Sports betting is alive and kicking in Connecticut. The government compact with state tribes, which legalized online sports betting and retail sports betting in Connecticut, was signed and made into law by Governor Ned Lamont in May 2021.
Mohegan Sun (the Mohegan Tribe) ended their agreement with Kambi and have selected FanDuel sportsbook. The state also has a lottery – The Connecticut Lottery, which has partnered with Rush Interactive, owner of BetRivers and SugarHouse as its gambling operator.
Why They Legalized Online Betting in Connecticut
Ultimately, legal online sports wagering in Connecticut is convenient. Bettors in CT can make bets, keep an eye on betting lines and keep up with their betting accounts all day, every day – from wherever they happen to be (as long as they are in state lines). Punters can also enjoy live bets as well.
Connecticut Online Sportsbooks
Here are some of the top Connecticut online sports betting sites:
FanDuel Connecticut
FanDuel sportsbook is the partner of the Mohegan tribe – which runs the Mohegan Sun Casino. This is an excellent sports betting site and also a top daily fantasy sports betting provider.
SugarHouse
Sugar House is owned by Rush Street Interactive, which is the gambling partner of the Connecticut Lottery. This has an excellent betting app, lots of markets and excellent in-play betting options.
Connecticut Sports Betting History
A quick look at the history of legal sports betting in Connecticut.
Gov. Ned Lamont Legalizes Sports Betting in CT
The driving force behind legalized sports betting in Connecticut was Governor Ned Lamont. He pushed hard to make sure that the sports betting bill was moved forward quickly.
Gov. Lamont’s administration negotiated with the two tribes to strike a deal to help make the bill a reality.
Legislation in the past had failed, so Lamont took a very hands-on approach, which was the biggest factor in its success. In May 2021, he finally signed the bill to make online sports betting legal.
State Sports Betting Regulations
The state’s betting bill was pretty straightforward, with only a few provisos:
- You are not allowed to bet on Connecticut college sports teams based in CT
- You need to be 21 or over to bet on sports in CT
- You can only fund your online betting account with debit and credit cards.
The Sports Betting Law
Here are some of the main points included in the new gaming compact signed by Governor Lamont.
- The revenue from sports betting is taxed at 13.75%
- Only three brands have been authorized to allow online sports betting – DraftKings, FanDuel sportsbook and SugarHouse Connecticut.
- You can only fund betting accounts with credit and debit cards.
- A sports betting license lasts for 10 years.
- CT Lottery is able to operate up to 15 retail betting shops. However, one must be in Hartford and another in Bridgeport. It can also outsource operations to Sportech, its OTB operator.
Sports Leagues To Bet On in Connecticut?
The sports gambling laws in Connecticut allows for betting on all professional and college sports. However, betting on any game involving state-based colleges is not allowed. Here are different sports and leagues available to the top sports betting sites.
- Football League betting including the NFL and NCAA
- Basketball League betting including the NBA, WNBA and NCAA
- Baseball League betting including the MLB
- Hockey league betting including the NHL
- Soccer Leagues and tournaments such as the MLS, English Premier League, La Liga and more.
- Motor racing including NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula 1 etc.
- Golf tournaments including the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, PGA European Tour and more
- Tennis betting on the ATP, ITF and WTA
- Mixed Martial Arts fights such as the UFC
Sports Events to Bet in Connecticut
There are plenty of legal sports betting opportunities in Connecticut, what with the Connecticut Sun always being contenders for the WNBA title.
The state also has the Bridgeport Islanders, which is the official American Hockey League farm club of the NHL games New York Islanders. Then there is also the AHL farm club of the New York Rangers- the Hartford Whalers. The Connecticut Whale team represents the state in the National Women’s Hockey League.
Hartford Athletic is the state’s professional soccer team, which plays as part of the USL. Connecticut also has a minor professional baseball team – the Hartford Yard Goats, a farm club of the Colorado Rockies.
Bettors in Connecticut can also bet on top national sporting events – such as the NFL bettors dream – The Super Bowl as well as the NBA finals, MLB World Series and more.
Daily Fantasy Sports in Connecticut?
Fans of DFS can open an account with FanDuel or SugarHouse, both permitted to operate DFS, not within tribal reservation lands. There will be a third option when the Connecticut Lottery is given permission.
Online Sportsbooks & Sports Betting Apps in CT
The most popular sports betting apps in the state – and also in the US are FanDuel and SugarHouse.
The SugarHouse betting app is attractive, easy to use and has lots of betting options. FanDuel also has an app packed full of features and markets. All apps are free and easy to download on iOS and Android.
CT Sports Betting Bonuses & Promotions
Sports betting sites in Connecticut offer some very generous welcome bonuses and promotions. There are offers such as free bets, risk-free bets and deposit match offers. However, all bonuses come with terms and conditions attached such as wagering requirements which you need to be aware of.
The best offers are normally for new customers, but if you sign up with several Connecticut sports betting sites then you can claim several bonuses.
Most also offer a variety of promotions for existing players such as free bets, parlay insurance and odds boosts etc.
Types of Sports Bets Offered in Connecticut
Here are the main types of sports bets you can make on Connecticut sports betting sites:
- Moneylines
- Spreads
- Totals
- Parlays
- Props
- Futures
- Teasers
How to Sign For a SportsBook in Connecticut
The process of signing up to bet at a Connecticut sports betting site is simple:
- Choose your preferred online sports betting site.
- Open the site or download the app and click on ‘create account’.
- Enter details such as name, address, DOB, contact details and your last 4 digits on your SS number to verify your age and identity. Create a username and password.
- Choose your payment option and make your deposit. As soon as your funds have hit your account, you can place your first bet.
Banking at Connecticut Sports Betting Sites
Most Connecticut sports betting sites offer a variety of banking options, and these should all offer instant deposits. However, some sites and some methods have fees attached – credit cards normally have higher fees. Using the same method for deposits and withdrawals is the quickest and easiest option.
Features of a Top Connecticut Sports Betting Site
So, what should you look for when comparing leading online sports betting sites? Here are the main factors to consider…
An Easy to Use Interface
The best Connecticut sports betting site will offer a desktop interface and mobile app that is quick, seamless and easy to navigate. You should be able to locate all of the different sports, leagues and bet types within just a couple of clicks.
Variety of Betting Odds
The most important thing for any bettor is the variety and generosity of the odds, which is the bread and butter of the entire industry. The odds are everything really. You should be able to locate them quickly and easily, be posted early and be generous compared to competitor sites.
Live Betting and Live Streaming
One of the most popular ways to wager now is live betting (in-play betting) – betting on the game as it is in action. It means a bettor can place a wager on what happens in the game – maybe who scores the next point, which team scores next etc.
The sports betting sites in Connecticut generally offer lots of live betting options for all top sports. They also offer live streaming, which means a punter can watch the game or match as it happens – perfect for making live bets.
Safety and Security
The best sports betting sites in Connecticut will be licensed and regulated by the government body, to make sure that they are running a safe, secure and fair operation. They make sure that the sports betting site services are efficient and delivered to the customer promptly. They will safeguard all bettors against bad practise. Before signing up with a site, make sure that it has been fully licensed and regulated.
Top Rate Customer Service
No matter how good a sports betting site is, issues will always arise. If a customer encounters a problem or needs any question answered, a good Connecticut sports betting site will offer its customers excellent customer service that solves issues quickly. Available options should include live chat, email, phone, social media and more.
There should also be FAQs as well to help with the most frequent questions.
The Regulation of CT Sports Betting Sites
You should only ever deal with legal Connecticut betting sites. This means that they should have a proper license in place from the Gaming Division of the Department of Consumer Protection, which regulates Connecticut gambling. We would never recommend that you register or deposit at illegal, unregulated offshore sports betting sites as you will not be protected.
The Reputation of the CT Sports Betting Sites
The best way to know whether or not an online sports betting site in Connecticut can be trusted is by checking to see their history. The best betting sites will already have a well-earned reputation for offering a good service and treating their customers fairly. Always look for other user reviews as this is the most honest review out there.
Betting Site Accessibility
A Connecticut sports betting site should be easy to access on desktop, and smartphone -whether iOS or Android. It should be user-friendly, easy to find your way around and offer a seamless experience from wherever you are in state lines.
Reliability
The best Connecticut sportsbook operators will offer all of the markets you are looking for with competitive odds and pricing. They should also process your withdrawals quickly without any fuss.
Mobile Experience
Online betting is the most common way to bet – with many opting for mobile gambling. The sports betting apps, as well as online sites, should make it easy for you to find what you are looking for.
Generous and Regular Sports Betting Bonuses
As well as welcome bonuses, Connecticut online sports betting sites should also offer a variety of promotions and offers for existing players. Whether it’s cash bonuses, bonus funds, free bets, risk-free bets, insurance or odds boosts, the betting site should offer generous amounts with fair terms and conditions attached.
Payment Options
Funding your Connecticut sportsbook should be as quick, easy and hassle-free as possible. There should be a variety of options to choose from so that you can quickly deposit your funds and start placing those bets with little delay.
Variety of Games and Events
The best online sportsbooks in Connecticut step away from competitors by offering a wider variety of sports and lines to bet on. Look for niche sports and international leagues and events. Check out its live betting variety – the more variety you have, the better your experience will be.
Generous Odds
There can’t be just a wide variety of odds – these odds need to be generous and competitive as well. Every little difference in price can add up, especially if you are regularly placing bets. It’s often good to sign up at more than one online sportsbetting site so that you can compare odds before placing your bet – thus making sure you get the best prices available for that wager.
Quick Payout Process
Normally, most Connecticut sportsbooks require a 24-48 hour approval period. However, withdrawals can be requested at any time and should be processed quickly. eWallets such as Neteller and Skrill usually offer the fastest withdrawal times. Some operators allow you to keep an eye on the status of your withdrawal.
Security at Connecticut Sports Betting Sites
It is absolutely vital that you know that you are placing your details and money into a sports betting site that is completely secure and all your details are kept private. Connecticut sports betting sites should use the same technology used by banks and other financial institutions, both on desktop or mobile apps.
Top 5 Connecticut Sports Teams to Bet On
Because Connecticut is near to the Boston and New York markets, the residents of the state often follow a variety of different teams. One of the most popular state teams is the University of Connecticut’s women’s basketball team. However, punters cannot place bets involving state-based college teams
Connecticut Huskies
This University team is a favorite with the fans and punters can start placing bets on CFB and CBB. There are high hopes for the basketball team in the upcoming season, however, the football team is in the process of rebuilding. They also have a variety of other University sports teams and events including women’s basketball, baseball, golf and more.
Connecticut Sun
This WNBA team is one of the few professional sports teams based in Connecticut. The team was purchased in 2003 by the Mohegan Sun, which made them the first Native American tribe to own a professional sports team. The Sun plays its home games at the Mohegan Sun Arena and has never won a WNBA championship to date.
New England Patriots
The Boston team, the New England Patriots is definitely one for the NFL betting gans. The team has won the Super Bowl 6 times and play their home games in Foxboro, which is under 45 miles from Connecticut. They were considering moving to Hartford at one point, but worked out a deal in Massachusetts and are now one of the most successful NFL teams.
New York Giants
Another popular one for NFL bettors is the New York Giants, which has a history in Connecticut. They played home games for two seasons at the Yale Bowl during the 1970s. They moved to Shea Stadium in Queens for a season before heading to New Jersey in 1976.
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees baseball team are just 35 miles from Stamford and are located on Long Island South, which is where many Connecticut residents working in New York reside.
It’s only 35 miles from Yankee Stadium to Stamford, located on Long Island Sound and home to many Connecticut residents who work in New York.
Boston Red Sox
For baseball betting fans in Connecticut, there is a definite rivalry between Yankees fans and Red Sox fans. Those that live East of Connecticut generally favor the Red Sox.
Connecticut Sports Betting FAQ
When Was Online Sports Betting Launched in CT?
Online sports betting was originally launched in May 2021.
Is There Retail Betting in Connecticut?
Yes, as well as mobile sports betting, there are ways to enjoy retail sports betting in person. Popular state casinos, such as Foxwoods Resort Casino amongst others, have their own sportsbooks, powered by DraftKings.
