Connecticut fully launches online sports wagering and iCasino today

Connecticut’s Governor Ned Lamont announced Monday that the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection has authorized the full launch of online sports wagering and iCasino in the state, which began Tuesday, October 19 at 6:00 am. 

The Connecticut Lottery Corporation, the Mohegan Tribe and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe are now able to offer online wagering through their online gaming operating partners, which include Rush Street Interactive, FanDuel and DraftKings, respectively. Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Chairman Rodney Butler, and DraftKings President Matt Kalish hosted a virtual press briefing Tuesday morning on the statewide launch of sports betting and online gaming in Connecticut.

The full launch of online sports wagering and iCasino in Connecticut has been authorized to begin tomorrow at 6AM.

I thank the staff at @CTDCP for their efforts over the last several months to ensure that this can be done safely. We encourage everyone to enjoy these responsibly.

— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) October 18, 2021

Both tribes will also offer iCasino, with more than 130 games pre-approved by the Department of Consumer Protection for both the FanDuel and DraftKings apps. 

The statewide launch of sports betting and iCasino follows the completion of a seven-day soft launch that began October 12. 

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— Foxwoods Resort Casino (@FoxwoodsCT) October 19, 2021

Originally, the launch date for online and statewide retail sports betting had been fixed for October 7. However, a series of delays unfolded after the publication of the memorandums of understanding set the process back at the beginning of the month. 

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection did not reschedule the launch date right away, as it was 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 were certified and in compliance with the regulations. 

During the soft launch period, companies such as RSI’s PlaySugarHouse adjusted to a limited scenario where only 750 accounts were able to register and bet. In an official press release, the Connecticut Lottery’s partner announced its full launch with RSI’s CEO Richard Schwartz commenting: “We are very pleased to formally launch our online sportsbook across Connecticut following a smooth and successful trial period that demonstrated the safety and reliability of our platform”. 

Scientific Games and OpenBet have also entered the Connecticut market along with FanDuel Group, thus broadening betting options in the state. Connecticut becomes the 12th U.S. state that FanDuel has launched a digital offering utilizing OpenBet technology.

In an official statement, Governor Ned Lamont said: “This is an exciting moment for our state and our tribal partners. Connecticut has proven to be a leader when it comes to the gaming economy going back decades, and that legacy will continue with the launch of these new online options for all eligible residents”. 

“I am very proud to say that I placed the first legal, in-person sports wager in our state’s history just two weeks ago, and I encourage those who want to participate in placing wagers to do so, responsibly”, he referred to the ribbon-cutting ceremony that took place at the Mohegan Tribe’s property, Mohegan Sun Casino, where its temporary sportsbook in partnership with FanDuel is located.

Later on, only days after its opening, the property announced that it had suspended wagering on the WNBA after questions were raised over a potential conflict of interests in taking bets on the Connecticut Sun, a team owned by the Mohegan Tribe. 

“I extend my gratitude to the staff at the Department of Consumer Protection for their efforts over the last several months to make this possible, particularly since this is one of the fastest state implementations of online gaming and sports wagering of any state in the nation”, Lamont concluded.

Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull also commented and said: “Thank you to everyone who participated in this process to ensure an effective soft launch for online gaming platforms. This is an exciting time in our state, and we are proud of the work we have done to ensure a safe and successful gaming landscape in Connecticut. We encourage everyone to enjoy these new forms of entertainment responsibly.”