connecticut OTB, selling the operation and the exclusive license for pari-mutuel betting to Autotote Enterprises, Inc. The business expanded, offering races from various North American tracks and introducing user-experience enhancements like race video, rewards programs, self-service, and telephone wagering.
• 2010: Autotote Enterprises, Inc. transitioned to Sportech Venues, Inc. after acquisition, ushering in a new phase of innovation and investment in Connecticut's betting industry.
• House Bill 6451: Introduced legal sports betting in Connecticut, permitting both Native American tribes and the Connecticut Lottery Corporation to operate online sportsbooks. Tribal agreements with DraftKings and FanDuel facilitated online gambling services, while the CT Lottery partnered with Rush Street Interactive for their online sports betting platform.
• October 19th, 2021: Official launch of online sports betting in Connecticut, following a successful seven-day soft launch. The legislation allowed Tribal casinos to offer retail sports betting at their resorts, while granting the CT Lottery rights to establish up to 15 retail sports betting locations. New retail sports betting venues were established in Hartford and Bridgeport. A tax rate of 13.75% was set for sports betting revenue.

Legalization of Online Gambling in Connecticut

• Historical Significance: Connecticut House passed a groundbreaking bill (122-21 vote) that represents a substantial shift in the state's gambling landscape, allowing widespread access to casino games, sports betting, and lottery sales through online platforms.
• Comprehensive Update: This legislation marks the first comprehensive overhaul of gambling laws since the establishment of Foxwoods Resorts Casino and Mohegan Sun in the 1990s, enabling the CT Lottery and both casinos to offer sports betting, virtual slots, and table games online.
• Financial Implications: The move is seen as a vital source of revenue for casinos, particularly in the wake of economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing competition in the gambling industry.
• Cultural and Political Shift: The resounding vote in favor of the bill symbolizes a significant cultural and political evolution in a state historically known for stringent regulations, previously holding onto practices like Sunday blue laws and restrictions on liquor sales.
• Legislative Journey: Following the House approval, the bill is expected to pass in the Senate and receive Governor Ned Lamont's signature, ensuring its enactment into law. Amendments to the state's compact with the Mashantucket Pequots and Mohegans will subsequently undergo review by the Department of the Interior.