Connecticut Online Gambling Guide: Best CT Gambling Sites in 2024

Connecticut online gambling was legalized in 2021, but operators have been slow to enter the market. As a result, we cannot currently recommend any casinos or sports betting platforms. The guide will be updated when more legal operators start operating in the state. Until then, you can learn about the history of gambling in the Constitution State and find out what our ranking criteria are.

Online Gambling in Connecticut: Top Sites & Products

The Constitution State has a long history and a complicated relationship with tribal casinos and land-based sportsbooks. The prospect of competition with the neighboring states of New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island has also been an issue for the development of online gambling in Connecticut.

However, after many years of false starts, casino and sports betting sites were finally legalized in 2021.^[1] Yet, that wasn’t necessarily great news for operators that had been active under “murky” legal circumstances, as explained by state representative Maria Horn.^[2] The new law required the suspension of all previous operations until proper licenses were issued, which made many companies pull out of the market entirely.

Online Casinos

At the moment, there are no online casino sites in Connecticut we can recommend. However, you can visit two native land-based casinos – The Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods. They are among the most prominent gambling establishments in the US, so whether you’re looking for slots or table games, you should be able to find something you’ll enjoy.

Online Sportsbooks

The same goes for sports betting in Connecticut – online sites were legalized in 2021, yet for now, you can only engage in this form of gambling offline. The state’s native casinos host popular sportsbook operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, and SugarHouse. Such reputable brands should have no trouble obtaining their licenses for online operations, so we’ll let you know once their sites go live.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily Fantasy Sports is another form of online gambling that became legal in the Constitution State in 2021. However, the new legislation requires Connecticut DFS sites to apply for a license and pay taxes on their revenue. In the end, only one operator was willing to go through this grueling process and establish itself as a leader in the industry.

Online Poker

Connecticut online gambling sites are also allowed to offer poker. However, there is no news about any PVP poker platforms being launched soon. Once again, the only option currently to engage in this skill-based game is to visit one of the state’s native casinos.

Online Lottery

The CT Lottery was the first form of gambling to be legalized in the state in 1971.^[3] Tickets for popular draws like Powerball and Mega Millions are available for purchase from almost 3,000 local retailers. CT online lottery is expected to go live by the end of 2023, so we’ll let you know if that happens or if the launch date gets postponed.

Online Gambling Bonuses & Promo Codes in CT

In general, one of the main advantages Connecticut online gambling would have over land-based gaming is the availability of various bonuses and promotions. Once casino and sports betting sites launch, you can expect them to provide welcome offers that would make even the biggest fans of offline gambling think twice about switching to mobile or desktop play.

Until then, you can prepare by examining the industry standards for wagering requirements, validity, and other relevant bonus terms and conditions. For example, a 1x rollover is typical when discussing sports betting offers, yet it is rarely seen with casino bonuses. It’s essential that you recognize what’s fair for each gambling product, especially if you have diverse tastes.

Deposit Bonuses

It’s also essential to differentiate between the types of bonuses typically offered online. The most common promotion you’ll come across is the first-time deposit bonus. As the name suggests, it’s only available for new players and will match your first deposit dollar for dollar up to a certain amount. Just note that you usually must put $10 or higher into your account to trigger the offer.

No Deposit Bonuses

However, the best online gambling sites in Connecticut might also offer no-deposit bonuses. No platforms have claimed these top spots, but if future operators want to stand out, offering a promotion triggered upon registration is the way. This bonus type still has wagering requirements, but it feels more like a welcome gift as it requires no deposit.

Top Gambling Apps – Bet on the Go

Once Connecticut online gambling sites become available, mobile casino and sportsbook apps will undoubtedly become many players’ preferred way of gaming. Playing slots or betting on mobile adds extra convenience, as you can do it while traveling to work or even some remote holiday destination. As long as you have a stable Internet connection, acessing your favorite games should be possible from anywhere.

Just remember to check if your device supports the gambling app. Most operators provide native iOS and Android versions, yet initially, the options may be more limited. If that’s the case, you can always opt for the web app, which should be accessible on any device.

Live Gambling in Connecticut

Currently, you can only play live games in Connecticut at land-based gambling establishments. However, we hope this authentic casino atmosphere will soon be emulated online. As mentioned, gambling sites are legal in the Constitution State – they just haven’t launched yet.

Once they do, we will update this section and cover all types of live gambling you can engage in. In the past, real dealer casino games like Infinite Blackjack and Lightning Roulette dominated this category, yet live betting has become just as prominent in recent years. Therefore, players looking for a dynamic experience are no longer limited to one gambling product.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Before you gamble with real money online, you must deposit funds into your account. Most platforms support various payment methods, including e-Wallets, debit, and credit cards. Even though there still aren’t any active Connecticut gambling sites, we’re certain operators will follow the example competitors have set and offer PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and similar options.

Requesting a withdrawal is usually just as simple. However, it is worth noting that withdrawals take longer, and not all methods available for deposits are also offered for payouts. In addition, the cashout time depends on the chosen payment platform. e-Wallets like PayPal, which has a 24-hour processing time, are known as being the fastest.

Odds & Payouts

If you are new to online gambling, this is the moment to get familiar with how Return-to-Player (RTP) rates and odds work. Once casino and sports betting sites launch in the state, you might be too busy comparing operators to have time to go through payout terminology.

Yet understanding these concepts is crucial, as both can help you determine the payout potential of certain games. In theory, the RTP expresses what percentage of bets a player can expect to earn back as winnings in the long run, while the odds of a bet show the probability of each outcome happening. However, note that both are theoretical, calculated over long periods of time, and real-world outcomes may vary due to the inherent unpredictability of casino games and sports events.

These percentages show the average payouts for popular casino game categories and sports, but it’s normal to have options that significantly deviate from this standard. You can observe the most variety with slot games, while blackjack is known for having a low house edge and usually offering RTPs of over 99%.

How to Gamble Online in Connecticut

There might not be any active Connecticut online gambling sites yet, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for when they do launch. If you haven’t gambled on the Internet before, this process starts with learning how to pick a safe operator and create an account. Whether you bet on sports, play casino games, or participate in daily fantasy contests, the basics are the same across the board.

The most crucial step is choosing the right gambling site. You should only trust operators licensed and regulated by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Gaming Division. These platforms will operate according to the strictest player protection standards, so you can register knowing you’ll have access to responsible gambling tools and fair games.

Advantages of Online Gambling in CT

One of the main advantages of online gambling is the convenience. Once operators launch their platforms in Connecticut, you will be able to play from anywhere in the state and have quick access to various games, bet types, and bonuses. Still, land-based gambling has its highlights, including faster payouts and more social interaction.

Thanks to the new laws, residents should soon be able to experience the benefits of online gambling. However, until Connecticut gambling sites launch, land-based casinos can offer excellent entertainment options. For example, Foxwoods Casino and Mohegan Sun provide much more than slots and table games, with top-tier bars and restaurants also available on their premises.

Land-based Casinos and Lottery Retailers

Two casinos dominate the land-based gambling landscape in Connecticut: Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. Foxwoods is owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. It opened in 1986 and offered high-stakes bingo. In 1992, it started to offer table games, with slot machines added the following year.

Foxwoods is the biggest casino resort in the US, dwarfing even the gambling venues of Las Vegas. The resort covers an area of 9 million sq ft. Its six casinos offer more than 250 gaming tables and over 5500 slot machines. It also includes hotels, restaurants, a golf course, a spa, and a shopping complex among its amenities.

Its main competitor – the Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort, is owned and run by the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut. It opened in 1996 and has become one of the premier gambling destinations in North America. The resort comprises over 300,000 sq ft of gaming areas. It offers two luxury hotel towers, two world-class spas, a 130,000 sq ft retail shopping complex, and three entertainment venues. The casino offers nearly 5000 slot machines and over 300 table games.

The other significant land-based gambling opportunity in the state is the CT Lottery. Launched in 1971, there are now over 2800 official lottery retailers throughout the state. You can buy tickets for various state and multi-state lottery draws at lotto retailers, including the big jackpot games – Powerball and Mega Millions. Local lottery retailers also offer different scratch cards, fast-play games, and keno.

Connecticut Gambling Laws

The Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes have the exclusive rights to provide casino gaming to locals. This duopoly has significantly halted any progress in the expansion of online gambling in Connecticut. Until recently, that is. On May 27th, 2021, Governor Ned Lamont signed into law House Bill 6451, Public Act 21-23.^[1]

The act concerned the authorization, licensing, and regulation of online casino gaming, retail and online sports wagering, fantasy contests, keno, and online sale of lottery tickets. The legislation came following an agreement between the Lamont administration and the state’s tribes to provide them exclusive rights to offer online casino gaming.

The legislation also permits online poker, which is the only form of gambling that is illegal, even at land-based casinos. However, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Gaming Division, responsible for gambling regulation in the state, hasn’t granted any licenses to poker, casino, or sports betting operators yet.

Gambling Guides for Other States

• RI Gambling Guide
• MA Gambling Guide
• NY Gambling Guide
• DE Gambling Guide

History of Gambling in Connecticut

The first form of gambling to be officially legalized in the Nutmeg state was the lottery. However, most big gambling law changes occurred in the late 80s to mid-90s as the two major tribal casinos opened their doors. The latest development took place in 2021 when the state and its tribes agreed to move forward with establishing a Connecticut online gambling industry.

State Facts & Statistics

Also known as the Constitution State and the Nutmeg State, Connecticut has some of the highest per-capita income, which could be a reason for the success of its large, tribal-owned land-based casinos. Named after its river, the state shares borders with Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, and Long Island Sound. Though it doesn’t technically have a direct oceanfront, its long maritime history has helped enrich its population.

Legal Gambling Age in CT

The legal CT gambling age varies depending on the type of gaming activity. Those wanting to enter one of the two enormous casinos in the state will need to be at least 21 years old. You must also be at least 21 years old to play online casino games and bet on sports, both on the Internet and at a retail location.

If you want to participate in Daily Fantasy contests, buy a lottery ticket, or play keno, you must be at least 18 years old. The protection of minors is a fundamental part of local gambling laws. As such, when you join any future online casinos or sports betting sites in Connecticut, you must provide proof of age.

• Legal Online Gambling Age
  You must be at least 21 years old to gamble online in CT.
• Legal Drinking Age
  Connecticut’s legal age to drink alcohol is 21 years old.
• Legal Marijuana Age
  Recreational cannabis use is permitted in CT for adults aged 21 and above.

Responsible Gambling and Addiction Prevention

The state has its own responsible gambling authority – the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG). The non-profit organization is tasked with preventing gambling problems and providing services for those who have an addiction. It offers a 24-hour helpline and support via text message.

Their official website also outlines several safe gambling practices you can adopt to protect your mental health and finances. The main ones include setting budget and play time limits. However, if you’ve tried these methods and still struggle with impulse control and chasing losses, don’t hesitate to contact the CCPG or the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Upcoming Regulation and Expected Changes

Thanks to the introduction of new legislation in 2021, online gambling in Connecticut is now legal. Unfortunately, there are still no active operators, yet we expect a few casino and sports betting platforms that might be able to compete with the best online gambling sites in the US to launch soon.

In addition, the MT online lottery has been allowed to operate online, and its mobile and desktop platforms are expected to launch by the end of 2023. So, while some details regarding responsible gambling may still need to be ironed out, no significant legislative changes are on the horizon.

References

1. State of Connecticut, (10/18/2021), Governor Lamont Announces Online Sports Wagering, iCasino Opens Tuesday to All Adults 21 and Older in Connecticut, Retrieved December 4, 2023.
2. Pazniokas, Mark, (05/20/2021), Connecticut House votes 122-21 to legalize online gambling, Retrieved December 4, 2023.
3. Rose, Veronica, (02/27/2017), Questions About Connecticut Lottery Corporation, Connecticut General Assembly Office of Legislative Research, Retrieved December 4, 2023.