An unexpected delay at the federal level means it will take a bit longer than expected before online CT sports betting can go live.
The expected Oct. 7 launch date had to be pushed back because of the “delay in publication” of the amended gaming compacts that legalized CT sportsbooks, a Department of Consumer Protection spokesperson confirmed.
The Federal Register published the Mohegan Indians‘ compact Sept. 15 but waited 12 days before publishing the Mashantucket Pequot‘s.
When will mobile CT sports betting go live?
There is no schedule yet but there should not be a “lengthy delay,” the spokesperson continued:
“We are still working to finalize the details of the statewide online and retail launch of sports betting, and we are working with the licensees to ensure their platforms are certified and in compliance with the regulations prior to launch. As such, no date has been set but we do not anticipate it to be a lengthy delay.”
That means it will be at least Week 6 before legal NFL betting takes place online in Connecticut.
There is legal CT sports betting available
It is not all bad for anyone within driving distance of the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos. Temporary sportsbooks and betting kiosks went live Sept. 30 at both casinos.
A full DraftKings Sportsbook should open “in the coming weeks” at Foxwoods, according to the release. FanDuel Sportsbook expects to open a permanent sportsbook at Mohegan Sun this winter.
The delay gives those two sportsbooks more time to build a database of retail bettors they can market to directly once online launch happens. Retail and online betting through the CT Lottery and PlaySugarHouse have to wait for the official start.
Another blow for bettors in Massachusetts
Bettors in central and western Massachusetts were also looking forward to online CT sportsbooks launching since their Senate is still dragging its feet. Senate President Karen Spilka said she’s not sure if the legislature has the “bandwidth” to legalize Massachusetts sports betting.
That’s despite Gov. Charlie Baker tweeting “it’s time to act and get this done” in September.
The House already did its part and passed a bill in July. The Senate has not acted on H 3977 yet.