Connecticut is a state for fans of gambling to keep an eye on as it steadily progresses with their already solid legal gambling options. Connecticut is not known to have a ton of gaming action, but what it does have is considered to be some of the best in the nation. Connecticut is home to the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos with another tribal casino currently in the works. And thanks to pro-gambling efforts, the Constitution State has its way paved for online gambling, sports betting, and daily fantasy sports to enter into the gambling landscape in the near future.
Connecticut Legal Gambling History
Charitable gaming was legalized in 1939 and to this day is big business in CT, bringing in profits and tax revenues both in the millions. This law allowed for “casino nights” that featured blackjack and roulette, which has been banned by the state in 2003 in an attempt to block further tribal gaming expansion.
1971 was a big year for the foundation of legal gambling in Connecticut. The state legalized both race betting and off-track betting and then the state lottery. The first ticket was sold the next year.
Also, that next year, Connecticut brought in greyhound betting and Jai Alai, both in 1972.
In 1993 the state gave exclusive rights to casino gambling to Foxwoods Casino.
Online poker was legalized in 2012.
Connecticut Gambling Legal Status
It is legal in Connecticut for players to gamble at the state’s land-based tribal casinos where they can take their pick from slots, poker, and table games. Online casino gambling is not legal in the state, yet, but online poker is legal.
The state lottery in Connecticut is legal and offers scratch-offs, Powerball, and Mega Millions. Charitable gaming like bingo and raffles are legal in Connecticut as well. The state also allows for track betting and off-track betting.
Online gambling will come to Connecticut at some point. Right now we can say that it’s a certainty as soon as the legalities are worked out.
In Connecticut the legal age of play is 21 and up for casinos and online poker and 18 years of age and older for the lottery, track betting, and charitable games.
Connecticut Land-Based Casinos
Connecticut may not have a lot of casinos. But the two that they have are among the best in the nation. Connecticut is home to Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun Casino, both tribal casinos that offer the spectrum of game playing. The state also has a 3rd casino in the works which will be the second casino for the Mohegan’s and located in East Windsor.
You’ll find just about everything in Connecticut casinos including:
- slots
- poker
- blackjack
- craps
- roulette
- baccarat
And more.
Connecticut Legal Daily Fantasy Sports and Sports Betting
After the PASPA act was lifted by the Supreme Court in 2018 you would think that Connecticut would have welcomed in sports betting by now, as its neighboring states have. One thing that we know for sure is that it’s coming.
Within the law that allowed for Connecticut’s third land-based tribal casino included print that would permit them to offer sports betting. While this bill doesn’t include daily fantasy sports, there is another bill that’s being presented. Operators of daily fantasy sports are so certain of its promising outcome, with the Governor had already worked it into the state’s budget, that FanDuel and DraftKings are currently in Connecticut as we speak.
Connecticut Legal Gambling FAQ’s
What forms of gambling are currently legal in the state of Connecticut?
Right now the following forms of gambling are legal in Connecticut:
- Land-based tribal casino gambling including slots, poker, craps, roulette, and table games.
- Online poker.
- Track betting and off-track betting.
- State lottery including scratch-offs, Powerball, and Mega Millions.
- Charitable games like bingo and raffles.
