Online sports wagering and online casino gaming will have a soft launch in Connecticut next week.
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection on Oct. 8, 2021, gave the go-ahead to the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, the Mohegan Tribe, and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe for them to begin a seven-day trial period for online wagering.
The soft launch will begin on Oct. 12 at 3 p.m.
Each of the three entities will choose 750 patrons to participate during the soft launch, which will last for seven days. Once that seven-day period is up, the DCP said, online gaming will open statewide.
“We appreciate the hard work of our licensees and their teams, as well as the team at the DCP, for their diligence in ensuring these platforms are compliant with the regulations approved by the legislature,” DCP Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull said. “As long as no issues arise, we have told the licensees they may move forward with the seven-day soft launch required in the regulations.”
Sports betting and casino games will be limited in the first four days. On Oct. 12-13, the hours will be limited to 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. On Oct. 14-15, the hours will extend to 12 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Online gambling will be available 24 hours a day following the initial four-day period.
Which Sports Betting Apps Can Be Used?
Most Connecticut residents will not be able to participate during the soft launch, but now there is a more firm date of a full launch to look forward to.
It appears that on Oct. 19, 2021, all Connecticut residents can begin placing sports bets via mobile apps and playing online casino games. When that happens they’ll have several options. All three will have bonus offers so make sure to look for those so you can get the most out of your money.
The Connecticut Lottery Corporation has partnered with SugarHouse for online and retail sports betting.
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribe has chosen DraftKings as its online sports betting and online casino gaming partner.
FanDuel is partnered with the Mohegan Tribe and will operate the online sportsbook. The Mohegan Tribe will use its own Mohegan Sun Casino app for its online casino games.
Retail Sports Betting Underway
Connecticut launched retail sports betting on Sept. 30, 2021.
Mohegan Sun Casino and Foxwoods Resort Casino opened temporary sportsbooks in their facilities and began taking in-person wagers.
The Connecticut Lottery is allowed to open up to 15 retail sports betting locations, but it has yet to do so. None of the retail locations will be allowed to open within 25 miles of either tribal casino.
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