Mohegan Sun, FanDuel partner to launch sports betting, online gaming

Photo | Flickr/Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar

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By Zachary Vasile

The parent company of Mohegan Sun is partnering with fantasy sports and gambling company FanDuel to bring sports betting and digital gaming to the Montville casino.

Taking advantage of the state’s recent gaming expansion law, FanDuel said it will launch online and mobile products this fall allowing Connecticut residents to bet on professional football, basketball, baseball and hockey, among other sports. The firm will also set up an “online casino experience” in collaboration with Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment and run a sportsbook at Mohegan Sun.

MGE officials said the sportsbook will be temporary at first, featuring four live betting windows and 16 self-service betting terminals. A permanent sportsbook will be opened this winter, they said, pending regulatory approvals.

“We have some incredible plans for the retail space at Mohegan Sun, with the potential to be the largest FanDuel sportsbook in the United States,” said FanDuel Group President Amy Howe. “When we combine the retail sports betting experience with the opportunity for online sports betting and igaming, Connecticut is going to be a key state for us as we look towards the start of football season.”

Last month, MGE formed a new gaming division, known as Mohegan Digital, which will focus on the company’s online products. In a statement, MGE President and CEO Ray Pineault said the FanDuel venture will be a top priority for the segment.

Nearby Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Ledyard, has already partnered with FanDuel rival DraftKings to operate its sports betting and fantasy sports offerings.

Connecticut threw open the door to online gaming and sports betting in May, when the General Assembly signed off on a three-way revenue-sharing pact agreed upon by Gov. Ned Lamont, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe. The deal allows the state’s two casinos, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods, to offer virtual versions of slot machines and table games.