Fantasy Sports Giants To Pay CT More Than $1M For Licenses

CONNECTICUT — The state Department of Consumer Protection has issued provisional licenses for the operation of daily fantasy sports in Connecticut, as the state moves toward implementation of sports betting and online gaming under a new law the governor signed in May.

The law is the result of an agreement the state reached earlier this year with the Mohegan Tribe and Mashantucket Pequot Tribe that allows the tribes and the Connecticut Lottery Corporation to offer online gaming, sports wagering, retail sports wagering, and fantasy contests.

The provisional licenses were issued to MPTN CT Fantasy, LLC, a wholly owned affiliate of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation; MGA Technology DFS, LLC, a wholly owned affiliate of the Mohegan Tribe of Indians; and the Connecticut Lottery Corporation. The provisional licenses authorize these companies to operate fantasy contests off the reservations of the tribes. Each may sub-contract with any third-party to operate fantasy contests in Connecticut, provided that entity holds a valid license in at least one other state and makes a payment to the State of Connecticut for past operations.

"We are proud to have been able to approve these provisional licenses, a process designed to protect consumers and create a fair marketplace, so that these businesses may legally operate fantasy contests in Connecticut,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull said.

MPTN CT Fantasy, LLC, has contracted with DraftKings, and that company was required to pay the state $832,383.45. MGA Technology DFS, LLC has contracted with FanDuel, and who was required to pay the state $325,914.91. The Connecticut Lottery Corporation has not yet entered into a contract with a fantasy sports operator.

The provisional licenses will expire on the earlier of Sept. 30, 2021, or the date on which the more comprehensive licenses provided for in the May legislation have been issued.

"This short-term step allows for the continuation of fantasy sports in Connecticut as we continue to move forward to modernize our gaming landscape in Connecticut," Gov. Ned Lamont said.