The time has come for Connecticut to soft-launch iGaming and sports betting across the state. It has passed all the obstacles and it’s ready to introduce the activities in October, 2021. The state has announced a one-week period during which some restrictions will take place, as predicted in the regulations. When it expires, both iGaming and sports betting are expected to go statewide without further limitations. Virtual iGaming operations have proved to be a clever move across the US, but launching them is a complicated procedure.
The Connecticut authorities have legitimized iGaming and sports betting since May, but a regulatory review is still not in the books. The federal and state officials will have probably completed it by October 19. Even though Governor Ned Lamont and the two tribes have previously agreed on a deal, the launch couldn’t have come at once. The necessary approval from the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) has finally arrived at the beginning of October 2021.
The Trial Period
Mohegan Tribe and Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, alongside the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, will begin the seven-day soft launch. If the trial period is successful, iGaming and sports betting will be introduced throughout the state. The CLC will have different regulations, offering sports betting only in Connecticut, with up to 750 online bettors. Players will be able to place bets only at certain times, namely 3-11 on Tuesday and Wednesday. The active interval on Thursday and Friday lasts 12 p.m. – 11.59 p.m., with the 24/7 cycle during the rest of the period.
As for the tribes, they will be able to introduce iGaming if the games are approved by DCP. It will still give them a plethora of possibilities with over 100 games in the portfolio. The trial period doesn’t include peer-to-peer and live dealer games. The activity is also limited to 750 customers. Online sports betting will only be possible within the state of Connecticut. The aforementioned hourly restrictions apply to the tribes, too.
New Partnerships and Complex Procedures
In an effort to become frontrunners in the prospective market, many companies have teamed up. Sports betting has already started in two tribal casinos, with the Mohegan Tribe working with FanDuel. On the other hand, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe has chosen DraftKings to be their partner. The two companies, alongside Rush Street Interactive, (which teamed up with Connecticut Lottery), can now start setting up player accounts. The 750 customers will be able to try their luck during the trial period.
When talking about the approval of the iGaming activities, DCP Commissioner, Michelle H. Seagull, stated that everyone involved deserves praise. The licensees and their teams have worked hard, together with the DCP team, to ensure the procedure is smooth. All parties have demonstrated diligence while making sure the platforms are in accordance with the agreed regulations. The said regulations predict a 7-day soft launch and, if no issues occur once this period finishes, iGaming will launch without restrictions.