Connecticut forced to delay online sports betting launch

State officials confirmed Tuesday that the launch of Connecticut online sports betting, scheduled to go live on October 7, will be delayed. 

Kaitlyn Krasselt, communications director for the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection said that the launch has not been rescheduled yet, but state officials do not expect it to be a lengthy delay. World Sports Network first broke the news Monday.

Krasselt explained that the delay in the publication of the memorandums of understanding -which were published in the federal register in September- set the process back. She assured that they are still working to finalize the details of the statewide online and retail launch of sports betting, as well as on the licensees to ensure their platforms are certified and in compliance with the regulations prior to launch.

Connecticut in-person sports betting has been live since Thursday, September 30 when Governor Ned Lamont placed the first legal bet in the state’s history at the temporary FanDuel sportsbook at the Mohegan Sun Casino. It was a $50 wager on the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun.

Gov. Ned “Money in the Bank” Lamont placing the first legal sports wager in Connecticut history. He put $50 on the Connecticut Sun minus-7.5 tonight against the Sky. pic.twitter.com/eUZxNiN3XH

— Mike Anthony (@ManthonyHearst) September 30, 2021

However, Lamont’s initial bet was an obstacle for the natural development of in-person sports betting in the state as Mohegan Sun had to suspend activities on WNBA games after officials raised concerns over potential conflicts of interest for the casino taking wagers on the Mohegan Tribe-owned WNBA team. The Connecticut Sun also plays its home games in the arena at the casino. 

It is expected that, when at full capacity, Connecticut residents will have multiple opportunities to engage in sports betting, such as the Mohegan Tribe in partnership with FanDuel, which will offer in-person and online betting; the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in association with DraftKings; and the Connecticut Lottery Corporation in partnership with Rush Street Interactive, which will open 15 retail sports book and will also operate online.