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    Connecticut

    Connecticut has a liberal view on gambling, offering various forms of land-based options, unfortunately, online gambling is outlawed in this state.

    Profile

    Land Based Gambling
    Allowed in Casino, Poker, Bingo, Lottery, Horse Racing
    Online Gambling
    Allowed in DFS
    Min Age
    18-21
    Number of Land Based Casinos
    2
    Number of Poker Rooms
    2
    Number of Indian Casinos
    2
    Popular Land Based Casinos
    Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods
    Pari-Mutuel
    Yes
    Smoking Ban
    None
    Estimated Tax Revenue from Gambling
    $290M
    Estimated Gambling Revenue
    $1.7B

    Land Based Gambling

    Casino
    Casino

    Regulated Since: 1992

    Gambling Age: 21

    Sports Betting
    Sports Betting
    Poker
    Poker

    Regulated Since: 1992

    Gambling Age: 21

    Bingo
    Bingo

    Regulated Since: 1971

    Gambling Age: 18

    Lottery
    Lottery

    Regulated Since: 1970

    Gambling Age: 18

    Horse Racing
    Horse Racing

    Regulated Since: 1979

    Gambling Age: 21

    Dog Racing
    Dog Racing

    Online Gambling

    Online Casino
    Online Casino
    Online Sports Betting
    Online Sports Betting
    Online Poker
    Online Poker
    Online Bingo
    Online Bingo
    eSports Betting
    eSports Betting
    DFS
    DFS

    Regulated Since: 2018

    Gambling Age: 18


    Overview

    Connecticut has a liberal view on gambling, offering various forms of land-based options, unfortunately, online gambling is outlawed in this state.

    Gambling in Connecticut goes back to the 1800s when harness racing was introduced to the state in 1876. Over the next 100 years, horseracing, greyhound racing, and Jai Alai became prominent betting sports. Only in 1976 did the state implement regulations to control gambling practices in the state. Not only could you bet at tracks under regulations, but off-site wagering was also allowed via simulcast at several off-track taverns. Initially, these forms of betting were regulated by the state, but the rights were eventually sold to Autotote Enterprises in 1993.

    Nowadays, gamblers may place bets online and via special apps for horse and dog races, even though none of the above sports is practised in Connecticut any longer. Despite being legal, Horseracing ceased in the region the year the regulations were introduced in-state, while Jai Alai met its end in 2001 and Greyhound racing in 2005. It was understood that the introduction and growth of the casino industry was the downfall of traditional offerings.

    A liberal stance on social betting saw non-profits given the opportunity to run ‘Las Vegas’ nights in 1972, using casino gaming to boost their revenues for the charitable works. This was the first step taken towards legalising casinos within the borders of the state on tribal grounds. Social betting had been around since the 1930s allowing Charities to use both Bingo and raffles as a way of generating funds. This has become a highly regulated practice to ensure that these games are not abused for commercial purposes. Charities are no longer allowed to offer Vegas styled gambling.

    Foxwoods was the first land-based casino established in Connecticut in 1986. Though it started as a commercial bingo hall, it began to roll out table games by the early ‘90s, soon followed by slots. It is now one of the biggest casinos in the world with an impressive poker room of nearly 150 tables. In 1996, The Mohegan Sun Casino joined its ranks as a regulated casino. The two establishments remain the two sole casinos in the state and offer various types of games, including slots, blackjack, poker, roulette, and craps.

    The State Lottery is another way for gamblers to get their groove on in CT. In existence since 1971, the types of games offered to players involve instant win tickets and lotto draw prizes. These tickets can be bought on a subscription up to 52 weeks in advance.
    Currently, the state is negotiating the way forward for sports betting regulations, but nothing is conclusive as of mid-2020, but things are looking positive. Daily Fantasy Sports is, however, legal in the state, and players can enjoy the entertainment from top names in this industry, including FanDuel and DraftKings.

    Gambling is a big revenue maker for the state of Connecticut, bringing in an average of $290,000,000 per year for the taxman, from revenues estimated at $1,700,000,000 per annum at casinos, This income could grow if the state ever introduced regulated online gambling to its people.


    Regulation

    A liberal view towards betting in Connecticut means that most forms of betting are accommodated and regulated. Each of these types has a unique governing framework to ensure that players are protected:

    • Horseracing, Greyhound Racing, and Jai Alai: These all became regulated in 1976 and remain legal in the state, as long as the betting process includes a Pari-Mutuel pooling of the bets. None of these sports takes place in the state any longer, but this has not stopped their fans. Betting is legal via online services from taverns and totes in towns and cities around the state. This type of betting is the only form of gambling that can be undertaken via a mobile app. Gamblers must be 21 years or older to partake in race betting.

    • Lottery and Instant Gaming: The state offers a well-regulated lottery for anyone over 18 years of age to partake in for massive wins. Along with lotto play are instant game titles, which can be bought at stores. Players cannot buy lottery tickets online but can subscribe for lotto tickets over 52 weeks.

    • Social Gaming: Social gaming is only legal for Non-Profit organisations and registered charities, but these practices are strictly regulated to ensure that no commercial gains are made from these practices. Non-Profits may run either Bingo games, or raffles to increase their revenues and although they are not taxable funds, they must be declared each time a raffle or bingo evening takes place. All bingo players must be 18 years or older to partake in the games.

    • Casino Gambling: Land-based casino gambling is regulated in the tribal lands of Connecticut, alone, under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. There are currently only two casinos servicing the state. These include Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. Here, a great variety of casino games can be played, including thousands of slot machines, video poker machines, and table games, such as roulette, blackjack, poker, craps, and more.

    While casinos are not taxed for table game revenues by the state, casinos must cough up 25% of their revenues on all slot games and video poker titles generated on their casino floors.

    • Online Casino Gambling: Online casino gambling is outlawed in Connecticut, as the state abides by the Federal legislation on the topic. While many remote online casinos are eager to accept betting from Connecticut citizens, being caught practising this illegal practice could land you in deep water. The only form of online gambling allowed in CT is race betting via an app.

    • Sports Betting: Sports betting legislation is still pending as of mid-2020, but it seems that deep talks are taking place between the state and tribal casinos, to offer a regulated form of sportsbook to the people.

    • Daily Fantasy Sports: Daily Fantasy Sports are legal in the state of Connecticut and are not viewed as gambling, but rather as games of skill.


    Licensing

    The Department of Consumer Protection serves as a watchdog for the gambling industry, among other industries in Connecticut. This department is where gambling licenses are registered and renewed.

    The Gaming Division of the department works to ensure the highest degree of integrity in all forms of regulated and legalised gambling practices within CT jurisdiction and the federally recognised Tribal Nations within the state. According to their website, they are guided by several principles in undertaking their regulatory responsibilities:

    • Establish and enforce regulations and procedures that assure the public that gaming is conducted honestly and fairly.
    • License only suitable individuals, organizations, and vendors of equipment and services to participate in the gaming industry in the State of Connecticut.
    • Provide a due process for those individuals who are denied gaming licenses or whose gaming licenses are revoked.
    • Ensure the integrity of games through thorough testing of wagering systems and related equipment, including telecommunication protocols and standards.
    • Conduct a periodic study on the effect of legalised gambling on the citizens of Connecticut.
    • Prohibit minors from attending or participating in any legalized gambling venue within the State of Connecticut according to state law.
    • Support efforts to create public awareness of prevention, education, and treatment for the chronic gambler.
    Commercial casino licenses are not generally available to the public. There are only two legally licensed casinos on tribal land, and it seems the state wants it to remain that way. One can register for permits to become a Lottery Sales Agents and Charitable Game facilitators though.

    Lottery Sales agents will be vetted for financial suitability and must undergo CLC training after a criminal clearance certificate is awarded. No one with a criminal history will be allowed to become an agent.

    The prerequisite for a Social Gaming license is a Non-Profit Organisation registration number. Most Charitable organisations should qualify for such a license unless they have a dodgy history in this regard. When hosting bingo events and raffles, the licensee must report back to the licensing authority on the revenues generated, as the department is sold-out on prohibiting and gaming practices of this sort for commercial gains and will enforce the law on anyone who does not abide by the ethical code of conduct laid out by law in this regard.



    Casinos and Gambling Facilities in Connecticut Gambling?


    FAQ

    1. What is the Legal Age for gambling in CT?
    For the playing of Charitable games, like bingo and raffles, or lottery and instant games, gamblers must be 18 years or older. Betting on casino games, horseracing, greyhound racing, or Jai Alai requires you to be 21 years or older to participate.

    Yes, the lottery and other instant lotto games are regulated by the state.

    Yes, you will have to pay 6.99% of your winnings to the state government on amounts won of $5,000 and more, and between 24% and 30% to the IRS for federal income tax.

    Yes, off-track betting on horseracing, greyhound races, and Jai Alai is possible in Connecticut. All races and games no longer run in-state, though they are still legal under regulation.

    Yes, you can enjoy Fantasy Sports in CT. The most popular versions are Fanduel and DraftKings.

    While smoking in public spaces is banned in Connecticut, you can smoke cigarettes on the casino’s floors on tribal land.

    Yes, betting on Greyhound racing is legal in the state, both on track (don’t race in-state anymore) and off-track betting at regulated taverns.

    No, online gambling is illegal in Connecticut.

    No, remote online gambling from outside the state is illegal under Connecticut law.

    Yes, registered Non-Profit organisations and Charities may offer Bingo and Raffles to boost their revenues. This is strictly regulated to ensure that no commercial gains are mustered in this way.
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