Seven Connecticut legislators have introduced Senate Bill 146, which would legalize sports betting in the state. The bill, only one paragraph long, would authorize the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and the Mohegan Tribe of Indians to offer sportsbooks.
Should the bill pass, both tribes would be allowed to offer sports betting products on Indian lands in addition to online sports betting and online casinos.
Mashantucket Pequot Tribe’s DraftKings Partnership
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribe is already preparing for Connecticut sports betting. Sportsbooks aren’t yet legal, but the Tribe has partnered with DraftKings in anticipation of full approval to operate in Connecticut.
The deal also makes DraftKings the official daily fantasy sports partner of Foxwoods Resort Casino.
Rodney Butler, chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, said: “Partnering with DraftKings, the most prominent name in sports betting, reinforces the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe’s position as a leader in the gaming and entertainment industry. We’ve proven our ability to shape the future of gaming time and time again, and now we’re ready to drive sports wagering and online gaming for the state of Connecticut. Working through the tribal gaming compacts, we will help bolster our economy with much-needed revenue and virtual entertainment.”
As of this writing, the Mohegan Tribe of Indians has not announced a sports betting partner.
But That’s Not All
Senate Bill 146 would also authorize the Connecticut Lottery Corporation to sell lottery draw games and conduct keno games online.
Finally, the bill requires “reasonable procedures and data security standards for Internet gaming and provide revenue to the state from such newly authorized forms” of gambling.
Connecticut’s proposed legislation will likely change significantly as it winds its way through the process. Currently, the bill sits with the Committee on Public Safety and Security. As the process continues, expect the bill to be fleshed out with additional rules and regulations governing Connecticut online gambling.
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