Connecticut Sports Betting Deal Made With One Of Two Tribes

• Governor Ned Lamont and local tribal nations had a public hearing discussing the potential launching of legal sports betting in Connecticut.
• The Mohegan Tribe has signed on for sports betting as well as online gambling.
• The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has not come to an agreement yet, but believe one is close.

HARTFORD, Conn. – Sports betting fans in Connecticut may soon see a regulated market soon as a successful hearing between legislators and local tribes concluded on Tuesday.

Governor Ned Lamont discussed gambling expansion deals with members of the Mohegan Tribe and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. Headed into the meeting there was more optimism in getting the Mohegan Tribe to sign on.

The resulting session hearing saw the Mohegan Tribe sign in favor of legal sports betting, while the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation still on the fence, but optimistic that an agreement will be made.

Connecticut Sports Betting

The meeting discussed the tribes running regulated sportsbooks out of the tribal casino operations. Details of the regulations have not been set, but Connecticut sports betting could run similarly to the current compacts involving casino gambling.

The state would see a 13.75% tax on all sports betting revenue. It is believed by the governor’s office that upwards of tens of millions of dollars would be generated with a sports betting market.

“This agreement represents months of hard work and dedication to getting a deal that’s best for the residents of Connecticut and moves our state forward when it comes to the future of gaming,” said Lamont in a written statement. “We are incredibly fortunate to have such a devoted partner in these efforts like the Mohegan Tribe, as they have been open to negotiation, honest discussion, and a positive path forward that is beneficial for both their tribe and the State of Connecticut.”

The Mohegan Tribe wasted no time in approving sports betting, with the agreement coming before the end of the session hearing. The added revenue was a big factor for the tribe. The deal is a 10 year compact with the option for an additional five-year extension.

“The Mohegan Tribe is proud to have reached this agreement with Governor Lamont and the State of Connecticut,” said James Gessner Jr., Mohegan Tribe Chairman. “This path will allow Connecticut to generate tax revenues from sports and online gaming that are competitive with other states, and help keep Connecticut with those states when it comes to growing our economy and benefiting the state budget. We’re thankful to Governor Lamont and his team, and we look forward to continued work with the General Assembly as this process continues.”

The only thing missing is the signature from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, which is expected to happen soon.

Mashantucket Pequot chairmen Rodney Butler expressed that a revenue issue that is seen as “a rounding error” for the state but would be a major issue for the tribe moving forward is what’s holding up the signature.

“I’m certain we’ll get there and we’ll get there soon,” said Butler.

News tags: Connecticut | Hartford | James Gessner Jr | Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation | Mohegan | Mohegan Tribe | Ned Lamont | Paul Mounds | Rodney Butler