Federal Bureau Approves CT Sports Betting Pact

HARTFORD, CT— The state has received approval from the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior, bringing sports betting and online casino gambling one step closer to reality, according to a statement from Gov. Ned Lamont. The bureau has granted approval to revisions to an agreement between the state, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, and the the Mohegan Tribal Council.

Last month, the state assembly approved a measure legalizing sports betting and online casino gambling. It's expected that sports betting will be available in October.

See related: Connecticut Panel OKs Sports Betting, I-Gambling Regulations

"Today’s approval from the federal Department of the Interior is historic and begins an exciting new chapter for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation," Mashantucket Pequot Tribal NationChairman Rodney Butler said. "This expansion will allow us to enhance investments in support of our tribe, to contribute additional revenue to the State of Connecticut, and to provide a new level of entertainment for our guests."

Approval of the agreement cam just ahead of the beginning of the NFL season. States around the country have approved similar laws in recent years, seeking to boost revenues.

"This critical step in the process of modernizing our gaming landscape here in Connecticut ensures that our state will have a competitive, nation-leading marketplace for wagering both in-person and online," Lamont said in a statement. "Today’s announcement puts Connecticut on the cusp of providing a modern, technologically advanced gaming experience that will be competitive with our neighboring states and positions us for success into the future."