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Connecticut Authorizes Sports Betting and iGaming for Mohegan Sun

Tiffany Burroughs
Updated: 23 June 2023
2 min to read

Connecticut is set to join five other states in legalizing online gambling, including interactive slot machines and table games. Additionally, Connecticut will have access to legal, regulated sports betting.
Connecticut sports betting online casino gambling
This announcement comes after Lamont’s State of the State address in February, during which he advocated for an expansion of gaming in the state.

In February of 2020, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) delivered his State of the State address advocating for an expansion of gaming in the state. This week, the first-term governor announced that the Mohegan Tribe’s Class III gaming compact had been amended to include online gambling, retail, and mobile sports betting. Under the agreement, 20 percent of gross gaming revenue online generated by the tribe will be subject to a tax, while the state will receive 13.75 percent from sports betting wins. The amendment is valid for 10 years with the option of extending it five years additional years. “This agreement represents months of hard work and dedication to getting a deal that’s best for the residents of Connecticut and moves our state forward when it comes to the future of gaming,” Lamont said in a statement. (Image: Associated Press)

The Governor expressed his gratitude for the reliable partner Mohegan Tribe, who have maintained an amicable dialogue regardging what would be in the best interests of the tribe and Connecticut. They have authorised Mohegan Sun casino to deliver twenty-five percent of their slot revenue to the State of Connecticut, while refusing to premiate the government with any table game revenue. Additionally, Foxwoods is close to a deal of expansion in the gaming sector.

Foxwoods Close to Gaming Expansion Deal

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation owns and operates Foxwoods, the other casino in Connecticut, and has been granted a Class III gaming compact in concurrent agreement with the Mohegan Tribe. Connecticut is currently considering expanding their respective compacts separately with both tribes. Rodney Butler, the current Mashantucket Chair, states that they areclose to settling on a revised gaming compact, and this includes permission for Foxwoods to offer internet gaming and sports betting. Over the past 15 years, both tribes have watched sales from slot machines plummet, resulting in their state’s share of slot profits decreasing by more than 60 percent since 2006. This downturn can be attributed to the growing occurrence of gambling in the neighboring states such as New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. A viable casino no longer requires travel to Connecticut for Easterners.

Legalizing iGaming will give Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun a competitive advantage over states that do not allow gambling online. Rhode Island is currently the only state with operational mobile sports betting. This marks the end of the gaming monopoly.

Gaming Monopoly Ending

The longstanding monopoly that the tribes have held on gambling in Connecticut has come to an end this week following the agreement between them and the state-run Connecticut Lottery. As part of the deal, the Lottery will be granted up to fifteen retail sports betting locations as well as the right to operate an online sportsbook. In preparation for iGaming and sports betting, Foxwoods has already partnered with DraftKings while Mohegan Sun is to link up with a third-party experienced in interactive gaming. Currently, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun provide real-money-free social online casinos.

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Updated: 23 June 2023
2 min to read

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