Connecticut legislature tables new sports betting bill

Connecticut could soon authorize online and in-casino sports betting under a new bill which has been submitted in the state legislature.

The bipartisan bill, provisionally known as LCO 578, would allow sports betting at the state’s casinos and allow them to offer online sports betting.

Connecticut Senator Cathy Osten, chair of the Southeastern Connecticut legislative delegation, which tabled the bill said: “[The state] needs to play catch-up with surrounding states if we’re serious about modernising our existing gaming industry”.

“Fortunately, we can do that with a relatively simple regulatory fix” Osten added.

In addition, the bill authorizes the Connecticut Lottery Corporation to offer online casino gaming in conjunction with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Indian tribes.

Mohegans’ chief of staff, Chuck Bunnell, welcomed the provisions of the new bill, saying: “The respect for our government-to-government agreements and the need to keep Connecticut competitive is being recognized and we stand by those who stand for Connecticut.”

The bill includes age and location verification requirements designed to block access to individuals under the age of 21.

Proposals to legalize sports betting in the state have been mooted since the repeal of PASPA in May 2018, however the Supreme Court decision occurred five days after the Connecticut legislative session ended.

Following the decision, Connecticut governor Dannel Malloy moved to convene a special session of the Connecticut legislature with the aim of legalizing sports betting, but no session took place due to delays in ratifying tribal compacts.

In the interim, surrounding states including New Jersey, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania have all authorized sports betting within their borders, leaving Connecticut lagging behind.

The 2019 Connecticut Legislative session commences today and runs until June 5.