Connecticut Becomes Seventh US State to Legalize Online Poker Connecticut Becomes Seventh US State to Legalize Online Poker
Key Takeaways
  • Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed House Bill 6451 into law last week, legalizing online poker and other forms of online gaming in the state.
  • This makes Connecticut the sixth US state to legalize online casino games and the seventh state to have regulated online poker.
  • In addition to online poker and online casino, the legislation also authorizes in-person and online sports betting, fantasy contests, in-person and online keno and online lottery draw games.
  • The bill, however, only authorizes the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes to offer all forms of online games.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed House Bill 6451 into law last week, legalizing online poker and other forms of online gaming in the state.

This makes Connecticut the sixth US state to legalize online casino games and the seventh state to have regulated online poker.

In addition to online poker and online casino, the legislation also authorizes in-person and online sports betting, fantasy contests, in-person and online keno and online lottery draw games.

The approval comes as a result of the agreement earlier this year between the Lamont administration with the Mohegan Tribe and Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, owners of the state’s two tribal casinos, allowing them to offer online betting and sports wagering.

The bill, however, only authorizes the two tribes to offer all forms of online games. The Connecticut Lottery Corporation (CLC) is authorized to offer sports betting—both online and retail at various locations—and online lottery draw games, but not online casino games which include online poker.

“By signing this bill into law, Connecticut is now 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,” Governor Lamont said in a press release.

“I am confident that the federal government will see fit to approve these amendments to our compact, and in the coming months we can launch a modernized, 21st century gaming experience in Connecticut,” Governor Lamont added.