Connecticut sports betting is struggling to become a possibility for a few years. The two tribal casinos of the state have been waiting for an opportunity to provide wagering options but lawmakers have recently jumped on the bandwagon.

A new bill insight

Connecticut lawmakers are eyeing a new bill that could create a duopoly for athletic wagering in the state. SB 146 will give exclusive wagering rights to the Mohegan Tribe and Mashantucket Pequot Tribe of Indians in the state. The bill was backed by 17 lawmakers and allows in-person gambling in the casinos run by the tribes. It also allows mobile gaming. The two-page long bill isn’t too complicated but pushes the state in the right direction.

The bill was referred to the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security on January 13, where it is pending review. The bill only provides a broad overview of what the sports betting market could look like in the state. It suggests, to authorize the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut to conduct sports wagering on Indian lands, online sports wagering and online casino gaming, subject to new or amended agreements with the tribes.”

Could Connecticut get a functioning market in 2021?

Though the bill is only the first step and avoids clear guidelines or frameworks for the state’s legal sports betting market, it is backed by numerous lawmakers. This means that it has fair chances of reaching a favorable conclusion.

It allows the Connecticut Lottery Corporation to offer online keno gaming and also lets it sell lottery tickets. The bill hopes that the state will be able to generate revenue from this activity. Governor Ned Lamont is also in favor of sports betting and hopes to work with New Jersey and New York on expanding the northeast industry. The state has been facing a budget deficit owing to COVID and wagering could help bring in some much-needed revenue for the state.