Connecticut Governor and Tribes Seal Sports Betting Agreement for

The Dawn of a New Era: Connecticut Embraces Sports Betting and Online Gaming

In an historic move that marks the culmination of years of negotiation and anticipation, Connecticut has officially opened its doors to the future of gaming. This transformative journey began in earnest when Governor Ned Lamont (D) announced a groundbreaking deal with the Mohegan Tribe and Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, heralding the advent of legalized online gaming and sports betting within the state’s boundaries. This agreement not only signifies a significant shift in Connecticut’s gaming landscape but also sets a precedent for modernization and economic growth through digital entertainment.

“Together with the Mohegan Tribe and Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, we have reached an agreement that will allow for the modernization of gaming options available in Connecticut, including through sports wagering and online gaming,” Governor Lamont expressed, highlighting the collaborative effort and mutual benefits envisioned through this pact. The enthusiasm for this venture is palpable among all stakeholders, with Rodney Butler, chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, emphasizing the deal’s potential to foster economic development and lay a stable foundation for the future of their tribal community.

Sports betting was legalized in Connecticut in May 2021 and launched in October 2021 following Governor Ned Lemont’s announcement, with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) regulating the market and overseeing licensed operators including FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics.

The Path to Legislative Approval

Connecticut operates under a dual sportsbook framework consisting of retail betting at tribal casinos and online wagering, made possible through state agreements with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes that grant them exclusive rights to certain gambling operations.

The intricacies of the agreement are now in the hands of Connecticut’s legislative assembly, awaiting formal approval to bring this vision to life. The deal, meticulously negotiated over months, outlines an 18% tax rate on Connecticut online gambling revenues for the first five years, escalating to 20% for the following five years. In addition, sports betting revenues will incur a 13.75% tax, demonstrating the state’s commitment to establishing a regulated, profitable framework for these new ventures.

Furthermore, the Connecticut Lottery is set to expand its reach with the establishment of 15 retail sports betting locations across the state, including key venues in Hartford and Bridgeport. This expansion not only broadens the scope of gaming options for Connecticut residents but also underscores the state’s strategic approach to integrating sports betting into its existing lottery framework.

As part of the agreement, both tribes have agreed to halt plans for developing a new casino in East Windsor, Connecticut, showcasing their commitment to this new direction and the potential it holds for all involved parties. “This deal will allow Connecticut to generate tax revenues from sports and online gaming that are competitive with other states,” James Gessner Jr., chairman of the Mohegan Tribal Council, noted, underscoring the economic incentives driving this initiative.

As of January 2026, Connecticut’s sports betting market has generated $134.8M in handle with $14.27M in gross gaming revenue and $2.48M in tax revenue, reflecting a 10.58% hold rate.

A Four-Year Journey to Legalization

The road to this historic agreement has been long and winding, beginning in earnest in 2017 when Connecticut first passed legislation to legalize sports betting. Despite the initial excitement, the path to actual implementation was fraught with challenges, primarily due to concerns raised by the tribes regarding exclusive rights to online gaming and sports betting. Governor Lamont’s persistent efforts to broker a deal that satisfied all parties finally bore fruit, illustrating the complexities and compromises inherent in navigating the future of gaming in Connecticut.

With the General Assembly’s session underway, the focus now shifts to the legislative process, with stakeholders eagerly awaiting the formal enactment of laws that will bring Connecticut’s sports betting and online gaming vision to life. This development is not just a victory for the state and its tribal partners but also a beacon of hope for the future of digital entertainment and economic growth in Connecticut.

As we look ahead, the implications of this agreement extend far beyond the immediate benefits of increased revenue and enhanced gaming options. This pioneering move by Connecticut sets a precedent for other states contemplating similar paths, offering valuable lessons in collaboration, negotiation, and the potential of modern technology to reshape traditional industries.

The dawn of sports betting and online gaming in Connecticut marks a new chapter in the state’s rich history, one that promises excitement, innovation, and prosperity for years to come. As this journey unfolds, all eyes will be on Connecticut as a model for the future of gaming in America.