The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs has approved changes to compacts between the state of Connecticut and the two tribes that operate casinos in the state, clearing the way for the expansion of gambling, sports betting and online casino games.
I just received a call from @USIndianAffairs informing me that they have given final approval to the revised gaming compacts between the State of Connecticut and the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot Tribes, allowing for sports wagering and online gaming. (1/3)
— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) September 9, 2021
Some state officials had hoped to have sports betting up and running in time for the start of the football season this week. Instead, sports betting and online games will begin in October, the governor's office said Thursday.
The state Department of Consumer Protection is working on licensing and certifying online gaming platforms.
“This has been a journey. Other states are far ahead of us,” state Sen. Cathy Osten, co-chair of the legislature’s Public Safety Committee, said earlier this week.
Osten has sponsored gambling legislation for years in the state Senate.
“This protects jobs and organizes gaming in a way that has not been done since the 30 years that gaming has been instituted in Connecticut,” said Osten, who was a guest on Connecticut Public Radio’s Where We Live.
