Connecticut and Texas, two U.S states that previously junked propositions of online sports betting, might be finally hopping on the vastly expanding trend in the gambling industry soon.

The Much Awaited Expansion of Connecticut Sports Betting

With the increasing number of US States issuing green light on the operation of online sports betting, Connecticut has filed a bill anew seeking to legalize the alternative to brick-and-mortar sports betting.

Surprisingly, Texas might be also considering relaxing its firm stance on the gambling industry after shutting its door on the gambling industry for many years. The idea of came after the congress also filed a bill exploring the possibility of allowing some sort of sports betting operations in the state.

However, most industry observers believe between the two states there’s a bigger chance online sports betting may be launching soon in Connecticut since the state allows brick-and-mortar sports betting.

The congress saw many attempts to legalize Connecticut online sports betting over the past few years. In fact, the state had two sports betting bills introduced in 2020 before COVID-19 pandemic shut down most of the industry. Neither bill reached a compromised, though.

However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an avalanche of states legalizing online sports betting. These states have reaped the benefits of allowing sports wagering online with this segment experiencing exponential growth within a short span of time.

So far, the Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods are the two casinos undertaking retail sports betting operations in Connecticut by virtue of the bill introduced in 2019. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and the Mohegan Tribe, which secured exclusive gambling rights to operate retail casino in the state, are expected to be at the forefront of online sports betting once the Congress formally approved the bill (SB 146).

With the legalization of online sports betting in CT looming, Mohegan Sun already entered into partnership with supplier Kambi while Foxwood inked a deal with DraftKings.

The Texan Puzzle

For years, the Lone Star state never entertained the idea of allowing casinos and gambling activities. Billionaire Sheldon Adelson, an influential GOP donor, was believed to be inches close to establishing a casino in the state. Las Vegas Sands reportedly showed interest to invest in Texas but Adelson death might be the backbreaker in any possibility of online casino in the state.

Still, the prospect of online sports betting in Texas is alive and kicking. Texas HB 1121 is seeking to grant five online sports betting licenses while offering what would be the lowest tax rate in the U.S at 6.5% . If everything falls in place, Texas could be joining Tennessee as the only two U.S states to adapt an online-only model.