The last day of August saw a legislative committee give its approval to proposed state regulations regarding a gambling market expansion in Connecticut – an important step toward the legalization of sports betting, online casino gambling and other forms of gambling that have not been available in the state so far.
Now, the state of Connecticut would have to wait for the proposed changes to the compacts of the two federally recognized Native American tribes to be approved by the US Department of the Interior. Currently, the tribes play important parts in the gambling expansion plan of Connecticut, so the agreements between state authorities and the local tribal nations have been a matter of great importance for the proposed expansion of the state’s gambling sector.
Following months of work, the state Department of Consumer Protection filed the proposed rules package to the Regulations Review Committee of the General Assembly. Previously, the two Indian tribes of the state – the Mohegan and the Mashantucket Pequot ones – and the administration of Governor Ned Lamont have shared they are willing to see a legalized sports betting system up and running before the beginning of the regular National Football League (NFL) season on September 9th.
As explained by DCP Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull, the purpose of the proposed piece of regulation is to establish a licensing structure and set some provisions associated with data privacy protection and responsible gambling in order to make sure that sportsbook customers are guaranteed transparency, safety and integrity within the new gambling market in the state.
Two Local Indian Tribes Await Compact Approval from the US Department of the Interior
Earlier in 2021, the General Assembly of Connecticut passed a piece of legislation that allowed only the Connecticut Lottery Corporation and the two federally recognized Native American nations in the state to offer land-based and online sports betting services. The proposed piece of legislation was signed into law by Governor Lamont.
As explained by Governor Lamont in a statement issued on August 31st, the passage of the sports betting and online gambling regulations is considered a significant step forward for the state of Connecticut and its partners in this new gambling market. He further noted that state authorities have been working in collaboration with the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and the Mohegan Tribe to craft the legislation that will help the state become one of the leaders in the sector and, at the same time, provide customers with a great user experience.
Under the provisions of the new law, the two federally recognized tribes of the state – the Mohegans and the Mashantucket Pequots – will also be allowed to offer online casino gambling and fantasy sports contests.
However, the tribes are still waiting for the US Department of the Interior to give the nod to the proposed changes in their already existing gambling compacts with the state because they need federal approval to see the changes enacted. Previously, the tribes have shared they were optimistic they will receive the necessary approval before September 9th, when the new NFL season is scheduled to commence.
