🍬 Surrounded by sports betting giants and a litany of successful franchises, Connecticut has the potential to blossom into a behemoth of its own. 2023 has seen major changes take place in the Nutmeg State in regard to the gambling industry, and this guide will detail everything there is to know about Connecticut sports betting.
- 1 Best Connecticut Sportsbooks
- 2 Is Sports Betting Legal in Connecticut?
- 3 Connecticut Sports Betting Timeline
- 4 Sports Betting Revenue & Taxation in Connecticut
- 5 Top Sportsbooks in Connecticut
- 6 Connecticut Sports Betting Apps
- 7 Connecticut Sports Betting Promotions
- 8 Connecticut Sports Betting Laws & Regulations
- 9 Connecticut Legal Sports Betting Brands
- 10 Best Local Sports Teams To Bet on in Connecticut
- 11 Benefits of Regulated Connecticut Sports Betting
- 12 How To Bet on Sports in Connecticut
- 13 Connecticut Sports Betting Facts
- 14 Connecticut Sports Betting Handle
- 15 Responsible Gambling in Connecticut
- 16 States With Legal Sports Betting
- 17 ThePuntersPage Final Say
- 18 Connecticut Resources
- 19 Connecticut Sports Betting FAQs
Best Connecticut Sportsbooks
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
Is Sports Betting Legal in Connecticut?
♋ Following the Supreme Court’s overturning of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018, sports betting was finally legalized in Connecticut in 2021.
⛎ Sports betting’s legalization in the state was a long and arduous process. In 2020, the sports betting packages failed to pass after multiple legislative hearings before an agreement was reached between the state government and tribal gaming operators in 2021.
💦 Connecticut retail sportsbooks opened on 30 September 2021, while the online launch happened on 19 October 2021.
🀅 The state has undergone a major change at the end of 2023 after Rush Street Interactive pulled out of its deal with the Connecticut Lottery. However, in December, the state announced a new partnership with Fanatics Sportsbook to boost Connecticut’s online gambling industry.
Connecticut Sports Betting Timeline
🔥 Here’s a timeline showing the history of Connecticut's sports betting launch:
1971🅠 – Horse racing and off-track betting are legalized.
2017𓃲 – Public Act 17-209 attempts to regulate sports betting in CT.
2018 – PASPA is overturned by the Supreme Court.
2020ꦿ – Two sports betting packages fail to pass in CT after multiple legislative hearings.
2021♏ – Agreement reached between Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, the Mohegan Tribe and the state government to introduce regulated sports betting in CT.
2021🌠 – Retail and online sports betting launches in the state.
2023ౠ – Rush Street Interactive pulls out of contract with Connecticut Lottery, replaced by Fanatics Sportsbook.
Sports Betting Revenue & Taxation in Connecticut
ꦍ The Connecticut sports betting tax rate is 13.75%. CT’s tax rate ranks 12th highest among US states that have legalized sports betting. While the state’s tribal operators are not required to pay a licensing fee, the sportsbooks they partner with must pay a $250,000 fee to operate in the state.
ꩵ The latest revenue figures for November 2023 depict an 8.2% from the previous month. Online gambling operators acquitted $42.4m in revenue for November 2023 compared to $46.2m in October. Retail and Connecticut mobile sports betting combined to generate just $10.29m in revenue last month, which marked a staggering 36.8% decrease from October and a 27% drop from November 2022.
♈ Online sports betting revenues tallied just over $9.7m, while the state made $1.4m in taxes from sports betting (both for November 2023).
♑ For 2023 so far, Connecticut sportsbooks have made just shy of $150m in revenue, while the state has collected $16.9m in taxes.
Top Sportsbooks in Connecticut
🥀 If you’re looking for the best Connecticut sports betting sites, we’ve covered everything for you, from the top operators in the market to Connecticut sports betting bonuses, the best apps in the state, and much more.
1. FanDuel
The Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook꧋ opened in Connecticut in February 2022. The immensely popular bookmaker is now legal and in operation in 20 states, with CT bettors able to access FanDuel’s excellent sports betting coverage.
💛 After taking advantage of a new customer offer which has the potential to be very rewarding, bettors can make use of a sophisticated sportsbook and an easy-to-use website/mobile app. The efficiency at which the bookmaker operates makes for a fun betting experience, and it’s easy to gauge why FanDuel has garnered such a revered reputation.
🐬 Flaws are pretty minor, with their lack of a loyalty program made up for by the presence of VIP rewards. There are plenty of promotions, too, and FanDuel are said to have pioneered the Same-Game Parlay craze which has taken hold of US sports bettors.
- Best betting odds around
- Long list of available payment options when banking
- Pioneer of the popular Same-Game Parlays
- No loyalty program
- Promotions can lack originality
- Must win welcome offer qualifying bet to receive bonuses
2. Fanatics Sportsbook
♒ All eyes are on the Fanatics Sportsbook since they took the reins from RSI in the state to become the most prominent bookmaker in CT.
💟 Fanatics have established themselves among the industry leaders when it comes to sports apparel and merchandise, with their sportsbook launching very recently in August 2023. Thus, we shouldn’t necessarily expect Fanatics to operate at the same level as FanDuel and DraftKings, who have had over a decade to hone their craft.
🔥 Nevertheless, Fanatics possesses a near limitless supply of resources and existing relationships with major sports leagues. It can certainly compete with the sports betting behemoths, with their sportsbook possessing a rewarding loyalty program and a generous welcome offer.
🔯 However, there’s still work to be done in regard to their pre-match and in-play offerings. Furthermore, Fanatics’ sportsbook can only be accessed via mobile.
- Innovative loyalty program
- Quick and efficient website
- Superb mobile app
- Lack of emphasis on sportsbook
- Sub-par recurring promotions
- Poor in-play and pre-match sports betting markets
3. DraftKings
After reaching an agreement with the Pequots, DraftKings🐻 CT now operates exclusively in Connecticut via Foxwoods Resort Casino.
🏅 DraftKings has developed an impressive reputation and blossomed into one of America’s leading sportsbooks. CT bettors can make the most of exciting and innovative promotions, as well as a pre-match sport offering which covers all bases in immense depth.
𝓡 Their welcome offer sets the tone in terms of how they attempt to reward their users as often as possible — or at least give them the chance of winning big.
- Comprehensive daily sports promotions offering
- Rewarding loyalty program
- Stellar pre-match and in-play betting experiences
- Overload of features
- Tricky to navigate mobile app
Connecticut Sports Betting Apps
ꦏ Betting on your favorite team by using the best sports betting apps in Connecticut is always exciting. However, you cannot enjoy the experience unless you know the best options in the market, so here they are:
FanDuel
🦄 There’s no content reduction on FanDuel’s mobile app, which is accessible via iOS and Android. It’s an easy-to-use app which is laden with features. CT bettors can search for specific events and betting lines, as well as receive notifications for any major updates and announcements.
Fanatics
🍌 The new sportsbook in the state can only be accessed by mobile, so their mobile app better be strong! The app certainly does have some interesting perks and grabs your attention, that’s for sure. However, the number of betting lines on display is limited, and there are teething structural issues. There’s currently no quick link to in-play markets, for example.
DraftKings
ꦜ DraftKings’ mobile app is full of fun, although the sheer volume of features available means the app can occasionally be hard to navigate. Nevertheless, that’s their only notable flaw. The app has many unique tools that enhance your betting experience, including their Stats Hub, which can connect bettors to prediction pools.
Connecticut Sports Betting Promotions
🍌 Let's take a look at some of best ongoing Connecticut sports betting promos:
1. DraftKings Bet $5 Get $150
🔜 DraftKings’ new customer offer is superb, giving $150 in bonus bets after you place your first $5 bet with the online sportsbook.
⛦ You will receive the bonuses irrespective of whether your qualifying bet is a winner. You will immediately receive your credits (rewarded as x6 $25 bets) once the qualifying bet has been placed. These bonuses can be used across the entirety of DraftKings’ brilliant sportsbook.
𓆉 However, the Connecticut sports betting bonus bets you receive must be used within seven days of them being credited.
2. FanDuel Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets
🐠 While Connecticut bettors can no longer sign up to FanDuel and enjoy a No Sweat Bet up to $1,000, they can earn $150 in bonus bets in an offer which is similar to DraftKings’.
ꦍ After signing up with this esteemed online sportsbook, deposit a minimum of $10 into your account and place a $5+ bet on any Moneyline market to activate your FanDuel sign-up bonus.
🅰 However, only a winning qualifying bet will ensure you receive your bonuses (on top of your winning bet). Any won bonuses will be credited within 72 hours of the settlement of your qualifying bet, and these bonuses are valid for 14 days after they’re issued.
3. Fanatics Bet $10 for 5 days, Get $200
𓆉 New users can earn up to $200 in FanCash after signing up with the bookmaker and placing their first wagers. Bettors will receive their reward in five $40 increments. However, while there are minimal qualifying conditions, the offer is only available for five days after signing up.
ꦑ The offer essentially means you earn $40 for every $10 wager you place with Fanatics. For example, if you place just one $10 bet across the five days, you will get a $40 reward. However, if you place $10 bets on each of the first four days, you will receive $160 in FanCash.
FanCash can be switched into Bonus Bets.
Connecticut Sports Betting Laws & Regulations
🔥 Sports betting was legalized and following the state-tribal agreements of 2021. There aren’t too many notable points within the Connecticut sports betting regulations that are worth noting, but here are some:
-
𒊎Legal sportsbooks in CT cannot accept wagers on events involving in-state colleges.
-
🍎Out-of-state collegiate events are available to bet on.
-
🌊The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (DraftKings) and Mohegan Tribe (FanDuel) maintain online exclusivity on their reservations for their respective sportsbooks. When on their land, you can only bet with their betting partners.
-
꧃All online betting apps are available to download and use while off-reservation.
-
☂Anyone caught playing unlicensed gambling games in CT will receive a Class B misdemeanor charge (up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000).
-
ꦰOnline gambling operators must pay 18% tax for the first five years in operation, and 20% after that.
Connecticut Legal Sports Betting Brands
🐼 Here are the current Connecticut sports betting sites that operate legally in the state:
Connecticut Online Sports Betting & Mobile Sports Betting
Online sportsbook | Launched | Retail Partners |
---|---|---|
FanDuel | October 2021 | Mohegan Sun Casino |
Fanatics | December 2023 | Winners, Bobby V’s, XL Center, Shea’s, Arooga’s |
DraftKings | October 2021 | Foxwoods Casino |
Land-Based Connecticut Sportsbooks
🌟 There are many brick-and-mortar locations for online sports betting in Connecticut:
Sportsbook | Venue | Address | Sports betting | Online betting |
---|---|---|---|---|
DraftKings | Foxwoods | 350 Trolley Line Blvd, Ledyard, CT 06338 | Yes | Yes |
FanDuel | Mohegan Sun | 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, CT 06382 | Yes | Yes |
Fanatics | XL Center | 1 Civic Center Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103 | Yes | Yes |
Fanatics | Winners Hartford | 121 Brainard Rd, Hartford, CT 06114 | Yes | Yes |
Fanatics | Shea’s Pizzeria and Sports Bar | 103 Tolland Turnpike, Manchester, CT 06042 | Yes | Yes |
Fanatics | Winners Milford | 89 Roses Mill Rd, Milford, CT 06460 | Yes | Yes |
Fanatics | Winners Sports Haven | 600 Long Wharf Dr, New Haven, CT 06511 | Yes | Yes |
Fanatics | Arooga’s Grille House | 387 Bridgeport Ave, Shelton, CT 06484 | Yes | Yes |
Fanatics | Bobby V’s Stamford | 268 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT 06901 | Yes | Yes |
Fanatics | Bobby V’s Windsor Locks | 11 Schoephoester Rd, Windsor Locks, CT 06096 | Yes | Yes |
Fanatics | Winners Waterbury | 155 Thomaston Ave, Waterbury, CT 06710 | Yes | Yes |
Popular Sports To Bet on in Connecticut
𒀰 While the state isn’t home to any major sports league teams, legal sports betting in Connecticut plays a significant role in the state.
There’s no overwhelming preference for any sport given the lack of major professional teams. As a result, all of the US’ popular sports 🌄(football, baseball, basketball, and ice hockey) are popular betting options for CT bettors.
📖 There’s a rich minor league history with each of these sports in CT. The state is also home to two WNBA teams in the Connecticut Sun and the New York Liberty. The UConn men’s and women’s basketball teams are also hugely popular in the state.
Best Local Sports Teams To Bet on in Connecticut
🙈 Despite the absence of professional sports teams in the state, Connecticut is in close proximity to two of the biggest sporting cities in the US: New York and Boston. As a result, allegiances are split between the major sports teams in these two rival cities.
The New England Patriotsಌ are based in Massachusetts and were the bane of the NFL for the first 20 years of the 21st century. Having previously struggled for relevance, the Patriots claimed six Super Bowl rings with Tom Brady at quarterback and Bill Belichick as head coach. The Brady/Belichick era is regarded as one of the greatest dynasties in all of sports.
Boston is also home to the hugely successful Red Sox (13 World Series titles), Celtics (17 NBA Championships), and Bruins (six Stanley Cups).
Those who root for the New York franchises have an array of options. The Big Apple is home to the Giants, who twice downed the Patriots in Super Bowls during the Brady/Belichick era, and the cursed Jets.
Having won a whopping 40 World Series titles, the Yankees are the most successful MLB franchise. The Mets, meanwhile, have lived in their big brother’s shadow. The Rangers are four-time Stanley Cup winners and the Knicks have lifted two NBA Championships.
Going back to Connecticut, the state is home to the UConn Huskies𒁃. Their women’s basketball program is the most successful in the US having won a record 11 NCAA Division I National Championships. In 2010, Sports Illustrated listed the UConn Huskies as the third greatest team of the decade (2000-2009).
♌ The men’s program has also had more than its fair share of success. UConn added their fifth national title to their trophy cabinet in 2023 — all of which have been won since 1999. Their latest triumph meant they tied Duke and Indiana for the most national championships in men’s college basketball history.
Benefits of Regulated Connecticut Sports Betting
-
ꦛConnecticut’s sports betting tax rate is above average at 13.75%, so regulated sports betting can provide a useful source of tax revenue.
-
ꦆStrict geolocations rules ensue all bettors reside within state lines.
-
ꦬEasier to prevent underage gamblers from creating accounts with online Connecticut sportsbooks.
-
♔Easier to gauge problem gamblers, and also easier for bettors to seek help if their gambling is spiraling out of control.
-
𓆉Greater excitement for sports bettors when betting on teams in neighboring states.
How To Bet on Sports in Connecticut
As I’ve already detailed, there are multiple retail sportsbooks in Connecticut where you can place sports bets🅘. You must be 21 or over to access these locations and start wagering.
🌊 In regard to online betting, CT bettors have three options: FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics. Residents that are at least 21 can use these apps and place bets from anywhere within state lines. Beginning your online betting journey with one of these sportsbooks is an easy process, and might look something like this:
🦩 Pick one of the available online sportsbooks operating in Connecticut.
ಌ Download their mobile app via the App Store or Google Play (iOS/Android).
💝 A wide variety of payment methods should be available, so you should have no issues depositing funds into your account once you’ve proved your age.
ꦅ Now that your sports betting account is funded, make the most of any new customer offers the online sportsbook of your choosing has.
Start placing sports wagers!
Connecticut Sports Betting Facts
Launch date | 2021 |
Legal age | 21 |
Retail betting | Yes |
Online sports betting | Yes |
Esports betting | Yes |
College betting | Yes (not in-state) |
Mobile betting | Yes |
Taxable winnings | 13.75% |
Geolocation services | Yes |
Regulator | Connecticut Lottery |
Connecticut Sports Betting Handle
𓆏 Connecticut’s relatively modest sports betting industry compared to the neighboring behemoths means it’s never going to compete with fellow US states when it comes to sports betting handle.
ꦚ Nevertheless, during RSI’s last month in the Nutmeg State, CT announced a handle of $205.5m — a 8.5% increase from October 2023’s $189.4m handle. Despite the presence of only three online sportsbooks in CT, online operators accounted for 93% of the state’s monthly handle.
💟 Connecticut’s November handle was the state’s biggest of 2023 so far, topping October’s record. Last month’s handle also represented a 24.6% increase from November 2022.
Responsible Gambling in Connecticut
🐟 covers all bases when it comes to encouraging responsible gambling in the state. The site offers tips for ensuring your gambling doesn’t spiral out of control and provides various resources for those that need help. A list of hotlines and other websites are noted.
States With Legal Sports Betting
𓃲 At the time of writing, 33 states plus Washington DC have legalized sports betting in the US:
ThePuntersPage Final Say
💃 Connecticut had somewhat struggled to prosper financially in the wake of the legalization of sports betting. However, as the popularity of online sports betting apps increased and Fanatics Sportsbook entered the state, we’ve reached a critical juncture in CT’s sports betting trajectory. Let’s see where Fanatics can take them!
Connecticut Resources
Connecticut Sports Betting FAQs
🎃Yes, sports betting Connecticut has been legal since 2021. Retail sports betting was launched in September 2021 and was quickly followed by the mobile launch.
🔯Yes, daily fantasy sports were legalized in 2021 and are now available to play.
🥀The Department of Consumer Protection and the Connecticut Lottery oversee sports betting in the state.
You must be 21+ to place sports wagers in CT.
🧜While you can download betting apps, deposit, withdraw, and access online sportsbooks from anywhere, you must be within state lines to place a wager.