Is Sports Betting Legal in Connecticut? Everything You Need to Know

Is sports betting legal in Connecticut? Since October 2021, the answer is a resounding yes, with regulated platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings offering secure betting options. Legalized through tribal partnerships and state oversight, Connecticut’s sports betting market is thriving.

Sports Betting in Connecticut: Current Status

Sports betting is legal in Connecticut, both online and at retail locations. Legalized via House Bill 6451 in May 2021, the state launched retail betting on September 30, 2021, and online betting on October 19, 2021.

Three online sportsbooks: DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook, operate alongside in-person betting at tribal casinos (Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun) and Connecticut Lottery venues.

Regulated by the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), the market ensures consumer safety and transparency, making Connecticut a hub for sports wagering.

Connecticut’s Gambling Laws and Federal Regulations

Connecticut’s gambling laws, overseen by the DCP, regulate sports betting, online casinos, and lotteries under House Bill 6451 (2021). Key state regulations include:

• Age and Location: Bettors must be 21+ and physically in Connecticut, verified by geolocation technology.

• Tribal Compacts: The Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes partner with DraftKings and FanDuel, respectively, while the Connecticut Lottery collaborates with Fanatics Sportsbook.

• Taxation: A 13.75% tax on gross sports betting revenue funds state programs, with online casino games taxed at 18% (rising to 20% after five years).

• College Betting Restrictions: Betting on individual games of Connecticut college teams (e.g., UConn) is prohibited, except during intercollegiate tournaments.

Federal laws impacting the market:

• Wire Act (1961): Prohibits interstate sports betting communications, targeting operators.

• Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA, 2006): Bans financial institutions from processing illegal gambling transactions, affecting offshore sites.

These regulations ensure a controlled betting environment, discouraging the use of unregulated offshore platforms.

Legislative Journey to Legalization

Connecticut’s road to legal sports betting began after the 2018 Supreme Court ruling overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), empowering states to regulate betting. Key milestones:

2017-2020: Early legislative efforts faced delays due to tribal-state disputes over gaming rights. Bills like SB 21 (2020) stalled amid tensions.

May 2021: Governor Ned Lamont signed House Bill 6451, legalizing sports betting and online casinos through tribal compacts.

September 30, 2021: Retail sports betting launched at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun.

October 19, 2021: Online betting debuted with DraftKings, FanDuel, and Play SugarHouse (replaced by Fanatics in December 2023).

January 2025: Proposed bills aim to allow betting on local college teams and in-flight wagering, though federal restrictions may complicate the latter.

Tribal partnerships and state oversight created a balanced, regulated market.

Recent Developments in Connecticut Sports Betting

[June 13, 2025]: Connecticut Governor Signs Bill Banning Sweepstakes Casinos 

[June 9, 2025]: Connecticut House Passes HB 5269 to Curb Gambling Ads and Credit Card Use 

[June 1, 2025]: High5Games Settles with Connecticut DCP for $1.5 Million Over Unlicensed Casino 

[April 3, 2025]: The Heat Is On: Connecticut Probes Kalshi, Illinois Sends C&D 

[March 20, 2025]: Connecticut Urges Safe Betting as March Madness Nears 

Top Legal Sportsbooks in Connecticut

Connecticut’s betting market features three online sportsbooks and multiple retail locations:

DraftKings Sportsbook: Partnered with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe (Foxwoods), DraftKings offers a user-friendly app, same-game parlays, live betting, and a $300 bonus for a $5 bet. Retail betting is available at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

FanDuel Sportsbook: Collaborating with the Mohegan Tribe (Mohegan Sun), FanDuel provides live streaming, competitive odds, and a $200 bonus for a $5 winning bet. Retail options are at Mohegan Sun.

Fanatics Sportsbook: Partnered with the Connecticut Lottery, Fanatics replaced Play SugarHouse in December 2023, offering FanCash rewards and up to $1,000 in risk-free bets. Retail sites include XL Center (Hartford) and Total Mortgage Arena.

Additional retail locations include Winners off-track betting sites and Bobby V’s Restaurant, totaling 12 of 15 possible venues.

Betting Options and Restrictions

Connecticut bettors can wager on professional leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, and more. Additionally, you can place a bet on college sports, excluding individual Connecticut college games unless in tournaments (e.g., March Madness). You’re also fine with wagering on international events like the Olympics, tennis, golf, MMA, and esports.

Bet types include:

• Spreads
• Moneylines
• Totals (over/under)
• Parlays
• Prop bets
• Futures
• Live betting
• Same-game parlays

Restrictions:

• No bets on individual Connecticut college team games outside tournaments.
• No wagering on high school sports, political events, or entertainment awards.
• Player prop bets on college athletes are typically prohibited.

A proposed 2025 bill (HB 5563) may lift restrictions on local college betting.

Market Impact and Trends

Connecticut’s sports betting market is robust, with a $2.09 billion handle in 2024, generating $25.76 million in tax revenue. The first quarter of 2025 saw a $511.14 million handle and $7.07 million in taxes, outpacing 2024’s early months. Compared to neighbors:

• Rhode Island: $39 million handle (February 2025).
• Massachusetts: $622 million.
• New York: $1.9 billion.

Local interest in the UConn Huskies and regional teams like the Patriots drives betting. The Connecticut Sun (WNBA) also draws wagers.

Tax revenue supports public programs, with $215 million from casinos in 2022, including $51.4 million for municipalities. The market supports 22,832 jobs and $3.7 billion in economic output.

Responsible Gambling Practices

Connecticut prioritizes responsible gambling, with DCP-mandated tools:

• Deposit/Time/Loss Limits: Control spending and play duration.
• Self-Exclusion: Block access temporarily or permanently.
• Problem Gambling Resources: Operators display helpline info (1-888-789-7777, ccpg.org/chat).

Tips for bettors:

• Budget: Use disposable income, splitting it into sessions (e.g., $20 from $100).
• Avoid Chasing Losses: Don’t increase bets to recover losses.
• Take Breaks: Pause every 30-60 minutes.
• Seek Help: Contact 1-800-GAMBLER or Gamblers Anonymous if needed.

Despite only 1.8% of residents having gambling issues, they account for 50% of online betting revenue, underscoring the need for robust protections.

Future Outlook for Sports Betting in Connecticut

Connecticut’s sports betting market looks promising as it continues to grow in 2025, building on a strong foundation of tribal partnerships and state oversight. The first quarter of 2025 saw bettors wager over half a billion dollars, a clear sign that appetite for sports betting remains high, outpacing early 2024 figures.

Lawmakers are exploring innovative ways to expand the market, with a proposed bill aiming to allow bets on local college teams like UConn outside of tournaments, which could keep more betting dollars in-state as residents currently cross borders to place such wagers.

Another bold idea floated in January would permit betting during flights to and from Connecticut, potentially making the state a trailblazer, though federal laws like the Gambling Devices Act may complicate this plan.

While the current trio of operators: DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook, dominates due to tribal and lottery agreements, there’s room for speculation about new entrants, though the compact’s structure limits rapid expansion.

The state’s focus on refining regulations, like introducing maximum hold percentages or opt-out features for specific sports, shows a commitment to balancing growth with consumer protection.

With online betting driving most of the action, Connecticut is well-positioned to adopt trends like micro-betting or enhanced live streaming, keeping it competitive with neighbors like New York and Massachusetts.

As tax revenue continues to fund public programs and support thousands of jobs, the state’s betting scene is set to remain a vital economic and entertainment hub.

Is sports betting legal in Connecticut in 2025?

Yes, sports betting is legal online and in-person since October 2021, regulated by the DCP.

Which sportsbooks are legal in Connecticut?

DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook operate online, with retail betting at Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun, and Lottery venues.

Can I bet on UConn games in Connecticut?

No, individual UConn games are off-limits, except during tournaments like March Madness. A 2025 bill may change this.

What is the minimum age for sports betting in Connecticut?

Bettors must be 21+ and physically in the state, verified by geolocation.

What types of bets can I place in Connecticut?

Options include spreads, moneylines, totals, parlays, props, futures, live bets, and same-game parlays.

Are there welcome bonuses for Connecticut bettors?

Yes, FanDuel offers $200 for a $5 winning bet, DraftKings gives $300 for $5, and Fanatics provides up to $1,000 risk-free.

Where can I get help for gambling problems in Connecticut?

Call 1-888-789-7777, visit ccpg.org/chat, or contact 1-800-GAMBLER for support.