Current Legal Status and History
Sports betting in Connecticut is legal, both online and in person. The journey to legalization culminated in Governor Ned Lamont signing bill HB 6451 into law in May 2021. This legislation ratified new gaming compacts with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes, who operate the state's two casinos, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. Retail sports betting launched on September 30, 2021, followed by the launch of online sports betting on October 19, 2021.
Available Sportsbooks and Their Features
Connecticut's sports betting market is unique in that it is limited to three online operators:
- DraftKings: Partnered with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, DraftKings offers a sleek, user-friendly app with a wide range of betting markets and a popular live betting feature. Their "Betting Pools" allow users to create private contests with friends and family.
- FanDuel: In partnership with the Mohegan Tribe, FanDuel is a market leader known for its intuitive app and the popular "Same Game Parlay" feature, which allows for multiple bets within a single game.
- Fanatics Sportsbook: The newest entrant to the market, Fanatics Sportsbook has partnered with the Connecticut Lottery. It offers a visually appealing app and a unique rewards program called "FanCash," which can be redeemed for bonus bets or merchandise. It replaced SugarHouse, which was the original partner of the Connecticut Lottery.
Types of Bets Available
Bettors in Connecticut have access to a wide variety of wager types, including:
- Moneylines: A simple bet on which team will win a game.
- Point Spreads: A bet on the margin of victory in a game.
- Totals (Over/Under): A bet on the total number of points scored in a game.
- Parlays: A single bet that links together two or more individual wagers for a higher payout.
- Teasers: A type of parlay where the bettor can adjust the point spread in their favor.
- Futures: A bet on an event that will happen in the future, such as a team to win a championship.
- Prop Bets: Bets on individual player performance or specific events within a game.
- Live Betting: Placing bets on a game while it is in progress.
Tax Implications for Winnings
Gambling winnings are considered taxable income in Connecticut. The state imposes a 13.75% tax on sports betting revenue. For individuals, gambling winnings are subject to both federal and state income tax. The federal withholding rate for gambling winnings is a flat 24%, and Connecticut's state income tax is also withheld at a flat rate.
Mobile vs. Retail Betting Options
Connecticut offers both mobile and retail sports betting. Mobile betting is available through the three licensed sportsbooks: DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook. Retail betting is available at the two tribal casinos, Foxwoods (DraftKings) and Mohegan Sun (FanDuel), as well as at several off-track betting (OTB) locations operated by the Connecticut Lottery and its partner, Sportech.
Tips for Bettors in this State
- Shop for the best odds: With three different sportsbooks available, it pays to compare odds to maximize your potential winnings.
- Take advantage of promotions: Each sportsbook offers sign-up bonuses and ongoing promotions. Be sure to read the terms and conditions before claiming any offers.
- Understand the rules for betting on in-state college teams: You can only bet on Connecticut college teams when they are playing in a tournament, and you cannot bet on individual games within that tournament.
- Gamble responsibly: Set a budget and stick to it. Never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Responsible Gaming Resources
Connecticut provides several resources for those who may have a gambling problem:
- The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling: Offers a helpline and resources for problem gamblers and their families.
- The National Council on Problem Gambling: A national organization that provides support and resources for problem gambling.
- Gamblers Anonymous: A fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other to solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.
Each of the legal sportsbooks in Connecticut also offers responsible gaming tools, such as deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclusion options.