Pushing for the Legalization of Sports Betting in Connecticut by the Democratic Party
Connecticut is gearing up to join the growing list of states with legal sports wagering, as the state's legislators aim to capitalize on existing infrastructure such as tribal casinos and off-track betting sites.
As of August 2025, sports wagering is operational in Connecticut, having been launched online in October 2021 with three authorized sportsbooks. The state has a regulatory framework involving tribal compacts, a 20% tax on adjusted revenues, and some restrictions such as a current ban on betting on in-state college teams, although legislation to allow that is pending.
Connecticut's two Indian-owned casinos, Foxwoods Casino complex and Mohegan Sun, are easily accessible from both Boston and New York, making them strategic locations for sports betting. These casinos, along with potential revenue generation, have been a focus of discussion among state legislators.
Legislators believe legalizing sports betting could generate $40-$80 million in tax revenue for the state. Speaker Joe Aresimowich (D-Berlin) and other House representatives held a press conference on the matter, emphasising the need for Connecticut to be competitive with other states in the legal sports betting market.
If the Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, states across the U.S. will be able to license and regulate sports betting. In preparation for this possibility, Connecticut took its first step in legalizing sports wagering nearly a year ago by passing HB 6948, which calls for an advisory council on the regulation of sports wagering.
However, the path to full legalization is not without challenges. Negotiating the interests of tribal-owned casinos, commercial casinos, and more could be additional hurdles in legalizing sports betting in Connecticut. Rep. Vincent Candelora (R-Durham) expressed concerns about gaming agreements with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes.
The House Public Safety and Security Committee will host a forum on "Present and Future Trends of Gaming" on Thursday, where the NBA, Major League Baseball, DraftKings, and William Hill will be represented. The forum aims to help legislators better understand how to proceed with the regulation of sports betting in Connecticut.
Connecticut representatives are pushing for legal sports wagering, with House Majority Leader Matt Ritter (D-Hartford) stating that Connecticut should be ready to act as soon as the Supreme Court decision is handed down on Murphy v. NCAA. A decision in the matter may come as early as Monday.
As Connecticut's neighbours, New York and New Jersey, have established and thriving sports wagering markets, Connecticut aims to stay competitive. While Connecticut's market is smaller and more restricted than the more mature and expansive markets in New Jersey and New York, the unique tribal compact system could set it apart.
If the federal ban on sports betting is overturned, Connecticut wants to have the framework in place to make sports betting legal before the Supreme Court decision on Murphy v. NCAA. The state is taking steps towards this goal, and the upcoming forum will provide valuable insights into the future of sports wagering in Connecticut.
Sports betting has been operational in Connecticut since October 2021, with three authorized sportsbooks offering their services online. Connecticut legislators are pushing for the legalization of sports betting to generate $40-$80 million in tax revenue, emphasizing the need to stay competitive with neighboring states. In order to better understand how to proceed with the regulation of sports betting, the House Public Safety and Security Committee will host a forum on "Present and Future Trends of Gaming" on Thursday, which will include representation from the NBA, Major League Baseball, DraftKings, and William Hill.
