Connecticut State Senate Approves Bill To Legalize Sports Betting

CONNECTICUT — The State Senate has passed a bill that would legalize online gaming and sports wagering in Connecticut. The 28-6 vote came shortly before midnight on Tuesday.

Gov. Ned Lamont said that he plans to sign the bill, which was approved last week by the House of Representatives by a vote of 122-21.

Once signed, the state and the Mohegan Tribe and Mashantucket Pequot Tribe will seek approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of Interior to amend their compact. The federal agency needs to approve the changes to the compact before online gaming and sports wagering can begin in the state.

"By modernizing our gaming industry in these ways, Connecticut will keep pace with neighboring states, protecting Connecticut jobs, generating tax revenues to the benefit of both state and local municipal budgets, as well as our tribe’s members.," said James Gessner Jr., chairman of the Mohegan Tribal Council.

Lamont called the move "a significant moment for our state as, for the first time, we will allow sports wagering, online casino gaming, and entry of the Connecticut Lottery Corporation into this space."

Connecticut neighbors Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York and New Jersey have already legalized sports betting, following the relaxation of federal restrictions in 2018.

The legislation is House Bill 6451, "An Act Concerning the Authorization, Licensing and Regulation of Online Casino Gaming, Retail and Online Sports Wagering, Fantasy Contests, Keno and Online Sale of Lottery Tickets."