Connecticut Gambling Laws

Connecticut gambling laws follow a similar approach to many other US gambling laws. Everything gambling related is illegal, unless its licensed by the relevant authorities.

Connecticut gambling laws

Connecticut is home to some of the biggest casinos in the world, however, this does not mean that gambling is widely legal in the state. Connecticut gambling laws say that “risking any money, credit, deposit or other thing of value for gain contingent in whole or in part upon lot, chance” is gambling. Such activities include “the playing of a casino gambling game such as blackjack, poker, craps, roulette or a slot machine.”

Legal casino gambling in Connecticut is restricted to licensed venues, including the tribal casinos resorts: Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. Both of these casinos are widely known and enjoyed by many. They offer classic casino-style games such as blackjack, poker, and slots and host world-renowned tournaments. In 2016, both casinos expressed their support for the building of a third casino in Connecticut.

“We think Connecticut is a terrific market and can grow,” said Alan Feldman from MGM Resorts International. The legislature has asked for more studies regarding the casino’s location and other important details. “Collectively over the past 20-years we brought over 7-billion directly to the state of Connecticut via the participation of the slot machines,” highlighted Tribal Chairman Rodney Butler.

On top of casino gambling, Connecticut gambling laws allow for betting with some restrictions. Bets can be placed only on-track on horse and greyhound races. Bingo is also allowed and not only at fund-rising events, but also as pastime gambling.

Online Gambling in Connecticut

As in many other states, the situation of online gambling is unclear in Connecticut. The state’s gambling laws do not specifically mention online gambling, which many interpret as a green light. However, the lack of specific definition does not automatically equal legal online gambling in Connecticut.

“In general, a type of gambling is illegal in Connecticut unless the law specifically allows it,” puts the site of the Department of Consumer Protection. Since there are no licensed online casinos in Connecticut, wagering at such sites is not allowed. Furthermore, the description of gambling devices can be applied to smartphones and computers when they’re used to gamble at internet casinos. The situation is ambiguous: online gambling is not criminalized in Connecticut but it’s not legal either.

Lotteries in Connecticut

The Connecticut Lottery was established in 1971 to generate revenue for the state. State Representative John A. “Tony” Miscikoski its most prominent supporter became known as “The Father of the Lottery.” For a whole decade, he relentlessly presented legislations to create a state lottery.

Currently, the Connecticut Lottery sells both local and multi-state lottery tickets. It’s important to note that “lottery tickets cannot be purchased by mail or on the internet.” There are some sites that offer Connecticut Lottery tickets, however, the Connecticut Lottery “does not endorse or encourage the use of these sites.”

Daily Fantasy Sports in Connecticut

Legislators are currently paving the way for legal and regulated Daily Fantasy Sports in Connecticut. SB 192 was introduced “to protect consumers who play daily fantasy sports contest from unfair or deceptive acts or practices.” After its public hearing the bill was referred to the Joint Committee on General Law.