Is Sports Betting Legal in Connecticut?
Yes. Sports betting is legal in Connecticut and available in both online and retail formats.
Currently, three licensed online sportsbooks promos operate in the state: DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook. In addition to mobile wagering, bettors can also place wagers in person at approved retail sportsbook locations throughout Connecticut.
Connecticut Sports Betting Snapshot
Is online sports betting legal in Connecticut?
Yes. Online sports betting has been legal since October 2021, following the approval of updated tribal gaming compacts signed by Gov. Ned Lamont.
What sportsbook apps are legal in CT?
DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook are currently licensed and operating statewide.
What sports can I bet on in Connecticut?
Bettors can wager on major professional leagues and international events. College sports betting is permitted, but wagers on Connecticut-based college teams are prohibited unless those teams are participating in a tournament setting, such as March Madness.
Who can bet on sports in Connecticut?
You must be at least 21 years old to place a sports wager - either online or at a retail sportsbook - in Connecticut.
Top Connecticut Sports Betting Apps
Choosing the right sportsbook depends on your preferences, betting style, and which features matter most to you. Each app differs in market depth, promotional offers, rewards programs, and overall user experience.
Currently, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook are the only licensed online sportsbooks operating in Connecticut. Major national brands such as BetMGM, Caesars, and BetRivers are not available in the state.
Notably, the Connecticut Lottery partnered with Fanatics Sportsbook after Rush Street Interactive (PlaySugarHouse) exited its agreement in March 2023.
Below is a breakdown of the available apps:
1. Fanatics Sportsbook Connecticut
Fanatics Sportsbook promo code is the newest sportsbook app in Connecticut, replacing PlaySugarHouse as the Connecticut Lottery’s partner.
The app features competitive odds, a clean interface, and an integrated rewards program called FanCash, which allows users to earn credits redeemable for bonus bets or merchandise on the Fanatics retail platform.
Some users report occasional performance issues, including lag or minor glitches.
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App Store Rating: 4.7 (iOS), 3.7 (Android)
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Key Takeaway: Strong rewards program, occasional technical hiccups
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Best Feature: FanCash rewards integration
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Welcome Offer: Bet & get-style promotions and matched FanCash offers (subject to change)
2. FanDuel Sportsbook Connecticut
FanDuel promo code is a leading sportsbook brand nationwide and offers one of the most user-friendly apps in the industry. The platform is known for its intuitive navigation and wide selection of betting markets.
FanDuel also offers robust same-game parlay functionality, allowing users to combine multiple wagers - including player props - within a single event.
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App Store Rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
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Key Takeaway: Smooth and easy-to-use platform
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Best Feature: Same-game parlays
3. DraftKings Sportsbook Connecticut
DraftKings promo code is one of the most established sportsbook brands in the US. The app delivers a sleek design, competitive odds, and strong live-betting functionality.
A standout feature is betting pools, which allow users to create private contests and compete against friends or family.
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App Store Rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
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Key Takeaway: Polished interface with strong live-betting options
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Best Feature: Betting pools
Best CT Sportsbook Bonuses & How to Get Started
With only three legal online sportsbooks operating in Connecticut, signing up and placing your first bet is a quick process. Once you choose a sportsbook, download the app, complete registration, verify your identity, and fund your account.
Before claiming any promotion, it’s important to understand how common sportsbook bonuses work. Here are the most typical offers you’ll encounter:
Common Connecticut Sportsbook Bonuses
Deposit Match
The sportsbook matches a percentage of your first deposit with bonus credits. These funds usually come with a playthrough requirement before any winnings can be withdrawn.
Bonus Bets (Bet & Get Offers)
You may receive bonus bets after meeting certain conditions, such as placing your first wager. Bonus bets are typically not withdrawable - only the winnings generated from them can be cashed out.
Loyalty or Rewards Programs
Many sportsbooks offer rewards programs that grant points for each wager placed. Points can be redeemed for bonus bets, perks, or other incentives, with higher tiers unlocking additional benefits.
Always review the full terms and conditions before participating in any promotion.
10 Quick Facts About Connecticut Sports Betting
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Retail sports betting launched on Sept. 30, 2021.
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Online betting soft-launched on Oct. 12, 2021, with a full rollout on Oct. 19, 2021.
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Connecticut’s two tribal casino operators each run an online sportsbook platform.
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The Mohegan Tribe partners with FanDuel.
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The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation partners with DraftKings.
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The Connecticut Lottery operates the third platform through Fanatics Sportsbook.
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At least 15 operators applied for the lottery’s online sportsbook license.
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Sports betting licenses in Connecticut are valid for 10 years.
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The state surpassed $1 billion in handle within its first nine months of operation.
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Sports betting revenue is taxed at 13.75%, and wagers on in-state college teams are prohibited unless those teams are competing in a tournament setting.
Connecticut Sports Betting Law and Regulations
Connecticut legalized sports betting in 2021 through the passage of HB 6451, which ratified updated tribal gaming compacts between the state and its federally recognized tribes.
Under the agreement, Connecticut permits only three online sportsbook licenses (skins):
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FanDuel, partnered with the Mohegan Tribe
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DraftKings, partnered with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
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A third platform operated by the Connecticut Lottery, now partnered with Fanatics Sportsbook
Originally, the lottery partnered with SugarHouse Sportsbook (Rush Street Interactive), but that agreement ended in 2023 before Fanatics assumed the role.
The Connecticut Lottery is also authorized to operate up to 15 retail sportsbook locations statewide, with several currently active. Some of these locations are managed in partnership with Sportech, the state’s off-track betting operator.
Sports betting licenses in Connecticut are valid for 10 years, and sportsbook revenue is taxed at a rate of 13.75%.
Popular Sports to Bet on in Connecticut
Although Connecticut does not have any major professional sports franchises, its location between Boston and New York strongly influences fan loyalties.
NFL
Football is the most popular betting market in the state. The most commonly supported teams include:
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New York Giants
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New York Jets
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New England Patriots
MLB
Baseball allegiances are often divided between:
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Boston Red Sox
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New York Yankees
NBA
Basketball fans frequently support:
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Boston Celtics
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New York Knicks
NHL
Hartford was once home to the NHL’s Whalers, who relocated to North Carolina in 1997. Today, most hockey fans in Connecticut follow:
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Boston Bruins
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New York Rangers
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New York Islanders
Additionally, the Bridgeport Islanders (AHL affiliate of the Islanders) and the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL affiliate of the Rangers) maintain local hockey interest.
College Sports
The University of Connecticut (UConn) is a powerhouse in college basketball. The women’s program has won 10 national championships since 2000, while the men’s team has captured multiple titles since 1999.
However, Connecticut law prohibits betting on in-state college teams unless they are competing in a tournament setting, such as March Madness.
Connecticut Sports Betting History
2024
The Connecticut Lottery finalizes a partnership with Fanatics Sportsbook, replacing SugarHouse as the state’s third online sportsbook operator after several months of evaluation.
2023
Rush Street Interactive (RSI), operating under the SugarHouse brand in Connecticut, exits its agreement with the Connecticut Lottery. The lottery begins searching for a replacement operator.
In December, the lottery announces that Fanatics Sportsbook will take over the third online sportsbook license.
2022
Connecticut surpasses $1 billion in total betting handle in July - just nine months after launch. The state later records a monthly handle high of $164.2 million in October.
Discussions also emerge about opening a Connecticut Lottery retail sportsbook at Total Mortgage Arena, home of the Bridgeport Islanders (AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders).
2021
A comprehensive agreement between the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, the Mohegan Tribe, and the state government is finalized. Gov. Ned Lamont signs updated tribal gaming compacts, which are subsequently ratified by the Legislature.
As required, federal officials review and approve the agreements. Retail sportsbooks open on Sept. 30, and by Oct. 19, all three online sportsbook apps are fully operational statewide.
2020
Two sports betting bills - HB 5168 and SB 21 - fail after multiple legislative hearings.
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HB 5168 would have allowed both tribes and off-track betting operators to run sportsbooks.
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SB 21 focused primarily on tribal control and also included provisions for online gambling and a proposed casino in Bridgeport.
2019
A special legislative session in the fall does not advance sports betting legislation.
2018
The Public Safety and Security Committee holds an exploratory hearing on sports betting in March.
Representatives from the NBA and MLB testify in support of legalization but request an “integrity fee” - 1% of all wagers - to fund monitoring and brand protection efforts. Lawmakers push back on the proposal, questioning the necessity of a revenue share.
Foxwoods Resort Casino submits testimony expressing support for legalization.
2017
Public Act 17-209 positions Connecticut to regulate sports betting should federal law allow it. The act directs the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) to prepare oversight authority for a potential sports wagering industry.
The DCP later requests additional legislative guidance to establish a regulatory framework