Online Gambling Connecticut -Casino & Sports Betting

Connecticut, also known as The Constitution State, is one of the oldest states in the Union. People flock to this area of New England to enjoy culture, Naval history and see the leaves changing in fall. It’s a place where people love to bundle up, enjoy nature, and also… to gamble! Luckily for Connecticut residents, 2021 saw the passage of legislation that now regulates online gambling in the state. This means that citizens of The Constitution State have many more options for playing the odds.Most forms of gambling are legal in Connecticut, with a couple of regulations.This article will give you the rundown so that you can enjoy participating in Fantasy Leagues, gambling online, or playing the lottery as often as you would like.

Connecticut provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for gambling that includes online and physical casinos, sports betting, lottery games, and charitable gaming. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection oversees most operations, with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribes running designated casinos.

Online Casinos

Online casino gaming was authorized on May 27, 2021, when Governor Ned Lamont signed the Connecticut Tribal-State Gaming Compacts and related legislation (Public Acts 21‑1 and 21‑2). These laws permit the two federally recognized tribes to operate online casino games (inclusive of slots, poker, table games) exclusively through state-approved platforms.

• Status: Legal
• Date of Authorization: May 27, 2021
• Law: Public Act 21‑1 / Public Act 21‑2
• Official Link:
  https://cga.ct.gov/2021/ACT/PA/PDF/2021PA-00001-R00HB-06426-PA.PDF
  

Online Sports Betting

Online sports betting was also legalized May 27, 2021, under the same Tribal-State Gaming Compacts and legislation. Licensed by the Department of Consumer Protection, both tribes are permitted to offer retail and mobile sports wagering to state residents.

• Status: Legal
• Date of Authorization: May 27, 2021
• Law: Public Act 21‑1 / Public Act 21‑2
• Official Link:
  https://cga.ct.gov/2021/ACT/PA/PDF/2021PA-00001-R00HB-06426-PA.PDF
  

Physical Casinos

Physical casinos have been operated by the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribes since federal recognition under the Connecticut Tribal-State Compact in 1993 and renewed via Public Acts 21–1 and 21–2. These casinos offer full suite services (slots, table games, sports betting, live entertainment).

• Status: Legal
• Date of Authorization: January 1, 1994 (initial compact), renewed May 27, 2021
• Law: Tribal-State Compact (1993 & 2021 renewals under P.A. 21‑1 / 21‑2)
• Official Link:
  https://cga.ct.gov/2021/ACT/PA/PDF/2021PA-00002-R00SB-01027-PA.PDF
  

Horse Racing

Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is legal and regulated under state law. The Street Off-Track Betting Act, as amended, allows wagering at designated locations and the racetracks at the Mashantucket and Mohegan properties.

• Status: Legal
• Date of Authorization: 1965 (Street Betting Act); updated under State Statute 2021
• Law: Chapter 225 – Off-Track Betting Statutes
• Official Link:
  https://cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_225.htm
  

Lottery

The Connecticut Lottery Corporation was established on July 14, 1971 (Public Act 71‑648). It offers draw games, scratch tickets, and multi-state participation (e.g., Powerball).

• Status: Legal
• Date of Authorization: July 14, 1971
• Law: Public Act 71‑648
• Official Link:
  https://cga.ct.gov/PS1971/PL/pa/1971PA-00648-R00HB-04345-PA.htm
  

Charitable Gaming (Bingo, Raffles, Pull‑Tabs)

Charitable gaming in Connecticut is regulated through chapter 207 – Charitable Games; chapter 534 – Bingo; and chapter 518 – Raffles. Licensed nonprofit organizations may conduct specified fundraising games.

• Status: Legal
• Date of Authorization: Bingo 1953; Raffles 1955; Charitable Games 1979; updated 2021
• Laws:
  
  • Bingo – Chapter 534
  • Raffles – Chapter 518
  • Charitable Games – Chapter 207
    
• Official Links:
  
  • https://cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_534.htm
  • https://cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_518.htm
  • https://cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_207.htm
    

Overall Comment

Connecticut offers an advanced, fully-integrated gambling system that includes online and physical casinos, mutual sports wagering, lottery, and charitable gaming. It operates under a modern, tribe-state compact model with robust state-level oversight.

Online Casino in Connecticut

Connecticut online casinos were legalized in 2019. You must be 21 though, to bet in online casinos legally. Residents will not be prosecuted or fined for online gambling in Connecticut, nor will they be charged for gambling on online sites outside of the state or offshore.

Sports Betting in Connecticut

Sports betting is now legal in this state, which opens up many options for Connecticut residents. Online sportsbooks are a popular option, and although there aren’t any as of yet that is based out of the state, residents can still bet at sites that are registered to run in Connecticut.

Final Thoughts

If you love to gamble, Connecticut is a great place to visit or live! If gambling has become a problem for you, however, and you want help, then reach out to a non-profit such as Gambler’s Anonymous. They can help you get your decisions back on track.