Connecticut’s Governor Ned Lamont has signed into law a bill that will legalize online sports wagering, fantasy sports and other forms of igaming.
House Bill 6451 formalizes agreements made by Lamont with the state’s Mashantucket and Mohegan tribes in March, allowing the tribes to offer sports wagering online and at land-based sportsbooks within the casinos they operate.
The tribes will also now be able to offer igaming and fantasy sports contests, with each tribe permitted to operate one skin for online sports betting and another for igaming.
The bill also allows the Connecticut Lottery Corporation to run one skin for sports wagering outside tribal lands, as well as retail betting at 15 locations across the state, provided they are located at least 25 miles from tribal reservations.
House Bill 6451 secured approval in the state’s House and Senate before moving to the Governor for sign-off.
Governor Lamont and the tribes will now seek approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the US Department of Interior to amend the state’s compact with the tribes, in order to commence legal online gaming and sports wagering in Connecticut.
“By signing this bill into law, Connecticut is now on the cusp of providing a modern, technologically advanced gaming experience that will be competitive with our neighboring states and positions us for success into the future,” Lamont said.
“Today, we celebrate the result of months of hard work and dedication toward an agreement that is best for the residents of Connecticut and the respective tribal members.
“I am confident that the federal government will see fit to approve these amendments to our compact, and in the coming months we can launch a modernized, 21st century gaming experience in Connecticut.”
Mohegan tribal council chairman James Gessner Jr. also welcomed the signing, describing it as a “major accomplishment” for the state.
“The advantages of these changes will be felt state-wide, to the benefit of Connecticut residents and our tribal members, at a time when our governments are collectively working to recover from the pandemic and provide vital services,” Gessner Jr. said.
Mashantucket Pequot tribal chairman Rodney Butler added: “This is an historic moment in which our nation celebrates with Governor Lamont and the State of Connecticut. Gaming is more than a business to our tribe, it is the way we fund our government, pay for our children’s education, care for our elders, and provide healthcare to our members.”