CONNECTICUT GAMBLING LAWS
Gambling in Connecticut: Laws, Casinos, and Betting Options
Connecticut operates a regulated gambling market dominated by two major tribal casinos, a state lottery, charitable gaming, and fully legalized sports betting since 2021. Following compacts with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes, retail and online sports wagering launched in October 2021. No intrastate online casinos or real-money poker exist, and offshore platforms remain in a legal gray area—state statutes broadly prohibit unauthorized gambling, but enforcement targets operators, not individual players.
Legal Gambling Landscape in Connecticut
Connecticut General Statutes § 53-278 defines gambling broadly as risking value on chance or uncertain outcomes, with exceptions for licensed tribal gaming, state lottery, charitable bingo/raffles, and regulated sports betting. The Department of Consumer Protection oversees lottery and charitable gaming, while the Gaming Division regulates sports wagering. Tribal casinos operate under federal IGRA and state compacts. No changes have introduced regulated online casinos or poker, and authorities warn against unlicensed iGaming due to lack of protections.
Residents benefit from strong tribal casino options and mobile sports betting, with offshore sites commonly used for additional casino-style play despite risks.
Tribal Gaming Facilities
Connecticut’s two federally recognized tribes operate world-class Class III casinos offering extensive gaming:
- Foxwoods Resort Casino (Mashantucket) – One of the largest casinos in the world, with thousands of slots, table games (blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat), poker rooms, and sports betting.
- Mohegan Sun (Uncasville) – Features over 5,000 slots, table games, a large poker room, and on-site sportsbook.
Both venues host major tournaments, entertainment, and retail sportsbooks, generating significant revenue shared with the state.
Online Casinos and Poker in Connecticut
No regulated online casinos or real-money online poker platforms are licensed in Connecticut. Multiple legalization efforts have stalled due to tribal exclusivity concerns and legislative priorities. Offshore sites accept players, but participation technically violates state gambling laws, though individual prosecutions are extremely rare. Social casinos (e.g., Mohegan Sun’s Play4Fun network, Foxwoods’ partnerships) offer free-play alternatives with occasional real-world rewards.
Sports Betting Status
Sports betting is fully legal since October 2021 under tribal compacts and state legislation (HB 6451). Retail wagering occurs at Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun, and two tribal-affiliated locations, while mobile betting is available statewide via apps from DraftKings (Mohegan Sun partnership) and FanDuel (Foxwoods partnership). Bettors can wager on professional and college sports (with in-state college prop bet restrictions), including moneylines, spreads, parlays, and live betting. Pari-mutuel horse racing remains legal but limited, with no active racetracks.
Daily Fantasy Sports and Lottery
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are legal since 2017 via budget legislation excluding DFS from gambling definitions, with operators paying a 10.5% tax and annual fees. Major platforms (DraftKings, FanDuel, Yahoo DFS) accept Connecticut residents without restrictions. The Connecticut Lottery, established in 1971, offers draw games (Powerball, Mega Millions, Cash5), Keno, scratch tickets, and Fast Play, available exclusively at licensed retailers—no online ticket sales, though the website provides results and information.
Bingo and Charitable Gaming
Bingo operates as charitable gaming under strict licensing, with proceeds benefiting nonprofits. No state-sanctioned real-money online bingo exists.
Future Prospects for Gambling Reform
While sports betting thrives, proposals for intrastate online casinos or poker face challenges from tribal exclusivity and revenue-sharing agreements. Tribes have explored online gaming partnerships, but no framework has advanced. Expansion depends on legislative agreement and tribal negotiations. Monitor the Department of Consumer Protection and tribal announcements for developments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is online gambling legal in Connecticut? Only online sports betting is regulated; online casinos and poker are not, with offshore access in a gray area carrying risks.
- Is sports betting available in Connecticut? Yes, retail at tribal casinos and mobile/online via licensed apps since 2021.
- Are there legal casinos in Connecticut? Yes, two major tribal casinos (Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun) offer slots, table games, poker, and sports betting.
- What about daily fantasy sports? DFS is legal since 2017; major platforms accept Connecticut players.
- Can residents use offshore betting sites? Many do for casino games, but such platforms are unregulated and technically prohibited by state law.
Connecticut provides premier tribal casino experiences and convenient mobile sports betting. For secure play, use licensed operators under state oversight.