Thirteen lawmakers from Connecticut representing the southeastern region of the state are now urging Gov. Ned Lamont to allow two tribes in the state to operate online casinos and offer sports betting.

Two tribes want to start online casinos

The Mohegan Tribe runs the Mohegan Sun while the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation runs the Foxwoods casino in the state. Both properties have been closed since March 16. Their decision was voluntary to comply with the governor’s orders to close non-essential businesses and help slow down the spread of COVID-19.

In a letter sent to Lamont on May 13, they wrote,

“You have been a leader in keeping us safe. We urge you to be that same leader in reopening our tourism and entertainment economy with the same focus. That can be done by modernizing Connecticut’s gaming policies through executive orders.”

The casinos don’t legally need permission from Lamont to open or shut down as they are not regulated by the state. However, both tribes said that they won’t be opening their two large integrated resorts in time for the Memorial Day Weekend.

What do the lawmakers propose?

Lawmakers have several proposals for the governor. They want him to engage with the two tribes to come up with a plan to assist casino workers who have been laid off during the shutdown. They are also asking him to take an executive order that will allow the tribes to operate internet gaming and mobile sports betting.

The letter emphasizes the state’s ability to compete with its neighbors. It urges the governor to keep political differences away and focus on the kick to start the state’s economy. They said that several daily interactions between people now happen virtually and gaming should not be any different.

Governor Lamont has previously denied allowing the tribes to operate online gambling. He said that allowing easier access to gambling with internet gaming options is a big policy decision and the legislature has not decided anything about it yet. He said that several residents of Connecticut are in distress and no decision should be taken without legislative approval.

The lawmakers also want the governor to allow online Keno and internet scratch-off games via the Connecticut Lottery.