Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

May 27, 2021

Lamont signs online, sports gambling legalization into law

Photo | Contributed Gov. Ned Lamont has signed into law 48 bills passed during the legislative session.

Gov. Ned Lamont on Thursday signed a bill legalizing online and sports gambling in Connecticut, a move legislators have said could boost state tax revenues and casino employment.

Passage of the law came after the Lamont administration reached a deal with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes that allows the casino-operating tribes, in addition to Connecticut's lottery, to offer online casino gambling and sports betting. The administration will now seek approval by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs for approval, according to the Governor's office.

"I am confident that the federal government will see fit to approve these amendments to our compact, and in the coming months we can launch a modernized, 21st century gaming experience in Connecticut," Lamont said Thursday afternoon.

Lamont signed the bill a day after the state Senate approved the measure in a 28-6 vote. House lawmakers passed the bill last Thursday.

Leading up to legislative votes, members of Lamont's administration broke a deadlock with the tribes, who have exclusive rights to casino gambling, and negotiated a framework for the first significant expansion of gambling since the casinos opened in the 1990s.

Passage of the law makes Connecticut the third New England state after Rhode Island and New Hampshire to legalize sports betting since the U.S. Supreme Court removed federal restrictions in 2018. New York and New Jersey also have sports books.

Under the new law CT Lottery, along with Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun will share the rights to sports betting online. Sports gambling will be available at the casinos and up to 15 sports bars or other facilities licensed by the lottery.

The law puts Connecticut among a half-dozen states with online casino gambling, effectively giving any adult physically in the state the means to gamble 24/7 on a smartphone, tablet or computer.

The state will collect taxes of 18% initially on online casino gambling, increasing to 20% after five years; and 13.75% on sports betting and fantasy sports. It is projected to generate $28 million in the fiscal year beginning July 1 and increase in subsequent years.
Content from the Connecticut Mirror was used in this report
 

Sign up for Enews

0 Comments

Order a PDF