DraftKings, Foxwoods Sign Deal For Sports Betting

CONNECTICUT — Foxwoods Resort Casino and DraftKings agreed to a deal for online sports betting once it becomes legalized and fully regulated in Connecticut. They also plan to launch daily fantasy sports on Dec. 13.

“Partnering with DraftKings, the most prominent name in sports betting, reinforces the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe’s position as a leader in the gaming and entertainment industry,” said Rodney Butler, chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, which owns and operates Foxwoods. “We’ve proven our ability to shape the future of gaming time and time again, and now we’re ready to drive sports wagering and online gaming for the state of Connecticut.

Connecticut gets 25 percent of slot revenue from the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribe casinos in exchange for exclusive gambling rights in the state. The deal works through the tribal gaming compacts, Butler said in a statement.

“This is a landmark deal in collaboration with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation as well as a critical next step to bringing America’s top-rated sportsbook app to sports fans in Connecticut,” said Matt Kalish, co-founder and President of DraftKings North America. “The national expansion of regulated sports betting is among our top strategic priorities.”

Gov. Ned Lamont's administration didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

DraftKings and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe estimate that online gambling and sports betting will generate $175 million in revenue for Connecticut over five years. DraftKings operates live mobile sports betting in 10 states.

Sports gambling and gambling expansion in Connecticut has been a complicated issue. Around 20 states have legalized sports betting after a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision, according to ESPN.

State Senate Democrats proposed a bill earlier this year that would give the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes exclusive rights to sports betting and virtual gambling as well as rights to open another casino in Bridgeport, according to the CT Mirror. However, casino giant MGM has threatened to sue to block giving more exclusive gambling rights to the tribes.

MGM had proposed a Bridgeport casino of their own.