Is Sports Betting Legal in Connecticut?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Connecticut, with laws allowing both online and in-person betting at licensed sportsbooks. After much deliberation, the law to officially legalize sports betting in the state was signed by Governor Ned Lamont in May 2021. However, it would take several months before the first sites went live.
Connecticut is already home to several land-based casinos which had previously offered retail sports betting too. These casinos are operated by the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes, both of which are now also involved in legal online betting. State legislators agreed to grant three online betting licenses in CT, with one being controlled by the Mohegan tribe, another by the Mashantucket Pequot tribe, and the third by the Connecticut Lottery.
Legal Betting Connecticut Timeline
- 2018 – The Public Safety and Security Committee holds a meeting to explore the possibility of legal online betting, with representatives from major sports leagues and state casinos also present.
- 2020 – Two separate bills to legalize sports betting, each proposing a different setup, fail to gain support and fail after multiple legislative hearings.
- May 2021 – An agreement is made between the state government, and the two tribes is reached, with Governor Lamont signing new gaming compacts with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes.
- October 2021 – Retail and online sportsbooks go live in the state after federal officials review the new compacts.
Connecticut Sports Betting at a Glance
| Connecticut retail sports betting legal status | Legal and live |
| Connecticut online sports betting legal status | Legal and live |
| Connecticut online sports betting launch date | October 19, 2021 |
| Connecticut sports betting regulator | Connecticut Lotter, Mohegan Tribe, and Mashantucket Pequot Tribe |
| Number of sportsbook licenses available | Three online sportsbooks |
| Total bets placed in first month | $54 million |
| Sportsbook tax rate | 13.75% |
The Best CT Sportsbooks
Connecticut bettors have three different online sportsbooks to choose from, each provided by a different regulator. While this is less than some other states, it still gives CT bettors options and allows them to pick the best site for them. Here are our personal thoughts on each site, using data from our reviews:
FanDuel
FanDuel is perhaps the country’s biggest and most popular sports betting platform. The site is now live and available in Connecticut thanks to its partnership with the Mohegan tribe, letting you sign up and start betting from your computer or mobile. FanDuel offers one of the best mobile sportsbook apps that we’ve seen, and it’s incredibly easy to create your account and place your first bet. The bonuses available are excellent too, and it’s well worth joining.
DraftKings
DraftKings is another sports betting giant that has arrived in Connecticut after partnering with the Mashantucket Pequot tribe. Known for its excellent betting promos and easy-to-use interface, DraftKings is a great option, especially if you’re new to betting. The platform provides a lot of guides on how sports betting works, and it’s fully accessible on mobile thanks to the downloadable app.
SugarHouse
The third and final sports betting license was awarded to Rush Interactive, the gambling operator behind the BetRivers and SugarHouse brands. While it may not be as well-known as FanDuel or DraftKings, SugarHouse has a lot to offer. You can find lots of markets on all the most popular sports, and the process of placing your bets is very straightforward. There’s a generous welcome offer available too, giving all new users a risk-free bet when they first join.
How to Choose a Sportsbook in Connecticut
Before you decide on which sportsbook to use, we recommend looking closely at each option to compare the different features being offered. Although there are only three available online sportsbooks to choose from in Connecticut, it’s still worth checking to see which one fits you best. Different sites can offer completely different promos, markets, and other features.
Reviews
Reviews are the simplest way to learn what to expect from a new sportsbook. We review every Connecticut betting site, signing up and testing them out personally. In our reviews, we include all the details on bonuses, the sign up process, payments, and much more. We recommend reading our reviews before you decide on which site to join.
Bonuses
Bonuses are an important part of betting online, with all CT sportsbooks offering special promotions to new and current users. Before you join, be sure to compare the promos on offer and pick the one you think offers the most value. Be sure to read through all of the terms and conditions too.
Odds and Lines
Odds and lines make a big difference to your betting experience, affecting how likely you are to win and the amount of winnings you could potentially receive. Better odds mean bigger payouts, so it’s always worth checking to see what odds are provided at a sportsbook before you join.
Sports and Markets
All good sportsbooks offer lots of different sports for you to bet on. Before you join, make sure you check to see if your favorite sports are featured on the site and the availability of different betting markets. Common sports you can bet on include:
- NFL
- NBA
- MLB
- NHL
- Soccer
- Tennis
- MMA
- Motorsports
You can choose from lots of different markets on the biggest events, and most sites offer the following markets on all major sports:
- Moneyline
- Point spread
- Point total
- Game props
- Player props
- Futures
- Parlays
- Same-game parlays
Usability
Any sportsbook you choose should also be easy to use, with a fast sign up process and a simple betting interface. Always test out each betting site before you join, checking how easy it is to navigate through the menus and find the events you want to bet on.
Payments
Payments should be straightforward too, allowing you to easily deposit funds to your account and make fast and stress-free withdrawals. The best betting sites accept a range of payment methods, letting you easily bet with confidence.
Customer Support
While it’s easy to overlook, customer support is an important feature for any online betting site. Good customer support is a great indicator of trust, and it’s important that you can get in touch with someone if you ever have an issue. Some of the most common customer support options include:
- Live chat
- Email support
- Phone support
- Social media
- FAQ page
Guide on Legal Betting in CT
If you’re new to online betting, it might seem a bit confusing at first. While it may be confusing, it’s actually fairly straightforward once you know what you’re doing. In addition, we’ve put this guide together to give you all the information you need to choose a licensed sportsbook, sign up and place your first bets in Connecticut.
Why Choose a Licensed Sportsbook?
While online betting was only recently legalized in Connecticut, some sports fans have been placing bets online for years. There are offshore betting sites available that will accept US bettors. However, it’s important to note that these are unlicensed and, therefore, illegal sportsbooks.
If you want to stay safe while betting online, choosing a licensed sportsbook is important because:
- They’re legal to use
- Regulations keep your money safe
- Your winnings from bets are guaranteed
Before signing up to a sportsbook, always make sure it’s licensed by the relevant authority. In Connecticut, betting sites are licensed by either the state lottery or one of the two tribes.
Connecticut Sportsbook Sign Up Process Explained
To sign up to a sportsbook, all you need to do is follow these simple steps:
- Choose one of the licensed sportsbooks featured on this page
- Visit the site or download the app and begin the sign up process
- Enter your personal details, including name and contact information
- Verify your account by uploading a copy of your ID
- Agree to the site’s terms and conditions to complete the sign up process
How to Make a Deposit at a CT Sportsbook
Once you’ve joined the sportsbook of your choice, you’ll need to make a deposit to start betting. To add funds to your account, all you need to do is follow these steps:
- Log into your sportsbook account
- Choose the deposit option from the cashier
- Select your preferred payment method
- Enter the amount you want to deposit, making sure it’s above the minimum
According to our research, some of the most commonly accepted payment methods at CT sportsbooks include:
- Online banking
- Debit/credit cards
- Wire transfer
- ACH/eCheck
- PayPal
- Paynearme
In our experience, all deposits are credited instantly, no matter which payment method you use. This means you won’t have to wait around for your funds to arrive, and you can start betting straight away.
Claiming Your Connecticut Sports Betting Promos
If you’re joining a sportsbook for the first time, you shouldn’t overlook the betting promo. All CT sportsbooks that we’ve reviewed offer welcome offers to new users as a way of encouraging them to sign up. We’ve tested each one out personally, and you can find all the details in each of our sportsbook reviews. Here are some common bonuses you’ll come across:
| Bonus | Example | Explanation |
| Matched deposit bonus | 100% bonus worth up to $500 | You receive a $500 bonus if you deposit $500. |
| No deposit bonus | $50 bonus | Claim a free reward simply by signing up. |
| Risk-free bet | $250 risk-free bet | Your stake of up to $250 is refunded in bet credits if your bet loses. |
| Bet credits | $100 in bet credits | Use these credits in your betslip in place of real cash. |
Before claiming a cash bonus or betting promo, always read and understand the terms and conditions. All promotions come with these terms, and they affect how you can claim and use the offer. Some of the most common terms include:
| Terms and Conditions | Example | Explanation |
| Wagering requirement/rollover | 25x | Complete the wagering to withdraw your bonus |
| Promo code | BONUS10 | Enter the promo code when making a deposit to claim your bonus |
| Minimum deposit | $20 | Deposit at least this amount to claim the bonus |
| Minimum bet | $10 | Make a bet of at least this amount to claim the bonus |
| Minimum odds | -200 | Make a bet at these odds or greater to claim the bonus |
CT Sportsbook Payouts Explained
You can make a withdrawal at any time, provided you have the minimum amount of funds in your account. Based on the data we’ve collected, CT sportsbooks have a minimum withdrawal of $20 for most methods. In addition, you’ll normally only be able to make a withdrawal using a payment method that you’ve already used to make a deposit.
Here’s a quick guide to making your first withdrawal:
- Choose the withdraw option from the cashier
- Select your preferred payment method
- Enter the amount you’d like to withdraw, ensuring it’s above the minimum amount
- Confirm the withdrawal and wait for your cash to arrive
Payout times depend on both the sportsbook and the payment method you choose. We found that all CT sportsbooks aim to process withdrawal requests within 48 hours. Here are the average payout times explained:
| Payment Method | Withdrawal Time |
| Debit card | 1-5 days |
| PayPal | 30 minutes to 24 hours |
| Bank transfer | 1-7 days |
Popular Sports to Bet On in CT
Connecticut doesn’t have any professional sports teams playing in the big leagues, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in sports fans. Previously, the state had been home to the Hartford Whalers in the NHL. However, the franchise owner moved the team to North Carolina in 1997, and Connecticut has been without a major professional team ever since.
A lot of fans living in the state enjoy supporting teams in neighboring New York and Massachusetts, with the Celtics, Yankees, Red Sox, and Patriots all being popular. Some of the most popular sports to bet on include:
NFL
The NFL is the biggest sport in terms of betting revenue, with the Super Bowl seeing billions of dollars wagered in one night. While the football season is relatively short, there are still plenty of games to bet on, and the postseason is one of the most exciting times to be a sports fan. In CT, most football fans enjoy watching the New England Patriots, the New York Giants, the New York Jets, or the Buffalo Bills.
NBA
The NBA is perhaps the second most popular sport in the world, and it’s growing every year. It’s become a favorite for a lot of bettors thanks to a busy schedule and the opportunities for large parlays involving all of the teams in action. The biggest teams in proximity to Connecticut include the New York Knicks, the Boston Celtics, and the Brooklyn Nets.
MLB
Baseball has declined in popularity over the years but remains a popular sport, especially among bettors. There are a huge number of games to bet on throughout the MLB season, and most games have a huge range of markets to choose from. In CT, most baseball fans follow either the Boston Red Sox or the New York Yankees, which are two of the most successful teams in the sport.
NHL
While Connecticut doesn’t have its own hockey franchise anymore, the NHL remains highly popular in the state. Fans enjoy watching the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers, both of which are exciting teams that are often in contention to lift the Stanley Cup. The NHL can be unpredictable, but that’s part of what makes it so much fun to bet on.
MLS
Soccer has been growing in popularity across the state in recent years, and this has been partly thanks to the quality of the MLS getting better every year. While soccer fans might often prefer to bet on international leagues, the MLS is also available at CT sportsbooks. There's no MLS franchise in the state yet, but a lot of fans cheer for the New York Red Bulls or New England Revolution.
College Sports
Aside from professional sports, you can bet on college teams too. However, there are restrictions when it comes to betting on CT colleges. You may only bet on games involving Connecticut college teams if they’re playing in a tournament with four or more teams. This means you can bet on CT colleges in March Madness but not during regular season games.
Why Sign Up to Multiple Sportsbooks
There are three legal sportsbooks for you to choose from in Connecticut, and all of them are worth joining. There’s nothing to stop you from signing up to all of them, and in fact, we recommend it. Signing up to multiple sportsbooks provides a lot of benefits, including:
More Bonuses
Each time you join a sportsbook, you’ll be able to claim the welcome bonus that it offers. This means you can claim up to three different welcome bonuses in CT, and there are plenty of regular bonuses and rewards to unlock too. These offers are always worth claiming, so it’s definitely a good idea to sign up to each licensed site and make the most of these promotions.
The Best Lines and Odds
It pays to always look for the best odds before you bet, as it means more winnings if your bet is successful. Although odds are normally the same between CT sportsbooks, our research shows that there can be some variation depending on the event. By joining all three sites, you can make sure you always take the best odds.
Unique Features
All of the CT betting sites we reviewed and tested have unique features that set them apart. You can enjoy a completely different betting experience depending on which site you choose, and it’s worth signing up and checking them out for yourself. You might prefer one feature over another, so by signing up to all available sportsbooks, you can find out for yourself.
Connecticut Sports Betting FAQ
Where can I bet on sports in Connecticut?
Sports betting is now legal in the state of Connecticut, and you can bet both online and in person. There are three legal online betting sites available, with bettors able to sign up at FanDuel, DraftKings, and SugarHouse sportsbooks.
Is betting online in CT safe?
Yes, betting online is completely safe if you use a licensed sportsbook. Your money is protected, and any winnings you make are guaranteed. However, it’s important to gamble responsibly, as betting on sports always comes with risk.
How old do you need to be to legally bet in Connecticut?
To legally create a sportsbook account and start betting, you’ll need to be at least 21 years old. All licensed sportsbooks will verify your age when you join, meaning you’ll need to upload a copy of your ID before you can start betting.
Can I claim bonuses when betting online in Connecticut?
Yes, all of the CT sportsbooks we’ve reviewed offer bonuses. These include risk-free promos, which will refund your first bet if it loses. You can also expect bet credits, loyalty rewards, and more. Always read the full terms of each offer before you claim.
Sources
Author
Tom Edlin is a senior author and contributor to SportsbookPromo.com. He's been writing and reporting on the US sports betting industry for years and has crafted hundreds of in-depth reviews and guides.
