U
S federal government has approved plans for sports betting and online gaming to launch in the state of Connecticut.
The news was confirmed by Gov. Ned Lamont, who shared the update on social media on Thursday afternoon, saying the US Bureau of Indian Affairs informed him of final approval to the revised gaming compacts between the state and the tribes.
“I just received a call from the US Bureau of Indian Affairs informing me that they have given final approval to the revised gaming compacts between the State of Connecticut and the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot Tribes, allowing for sports wagering and online gaming,” said Lamont.
According to the Governor, this is a “critical step” in the process of modernizing Connecticut’s gaming landscape, ensuring that the state has a “competitive, nation-leading” marketplace for wagering both in-person and online.
“I thank the US Bureau of Indian Affairs for approving these revisions, as well as the efforts of the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot Tribes,” further added Lamont. “Today’s announcement puts CT on the cusp of providing a modern, technologically advanced gaming experience competitive with our neighboring states.”
I just received a call from @USIndianAffairs informing me that they have given final approval to the revised gaming compacts between the State of Connecticut and the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot Tribes, allowing for sports wagering and online gaming. (1/3)
— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) September 9, 2021
Gov. Ned Lamont signed the sports betting bill back in May. On August 31, the state approved a set of “emergency” sports betting and iGaming regulations while waiting for the US Department of the Interior’s approval on the agreements changes with the tribes.
According to a press release, the Federal approval of the revisions brings the tribes, along with the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, one step closer to implementing sports wagering and online gaming. The state’s Department of Consumer Protection is now set to continue the licensing process and the review necessary to certify the gaming platforms.
“It is anticipated that sports wagering and online gaming will be available for Connecticut residents in October,” says an official statement.
News were also enthusiastically received by the tribes. Chairman Butler, in representation of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, said: “Today’s approval from the federal Department of the Interior is historic and begins an exciting new chapter.” The tribe expects the expansion to allow enhanced investments in supports of the tribe, to contribute additional revenue to the state, and to provide a new level of entertainment for guests.
“Modernizing our gaming industry will help protect and create Connecticut jobs, and it will generate tax revenues to the benefit of both state and local municipal budgets, as well as our tribe’s members,” said Chairman Gessner, Mohegan Tribe. “Today is a milestone achievement for Connecticut and its tribal nations.”
Finishing completion of administrative tasks, operators FanDuel (FoxWoods), BetRivers (Connecticut Lottery) and DraftKings (Mohegan Sun) will be ready to begin operations on the October launching date.
According to recent projections, Connecticut’s iGaming and sports betting market could grow to become a $450 million revenue per year industry, producing more than $1.5 billion in retail and online sports wagering by the market’s third year.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international//noticias/2021/09/10/59229-sports-betting-online-gaming-in-connecticut-receive-federal-approval
