Connecticut Online Gambling
Connecticut may not be the first state in the US you think of when you think of gambling, thanks to its small population and area, but it’s actually got a pretty big gambling industry. Home to the second and third largest land-based casinos in North America, the Constitution State is also welcoming to a wide range of online gambling types.
If you want to learn about online gambling in Connecticut, you’re in the right place. Keep reading our guide to learn the history of gambling, what’s legal today, and the best sites you can sign up with to get started.
Best Connecticut State Gambling Sites
There aren’t many online gambling sites in Connecticut, but that shouldn’t be a big issue, because the operators available are some of the best in the US. We’ve listed the best sites in CT below, so if you follow the links and sign up, you’ll get a quality gambling experience boosted by generous bonuses.
Is online gambling legal in Connecticut?
Connecticut is one of the most welcoming states to online gambling in the US, with sports betting, casino gambling, DFS, and horse racing betting all available. Online poker is also legal, but no operators are currently active in CT, so this is still not an option for local players.
All of this online gambling is available anywhere in the state where you have a connection. You must permit your gambling platform to access your geolocation services to prove you are playing within Connecticut’s borders.
Connecticut Gambling History
Despite being a smaller US state, Connecticut has had a thriving gambling industry for decades and started to embrace online gambling in recent times. You can find a complete overview of the history of gambling in the Constitution State below.
- 1939: Charitable gaming is legalized, as bingo is permitted in Connecticut.
- June 1971: Lawmakers pass legislation to allow a lottery to launch in Connecticut.
- February 15, 1972: Lottery ticket sales start with a weekly game called “The Lottery”.
- 1976: Parimutuel betting on horse and greyhound racing and jai alai is legalized through OTBs. The Division of Special Revenue initially operates this.
- 1992: Foxwoods Resort Casino is opened by the Mashantucket Pequot tribe, the first land-based casino in CT.
- 1996: The Mohegan tribe open the Mohegan Sun Casino.
- 2017: Governor Dannel Malloy tries to legalize DFS through his annual budget, putting in place measures for the state to legalize this type of gambling by 2018. However, complications with negotiations in gaming compacts delay the process.
- May 27, 2021: Governor Ned Lamont signs HB 6451 to legalize online and retail sports betting, online casinos, online poker, and DFS.
- September 30, 2021: Retail sports betting launches, with DraftKings at Foxwoods Resort Casino and FanDuel at Mohegan Sun Casino opening simultaneously.
- October 19, 2021: Online sports betting and online casino gambling go live in Connecticut.
Legal Gambling Options in Connecticut
Connecticut is one of the most welcoming states in the US to gambling, so most options are available. However, we always recommend checking what is permitted and what is not before playing. To help you out, we’ve provided a quick overview of the legal gambling options in Connecticut below.
| Type of Gambling | Legal? | When Legalized? |
| Online Casinos | Yes | 2021 |
| Land-Based Casinos | Yes | 1996 |
| Online Poker | Yes (not available) | 2021 |
| Land-Based Poker | Yes | 1996 |
| Online Sports Betting | Yes | 2021 |
| Retail Sports Betting | Yes | 2021 |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes | 2021 |
| Horse Racing | Yes | 1976 |
| Lottery | Yes | 1971 |
| Charitable Gambling | Yes | 1939 |
Sports Betting
In 2021, Governor Ned Lamont passed HB 6451 to legalize online and retail sports betting, as well as online casinos and DFS. This bill split sports betting into two categories, one overseen by the Connecticut Lottery and one led by local Native American tribes.
While this changes how these sites are regulated, it alters nothing for customers. You get the exact same access to sports betting markets through a site partnering with a Native American tribe as you do with the operator in an agreement with the state.
Three online sportsbooks can operate in CT: DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics. You must be 21 or older to sign up and play. You’ll also need to allow your sportsbook to access your geolocation services. You can bet on college sports in the Constitution State but not on local teams. The only exception is if a college program makes it to a postseason competition like March Madness.
Online Casino
Connecticut is one of the few states in the US that has legalized online casinos, with each licensed operator permitted to run an online casino site. You must be over 21 to play casino games and may need to verify your identity with a photo ID.
The three online casinos in the state include DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics. These online casinos allow Connecticut residents to enjoy various online slots, table games, and even keno from the comfort of their homes. Online casino revenues in Connecticut are taxed at 18%, which is then used to support the state’s education and other funds.
Poker
Connecticut is one of the few US states where online poker is legal. However, no operators have been licensed to launch poker yet. So, while the gambling type is legal, it’s not yet accessible in the Constitution State.
While the online poker market remains in limbo, the in-person poker industry is thriving. Between the two land-based casinos, there are more than 200 poker tables in CT, appealing to a wide range of skill levels. You’ll find an option no matter what type of poker you enjoy.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Connecticut attempted to legalize Daily Fantasy Sports in 2017 when Governor Dannel Malloy included provisions for the Department of Consumer Protection to finalize DFS rules by 2018. However, this deadline was missed. DFS became legal in 2021 when HB 6451 was signed.
You must be 18 or over to enjoy DFS games and set up your account with two-factor authentication. DFS operators must also employ responsible gambling pop-ups every 30 minutes, reminding you to take breaks. FanDuel does not provide DFS in CT because of these restrictions, but other well-known brands like DraftKings are available.
Lottery
The Connecticut Lottery has a long history, dating back to 1971 when Governor Thomas Meskill signed Public Act No. 865 and initiated the CT Lottery. The first tickets were sold a year later. Now, nine different games are available, including Mega Millions, Powerball, Lotto!, and scratch games.
The revenue collected from lottery sales is directed towards various causes such as Health and Human Services, Education, Debt Service, Retired Employee Benefits, and more. There are no online lottery services in CT, so you must visit a local retailer to get involved.
Retail Sportsbooks
Retail sports betting in Connecticut is split into two categories. First, you can find two retail sportsbooks at land-based casinos, DraftKings and FanDuel. These are similar to sportsbooks in other states and will provide a range of betting options for professional and college sports.
In addition, the Connecticut Lottery is permitted to operate up to 15 retail sports betting locations at sports bars and other locations across the state. This retail sports betting comes through its partnership with Sportech, which also helps operate the Lottery.
Land-Based Casinos
Each of the Native American tribes permitted to operate online gambling in Connecticut also own land-based casinos. Despite CT being the third smallest US state by area, these casinos are North America’s second and third largest.
The Mohegan Sun Casino has 364,000 square feet of gaming space, over 5,000 slot machines, 30 poker rooms, and a wide range of table games. Meanwhile, Foxwoods Resort Casino covers 344,000 square feet of gaming space and has over 5,500 slots for players to enjoy. There are also options to play table games like roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and more.
Sweepstakes Casinos
Online casinos may be legal in Connecticut, but some gamblers prefer to play without risking their own money. For those gamblers, sweepstakes and social casinos are excellent options, allowing you to enjoy slots, table games, and more from well-respected software developers.
While these sites will provide plenty of bonuses to top up your account, you can increase your playtime by purchasing virtual currency bundles of Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. If you win enough Sweeps Coins, many sites will let you exchange them for real-life prizes.
How are Gambling Sites Regulated in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, gambling is regulated by the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Gaming Division. The state can partner with one online gambling operator, and the DCP ensures this operator meets high standards for safety and fairness.
Previously, this was Rush Street Interactive’s brand PlaySugarHouse, but this was replaced by Fanatics in 2023. While the DCP is responsible for licensing this platform, it actually runs in combination with the Connecticut Lottery.
Alongside this, two Native American tribes, the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes, are allowed to operate online and retail gambling through gaming compacts. The DCP coordinates with these tribes to ensure that all gambling products are unbiased and meet the state’s high safety standards.
Responsible Gambling in Connecticut
All online gambling operators in Connecticut must provide responsible gambling support to customers. Most online sites will have a dedicated section where you’ll find resources on spotting signs of problem gambling and descriptions of the account tools available. Tools like time and spending limits help players remain in control.
There will also be links to third-party problem gambling support organizations, including those specific to CT. These organizations will provide helplines and live chats, organize meetings, and offer educational resources. Most of this support is available for free. Here are some of the best responsible gambling resources in Connecticut.
Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling:
- Call: 1-888-789-7777
- Website: https://ccpg.org/
National Council on Problem Gambling Connecticut:
- Call: 1-800-GAMBLER
- Website: https://www.ncpgambling.org/state/connecticut/
- Live Chat: www.1800gamblerchat.org
FAQs
Is online gambling legal in Connecticut?
Online gambling is legal in Connecticut, and the state is more welcoming to online gambling than most in the US. You can bet on sports, play online casino games, and enjoy Daily Fantasy Sports using licensed platforms.
Can I bet on sports in Connecticut?
Of course, you can bet on sports in Connecticut. You use one of the three online sportsbooks, DraftKings, FanDuel, or Fanatics, to wager anywhere in the state. Or, you can visit a retail sportsbook at a land-based casino or other approved location.
Does Connecticut have any online casinos?
You bet! Online casinos are legal in Connecticut. DraftKings Casino operates through a partnership with the Mashantucket Pequot tribe, FanDuel Casino through an agreement with the Mohegan tribe, and Fanatics Casino through the Connecticut Lottery.
Is DFS legal in Connecticut?
Daily Fantasy Sports are legal in Connecticut, being included on the same bill that legalized online sports betting and casino gambling. You must be 18 to play DFS, and all DFS operators must offer two-factor authentication and pop-ups every 30 minutes to remind you to take breaks.
Are Connecticut online gambling sites safe?
Yes, regulated online gambling sites in Connecticut are safe. The Connecticut Lottery only licenses online sports betting and online casinos that pass its strict security tests. Some of this regulation is through partnerships with local Native American tribes.
