When the legislative session opens in Connecticut on Wednesday, Jan. 9, one of its main focuses will be legalizing CT sports betting, and many factions are scrambling to get included in what will no doubt be a profitable experience for the state if nearby states are any indication. And while tribe-owned, land-based casinos like Mohegan Sun are for sure to get the most attention, MGM Resorts International is also seeking a piece of the pie.
Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods Resort Casino Could Be First To Have CT Sports Betting
Legislators from the southeastern delegation of Connecticut have submitted legislation to allow in-person sports betting in Connecticut for as well as the implementation of CT online sports betting for Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino. Considering the lengthy relationship Connecticut has had with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes, it seems like a functional idea to allow Mohegan Sun Sportsbook and Foxwoods Sportsbook to get the first crack at any sports betting operation in the state. But these two tribe-owned casinos aren't the only interested parties looking to cash in on legalized sports betting in Connecticut.
MGM Resorts Wants To Be A Part Of CT Sports Betting
MGM Resorts International executive Uri Clinton expressed a willingness to meet with Governor Ned Lamont, who has pictured a speedy solution to get sports betting legalized in Connecticut and wants MGM Resorts to possibly be a part of their online sports betting and in-person sports betting as well.
MGM Resorts has already found sports betting success in New Jersey with playMGM.
CT Sports Betting Looking To Catch Up
After the Supreme Court removed the federal ban on sports betting in the US, many states scrambled to open up and regulate sports betting and online sports betting. We've seen legal NJ sports betting, PA sports betting, RI sports betting, WV sports betting, DE sports betting and more, but Connecticut had so far been behind those states, and losing revenue as they have lagged behind. The General Assembly looks to push forward with legal CT sports betting, but needs to weigh all the potential participants before finalizing their bill.
Online Keno Is Part Of CT Sports Betting Bill
Keno has been around at retail locations in Connecticut since an agreement was reached between the state and tribes in 2015. Now with this latest sports betting bill, the state will like to extend that to online keno and hammer out another agreement between the state and the tribes that would allow Connecticut Lottery Corp to operate online keno, while the tribes would receive a percentage of the gross revenue. Currently, they receive 12.5 percent of the keno revenue taken in by retail locations.
