Is Sports Betting Legal in Connecticut?

Sports betting is legal and available in the state of Connecticut. Even though offshore sportsbooks have been freely operating in the state for years, online sportsbooks based in the state have only been taking bets since October 2021. Check out legal sports betting news for the entire USA.

Here we will show you the best places to make the best sports bets in Connecticut and the details of how Connecticut was able to achieve this!

Top 5 Connecticut Online Betting Sites

You can easily make sports wagers online in Connecticut. Connecticut sports gambling is legal for both local and offshore sportsbooks. Even though Connecticut-based online sportsbooks are now available, three in total, we still find the offshore sportsbooks to be the best.

Here are the top five CT online betting sites that we recommend. More on why below.

Bovada

Bovada is often on the top of our lists. They are probably the most trusted sportsbook online in Connecticut. They also have some of the most extensive betting markets. If you can find the bet anywhere, you can find it here.

Bonus:
50% up to $250
Bet now

BetOnline

The welcome bonus at BetOnline is excellent. It is one of the most generous on the market. But we like it even more for those of us who use Bitcoin. You get an extra boost here.

Bonus:
50% up to $250
Bet now

BetUS

BetUS has really picked up its game! They process withdrawals and payments lightn ing fast and accept a wide variety of payment options. CT bettors looking for convenience will be at home with BetUS.

Bonus:
125% Sports Bonus - up to $2,000
Bet now

MyBookie

MyBookie is known for their rotating and seasonal promotions. Bettors in CT will love their March Madness specials. Plus, their initial welcome bonus is worth 100% of your first deposit.

Bonus:
50% up to $1,000
Bet now

XBet

XBet will have great sports betting markets. They will not disappoint in this regard, as they include moneylines, spreads, totals, abnd especially lots of player and team props.

Bonus:
50% up to $200
Bet now

Legal Online Sportsbooks in Connecitcut

​Sports betting is legal in Connecticut, and residents have access to several authorized online sportsbooks. The following platforms are licensed and regulated by the state, ensuring a safe and legal betting environment:​

Sportsbook Available in Connecticut
FanDuel βœ…
DraftKings βœ…
Caesars ❌
BetRivers ❌
BetMGM ❌
Fanatics βœ…
Unibet ❌

Connecticut Quick Facts

The table below outlines the key facts about the legality and availability of sports betting and gambling options in Connecticut.

State Connecticut
Sports Betting Law Passed Yes βœ”οΈ
Launch date October 19, 2021
Minimum Gambling Age 21
Online Sports Betting Yes βœ”οΈ
Retail Sports Betting Yes βœ”οΈ
Retail Casinos Yes βœ”οΈ

Why It’s Better To Use Offshore Betting Sites Over the Legal Ones in Connecticut

While Connecticut offers a few legal options for online sports betting, many players prefer offshore sportsbooks for a more flexible and rewarding experience. The sportsbooks we promote often provide better value, greater freedom, and fewer restrictions compared to state-regulated platforms.

Here’s why more Connecticut bettors are going offshore:

  • Better Odds and Higher Payouts
    Offshore books typically offer more competitive odds and lower juice, giving you better value on every bet.
  • No State Restrictions – Nationwide Access
    Legal sportsbooks in Connecticut are geofencedβ€”you must be physically in-state to place a bet. Offshore sites can be accessed from anywhere.
  • No Mandatory Personal Data Sharing with U.S. Regulators
    Offshore sites protect your privacyβ€”no need to share sensitive info with state agencies or regulatory databases.
  • Access to a Wider Variety of Betting Markets
    Bet on international events, politics, entertainment, niche sports, and moreβ€”markets that aren’t always available on Connecticut-regulated apps.
  • Crypto-Friendly Deposits & Withdrawals
    Use Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies for fast, private, and secure transactions.
  • Lower Betting Limits & More Flexibility for Small Bettors
    Offshore platforms welcome small-stakes bettors without penalizing you with high minimums.
  • No Arbitrary Limits or Account Restrictions
    Some legal books limit sharp players. Offshore books let you win without fear of being flagged or restricted.
  • Bigger Bonuses and Better Promotions
    Enjoy massive welcome offers, reload bonuses, and loyalty perks that go beyond what legal sites typically provide.
  • Less Strict Verification & Faster Account Approvals
    Skip the slow ID checks and geolocation headaches. Offshore sportsbooks let you sign up and start betting fast.
  • No Withholding of Winnings for Tax Purposes
    Offshore sites don’t automatically report your winnings or withhold money for taxes.

What Can’t You Bet On in Connecticut?

Despite having legal sports betting, Connecticut still enforces restrictions on certain types of bets. Offshore sportsbooks remove these limits and let you wager on:

  • Political Events – U.S. elections, foreign elections, and political props are not allowed on state-regulated platforms.
  • Entertainment Markets – Bet on award shows like the Oscars, reality TV outcomes, and other pop culture events.
  • College Player Props – Many college betting markets are limited or restricted on legal sites in CT.
  • Esports – Some esports events are unavailable or limited under state regulation.
  • Novelty Bets – Wager on global happenings, weather events, or even alien encountersβ€”offshore books keep it fun and creative.

Who Can Legally Bet in Connecticut?

To legally place sports bets in Connecticut using state-licensed platforms, you must meet specific requirements:

  • Age Requirement: You must be at least 21 years old.
  • Location Requirement: You must be physically located within Connecticut’s borders while betting.
  • Eligible Participants: You don’t have to be a resident, but you must be in the state to bet legally.

Restricted Individuals Include:

  • Athletes, coaches, referees involved in the events they’re wagering on.
  • Employees of sportsbooks or companies with influence over sports outcomes.
  • Directors or key personnel of sports governing bodies.
  • Anyone listed on Connecticut’s self-exclusion or problem gambling registry.

Retail Betting Restriction:

Yes, retail betting is available at Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods casinos. However, if you’re not nearby or prefer betting from home, you’ll need to use one of the limited legal appsβ€”or take advantage of the flexibility offshore sportsbooks provide.

With Offshore Sportsbooks?

  • Age requirement is generally 18+
  • No geolocation tracking
  • Bet from anywhere, anytime
  • No complicated restrictions or verification delays

Connecticut Sports Betting – Recent Updates

  • January 17, 2024 β€” Connecticut closed out 2023 with a record-high handle of $212 million, contributing to an impressive tax haul for the state, as reported by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, despite bettors facing losses that benefited the sportsbooks.
  • December 20, 2023 β€” The state announces that Connecticut sports betting handle rose to $205.5 million in November, up 8.5% from October and a new record for the state.
  • December 1, 2023 β€” The Connecticut Lottery will partner with Fanatics Sportsbook after months spent considering possible options to replace SugarHouse as the third sports betting app in the state.
  • November 8, 2023 β€” The state announces that CT sports betting handle rose to $180.9 million in September, up 98% from August, reaching the highest monthly handle ever for the state.
  • October 25, 2023 β€” The state announces that Connecticut sports betting handle hit $91.3 million in August, down about $200,000 from July but up about $11 million year over year.

Five Reasons to Bet on These Sports Betting Sites in Connecticut

Casinos in Connecticut

There are only two casinos in Connecticut. You can enjoying online gambling in Connecticut at the spoirtsbooks we recommend above. But if you prefer the live version, here are your in-state options:

  • Mohegan Sun Casino & Hotel of Uncasville
  • Foxwoods Resort & Casino of Mashantucket.

Connecticut Sports Betting Timeline

Connecticut took a few years to finally legalize online sports betting, but they finally did so in 2021. Here are some of the key events that got us there!

2023

RSI, operating under the SugarHouse brand in CT, terminates its contract with the Connecticut Lottery. Consequently, the lottery initiates a quest for a new partner to become the third sportsbook in the state. In December, the lottery reveals a fresh collaboration with Fanatics Sportsbook, marking its takeover of the position previously held by SugarHouse.

 

2022

In just nine months, sports betting in the state achieves a milestone by surpassing $1 billion in handle in July. Subsequently, Connecticut sets a new record with a handle of $164.2 million in October. Discussions emerge regarding the potential establishment of a Connecticut Lottery sportsbook at Total Mortgage Arena, which serves as the home for the Bridgeport Islanders, the AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders, as reported by the Connecticut Post.

 

2021

The Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes finally reached an agreement with the Connecticut government. The Governor, New Lamont, signed a gaming agreement with them and the legislature ratified this agreement in due time.

Following standard procedure, the federal government approved the agreements, allowing the first retail sportsbook to open on September 30. All three sports betting apps would be live in Octobr.

 

2020

Despite some concrete efforts, two sports betting bills failed to gain traction.

H5168 and S 21 both would have opened up tribal gaming. Though they differed in terms of off-track betting and online sports betting. Neither of them would become law by the end of 2020.

 

2018

An exploratory hearing on sports betting was held in March. Lawyers form major sports leagues lobbied for their interest, giving the idea that the opening up of sports betting is somewhat inevitable.

Foxwoods Resort Casino comes out officially in favor of sports betting legalization.

The Supreme Court opens up the possibility for states to legalize sports betting by striking down PASPA in the decision Murpy v National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Connecticut Sports Betting Resources

Expand your knowledge about Connecticut sports betting with these key resources:

Connecticut Sports Betting FAQs

Find answers to common questions bettors like you have when researching which sportsbook to join.

Trent Reinsmith

Trent is a professional sports journalist specializing in UFC, MMA, and esports coverage. His work has been featured in prestigious publications such as USA Today Sports, Vice, Bloody Elbow, Fight! Magazine, UFC 360, and Narratively. Trent's connection to MMA dates back to the early days when he and his friends pooled their resources to purchase the pay-per-...

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