Dear friends and neighbors,
Online sports wagering/casino games will be available in CT starting Tuesday, Oct 12th. Here are details you may want to know.
Three online platforms licensed in CT: Fanduel, Draftkings, and Rush Street, are the three platforms that have the license to offer online wagering in CT. These operators have partnered with Mashantucket Pequot tribe, Mohegan tribe, and CT Lottery, respectively. Each of these platforms will offer a sportsbook and fantasy games. Fanduel and Draftkings will also offer online casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, etc.
Legal gambling age: Online sports wagering and casino games are allowed only for those age 21 and above. Operating platforms are required to ensure that those below the legal gambling age are unable to wager. There is no residency requirement, but users do need to be within the state's borders, and the operators will verify the betters' location through geolocation tracking software.
Soft launch week: During the first week starting Tuesday, wagering will be restricted to 750 customers for each of the three platforms. The online operators will choose patrons for the test launch beginning Friday, Oct 8th. Hours will be limited from Tuesday to Friday, but extended to 24-hours starting Saturday. Once the soft launch is complete, gaming will be allowed statewide broadly on a 24 hours cycle.
State taxation: Operators will pay a 13.75% tax on all revenue earned from online sports betting and daily fantasy sports contests. The companies will pay an 18% tax on revenue earned from online casino gaming. Based on the experience of other states, online gaming is expected to provide CT with annual tax revenues of around $ 80 Million.
Help with problem-gambling: While Public act 21-23 has legalized gambling, allowing the state to regulate and tax the ubiquitous online betting, our community needs safeguards and resources to alleviate problem-gambling. A Self-exclusion list is available for those who want to opt out. Once someone signs on the self-exclusion list for a specific time, they will NOT be permitted gambling for that period. The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling offers trained helpline specialists and online chat services. The national problem-gambling hotline is available at 800-522-4700. Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences and help others recover from a gambling problem.
Sincerely, Harry Arora State Representative
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