Connecticut Finalizes Sports Betting, Online Casino Deal with Tribes

The state of Connecticut has reached a deal with its two federally-recognized Native American tribes to provide online gambling and sports betting.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said the deal will bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for the state.

“It’s something that all of our neighbors are doing, and Connecticut’s gonna play. I think it’s a way to bring our cities and towns back to life, represents some real revenue for the taxpayers,” Lamont said.

Lamont said the deal will modernize gambling in the state.

“Right now we have the old slot machines and some amazing casinos, people going back there. But I think more and more you’re going to see iGaming, iLottery, sports betting that’s online, fantasy sports. And there are a lot of moving pieces,” he said.

The deal will tax online gaming at 18% for the next five years, then up to 20%. Sports betting will be taxed slightly lower. The Connecticut lottery will also be allowed to open a number of sports betting outlets, including venues in Bridgeport and Hartford.

The deal also officially halts the development of a long-proposed casino in East Windsor the tribes hoped to operate jointly.

Lamont says the deal still needs federal approval and won’t be included in this year’s state budget.