CONNECTICUT, USA — Sports betting will begin Thursday in Connecticut, but only at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos.
Kaitlyn Krasselt with the Department of Consumer Protection said all of the appropriate licenses have been issued for on-reservation sports betting.
It comes a day after a federal decision that approved an amended gambling agreement between the state and Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes was published in the Federal Register.
“It’s about time. They’ve had online betting for years and I’m glad they’re finally bringing it here,” Dan Palazzolo, of Newington said.
Rodney Butler, chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, said in a statement that they are celebrating a new era for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, sports fans, Foxwoods guests, and Connecticut residents.
"We thank Governor Lamont and his administration, regulators, and the many lawmakers who helped pave the way for legal sports betting and expanded gaming in the state," Butler said.
The statement continued: "Their collaboration and hard work has allowed trusted gaming operators like our Tribe and DraftKings to help lead innovation across Connecticut. With NFL season in full force, it's game on, and we look forward to a successful launch."
The Connecticut Lottery Corporation, meanwhile, is aiming to roll out the first phase of retail and online sports betting outside of casinos during the first week of October.
Sports betting will be available both online and at establishments around the state, including the two tribal casinos and 10 Sportech locations.
“I think it’s great. I think it’s great for the state for the revenue," John Mezzio, of Newington said. "I think it’s great for a lot of us that like to play and want to just kind of, like Keno, make a little money on the side."
DraftKings said players will be able to place bets at the temporary DraftKings Sportsbook at Foxwoods in addition to betting kiosks located across the resort.
Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook will open at Bow & Arrow Sports Bar. Officals said fans will be able to place bets at four live betting windows or through 50 self-service betting terminals.
The DraftKings Sportsbook gives players the chance to place wagers on a variety of betting markets across professional and collegiate sports. In the coming weeks, DraftKings said they and Foxwoods will announce the opening of their permanent retail Sportsbook.
“We’re thrilled to join the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in bringing a holistic and delightful sports betting experience for customers in Connecticut,” said Matt Kalish, co-founder and president of DraftKings North America. “By leveraging the Tribe’s expertise in developing and operating one of the largest resort casinos in the world, we are excited to bring new offerings for consumers in The Constitution State.”
“A lot of people want to get competitive about it and if you can put your money where your mouth is, even better,” Jeff Zevallos, of Rocky Hill said.
On September 9, Gov. Ned Lamont announced that the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs gave final approval to the state's revised gaming compacts with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot Tribes.
“This critical step in the process of modernizing our gaming landscape here in Connecticut ensures that our state will have a competitive, nation-leading marketplace for wagering both in-person and online,” Lamont said at the time.
The Department of Consumer Protection is working with casinos and gaming companies to ensure people gamble responsibly.
DCP is launching a statewide self exclusion list. The names of people who sign up for the list will be shared with operators so they won’t send direct marketing or allow to open an account.
“If you know you’re someone prone to addictive behaviors, this may be something you’re going to want to limit or perhaps completely exclude yourself from so you don’t have that temptation,” DCP Commissioner Michelle Seagull said.
People can sign up online to exclude themselves for 1 year, 5 years or a lifetime through DCP’s website.
Seagull said businesses have been very cooperative.
Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.