Connecticut Online Poker:Legal Status, PokerStars & the Shared Liquidity Question

Connecticut authorized regulated online poker in 2021, but more than five years later, no real-money online poker room has launched in the state.

That makes Connecticut unusual within the US online poker market.

Online casino gaming and sports betting launched in Connecticut in 2021, while poker remained on the sidelines. For years, one major obstacle was that the state’s two tribal online gaming partners — DraftKings at Foxwoods and FanDuel at Mohegan Sun — did not operate regulated US online poker platforms.

That changed in April 2026.

PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel launched in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, giving FanDuel a regulated online poker platform and a shared three-state player pool.

The development removes one of the longstanding obstacles to Connecticut online poker. Mohegan Sun already partners with FanDuel for online gaming, meaning one of Connecticut’s existing gaming partners now operates a major regulated US poker network.

But another significant obstacle remains: Connecticut has not joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) or otherwise established an interstate shared-liquidity framework for online poker.

This guide explains the current legal status of Connecticut online poker, why poker still has not launched, how PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel changes the outlook, and what would need to happen before Connecticut players can access regulated real-money online poker.

Is Online Poker Legal in Connecticut?

Connecticut law authorizes regulated online poker, but no operator is currently licensed to offer it.

Public Act 21-23, passed in 2021, authorized online casino gaming, sports betting, and online poker.

Governor Ned Lamont signed the bill into law in May 2021.

Online sports betting launched in September 2021, followed by online casino gaming in October 2021.

Online poker did not follow.

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), which regulates gaming in the state, makes an important distinction regarding poker.

DCP states that online poker was authorized by Public Act 21-23 but that no online poker operators are currently licensed in Connecticut.

As a result, players cannot currently access a Connecticut-regulated real-money online poker room.

Which Companies Offer Online Gaming in Connecticut?

Connecticut currently has two authorized online casino platforms:

• DraftKings through its affiliation with Foxwoods Resort Casino
• FanDuel through its affiliation with Mohegan Sun

Neither currently offers regulated online poker to Connecticut players.

However, FanDuel now operates PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel in other regulated US markets.

That development significantly changes the outlook for Connecticut poker because Mohegan Sun’s existing online gaming partner now has a functioning regulated poker platform.

Why Has Online Poker Not Launched in Connecticut?

Connecticut’s poker problem has changed since the state first authorized online gaming in 2021.

For several years, neither DraftKings nor FanDuel operated a regulated US online poker platform.

That is no longer the case.

FanDuel launched PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel in April 2026, connecting poker players across Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Connecticut’s remaining obstacles now center much more heavily on the state’s regulatory structure and interstate player liquidity.

Connecticut Has Not Joined MSIGA

Connecticut is not currently a member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement.

MSIGA allows participating jurisdictions to authorize online poker operators to combine player pools across state lines.

Shared liquidity is particularly important for poker because players compete against one another rather than against the casino.

A larger player pool generally supports:

• More active cash-game tables
• A wider range of stakes
• More tournament entries
• Larger tournament guarantees
• More game formats
• Better availability during off-peak hours

Connecticut has a population of approximately 3.6 million.

A Connecticut-only poker network would therefore have considerably less potential liquidity than the multi-state poker networks currently operating across several regulated states.

Connecticut lawmakers considered addressing the problem in 2025.

Legislation introduced that year would have authorized the governor to enter agreements allowing Connecticut-licensed operators to participate in multijurisdictional internet gaming involving peer-to-peer games such as poker.

FanDuel supported the proposal.

However, Connecticut did not ultimately join MSIGA, and the state still does not have an active interstate poker agreement.

FanDuel Now Has a Regulated Poker Platform

One of Connecticut’s longstanding barriers changed dramatically in April 2026.

PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel launched in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

The platform combines players from all three states into a shared poker network and integrates poker into the broader FanDuel ecosystem.

This is important for Connecticut because FanDuel is already Mohegan Sun’s authorized online gaming partner.

Previously, Connecticut faced the problem of having legal authority for online poker but no poker platform associated with either of its two principal online gaming operators.

FanDuel now has one.

PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel has not launched in Connecticut, and neither FanDuel nor Mohegan Sun has announced that it will.

Still, the existence of the platform means Connecticut no longer necessarily needs a completely new poker operator to make regulated online poker possible through the Mohegan/FanDuel relationship.

DraftKings Still Does Not Offer Online Poker

DraftKings is Foxwoods Resort Casino’s online gaming partner in Connecticut.

Unlike FanDuel, DraftKings does not currently operate a regulated peer-to-peer online poker platform.

DraftKings does offer Electric Poker in some regulated markets, but Electric Poker is a casino-style poker product rather than a conventional peer-to-peer poker room with cash games and multi-table tournaments.

That distinction matters when discussing Connecticut online poker.

A conventional DraftKings poker room comparable to WSOP Online, BetMGM Poker, BetRivers Poker, or PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel does not currently exist.

Could PokerStars on FanDuel Launch in Connecticut?

PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel is now one of the most obvious platforms to watch for a future Connecticut online poker launch.

FanDuel already operates regulated online casino gaming in Connecticut through its relationship with Mohegan Sun.

It also now operates a regulated poker network serving Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

A Connecticut launch could therefore potentially allow FanDuel to add poker to its existing Connecticut gaming ecosystem rather than requiring the state to introduce an entirely new online gaming brand.

However, no Connecticut launch has been announced.

The biggest unresolved question is interstate liquidity.

PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel currently benefits from a shared player pool across its participating US states.

Launching a separate Connecticut-only version would mean creating a much smaller segregated player pool unless Connecticut establishes authority for interstate poker.

That makes the state’s future approach to MSIGA or another permissible multijurisdictional agreement particularly important.

Until Connecticut establishes the necessary regulatory framework and an operator receives approval to offer poker, PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel remains unavailable in the state.

Sweepstakes Poker in Connecticut

Connecticut has taken an aggressive enforcement position against unlicensed online gambling, including sweepstakes-style casino gaming.

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection took enforcement action against High5Games in 2025 over its operation of High5Casino, which was marketed as a sweepstakes casino.

DCP determined that the platform was operating as an unlicensed online casino in Connecticut.

The case ultimately resulted in High5Casino ceasing operations in Connecticut and a settlement that included more than $643,000 in restitution to consumers.

DCP has repeatedly emphasized that Connecticut residents should use only gaming platforms licensed by the state.

For online casino gaming, those authorized platforms are DraftKings through Foxwoods and FanDuel through Mohegan Sun.

Given Connecticut’s enforcement position toward unlicensed sweepstakes gaming, Pokerfuse does not recommend sweepstakes poker platforms as an alternative to regulated online poker in the state.

Players looking to play online poker without wagering real money can instead use genuine free-play poker products.

Free-Play Poker in Connecticut

Connecticut players can play genuine free-play poker online while they wait for a regulated real-money market to launch.

Free-play poker uses virtual chips that have no cash value and cannot be redeemed for cash prizes.

These games can be useful for beginners learning:

• Poker hand rankings
• Betting rounds
• Table positions
• Tournament structures
• Basic poker terminology
• How online poker software works

Free-play poker should not be confused with sweepstakes poker.

Genuine free-play games do not offer a secondary currency or other mechanism through which poker winnings can be redeemed for cash prizes.

They are designed for entertainment and practice rather than real-money or cash-equivalent play.

Because there is nothing of financial value at stake, strategy and player behavior can differ considerably from regulated real-money poker.

Live Poker in Connecticut

Connecticut may not have regulated online poker, but it has two major destinations for traditional live poker: Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket and Mohegan Sun in Uncasville.

Both casinos operate dedicated peer-to-peer poker rooms.

Foxwoods Resort Casino

Foxwoods Resort Casino operates an active poker room with cash games and tournaments.

Its live-action poker offerings include games such as Stud, Hold’em, No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit games, and higher-stakes poker.

Foxwoods also maintains a regular tournament calendar.

In 2026, its tournament schedule included No-Limit Hold’em events and WSOP satellite and qualifier tournaments.

The room operates throughout the week, although hours, cash-game availability, tournament schedules, and stakes can change.

Players should check Foxwoods’ current poker schedule before visiting.

Mohegan Sun

Mohegan Sun also operates a large dedicated poker room with daily tournaments and cash games.

Available poker variants include:

• Texas Hold’em
• No-Limit Texas Hold’em
• Omaha
• Seven-Card Stud
• Razz
• Badugi
• 2-7 Triple Draw

Mohegan Sun also hosts larger tournament events in addition to its regular schedule.

Its 2026 tournament calendar has included multi-day No-Limit Hold’em events with guaranteed prize pools.

As with Foxwoods, games, tournaments, stakes, and operating hours can change, so players should check the current poker schedule before visiting.

Could Connecticut Join MSIGA?

Connecticut joining MSIGA would represent one of the most important potential developments for online poker in the state.

The Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement allows participating jurisdictions to share online poker liquidity.

Connecticut lawmakers have already considered legislation designed to permit multijurisdictional peer-to-peer internet gaming.

A 2025 proposal would have authorized the governor to enter agreements with other states, territories, or qualifying tribal jurisdictions for multijurisdictional internet games.

The proposal specifically contemplated peer-to-peer casino games, including poker.

FanDuel supported the interstate gaming provision during the legislative process.

However, Connecticut did not join MSIGA.

As a result, the state currently remains outside the interstate compact used by several regulated US poker markets.

Why Would MSIGA Matter for Connecticut?

Online poker works differently from online casino games.

A slot machine or online blackjack table can operate regardless of how many other players are logged in.

Poker requires other players.

Combining Connecticut’s players with established poker populations in other states could create:

• More active tables
• More tournament entries
• Larger guarantees
• More cash-game stakes
• More poker variants
• Better around-the-clock game availability

The launch of PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel makes that issue particularly relevant.

FanDuel’s poker platform already connects players across Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

If Connecticut eventually establishes the legal and regulatory authority needed for interstate poker and FanDuel receives approval to launch PokerStars in the state, Connecticut could potentially become another market for that network.

Neither development has been confirmed.

Connecticut has not joined MSIGA, and PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel has not announced a Connecticut launch.

Connecticut Online Poker FAQ

Is online poker legal in Connecticut?

Connecticut law authorized regulated online poker through Public Act 21-23 in 2021.

However, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection states that no online poker operator is currently licensed in the state.

As a result, Connecticut players cannot currently access a state-regulated real-money online poker room.

Does Connecticut have real-money online poker?

No.

Although state law provides for regulated online poker, no licensed real-money poker platform has launched in Connecticut.

Who regulates online gaming in Connecticut?

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Gaming Division regulates legal gaming in the state.

It oversees Connecticut’s regulated online gaming market and licenses or credentials entities involved in legal gaming operations.

Why hasn’t online poker launched in Connecticut?

Online poker has not launched because Connecticut does not currently have a licensed online poker operator or an interstate shared-liquidity framework.

For years, another obstacle was that neither DraftKings nor FanDuel operated a regulated US poker platform.

That changed in April 2026 when PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel launched in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Is PokerStars available in Connecticut?

No.

PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel does not currently operate in Connecticut.

The platform launched in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania in April 2026, creating a shared three-state poker network.

Because FanDuel is already Mohegan Sun’s online gaming partner, PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel is a platform to watch if Connecticut eventually establishes a path for regulated online poker.

No Connecticut launch has been announced.

Is FanDuel Poker available in Connecticut?

FanDuel does not currently offer real-money online poker in Connecticut.

FanDuel launched PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel in other regulated US markets in April 2026, but that poker product has not been approved or launched in Connecticut.

Does DraftKings offer online poker in Connecticut?

No.

DraftKings is Foxwoods’ online gaming partner in Connecticut, but it does not operate a conventional peer-to-peer online poker room in the state.

Can I play WSOP Online in Connecticut?

No.

WSOP Online does not currently offer regulated real-money online poker in Connecticut.

Can I play GGPoker in Connecticut?

No.

GGPoker does not operate a Connecticut-regulated real-money online poker room.

Is Connecticut part of MSIGA?

No.

Connecticut is not currently a member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement and does not share regulated online poker liquidity with other states.

Could Connecticut join MSIGA?

Potentially.

Connecticut lawmakers considered legislation in 2025 that would have authorized multijurisdictional peer-to-peer internet gaming, including poker.

However, Connecticut did not join MSIGA, and additional legal or regulatory action would be needed before interstate shared liquidity could be implemented.

Are sweepstakes poker sites legal in Connecticut?

Connecticut has taken enforcement action against unlicensed sweepstakes-style online gaming.

In 2025, the Department of Consumer Protection took action against High5Games over its operation of an unlicensed sweepstakes casino and subsequently reached a settlement that included consumer restitution.

Given Connecticut’s enforcement position, Pokerfuse does not recommend sweepstakes poker sites as an alternative to regulated online poker.

Can I play free online poker in Connecticut?

Yes.

Genuine free-play poker games that use virtual chips with no cash value provide an option for Connecticut players who want to practice or play socially.

These games should be distinguished from sweepstakes platforms that offer prizes with cash value.

Can I play live poker in Connecticut?

Yes.

Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun both operate dedicated live poker rooms with cash games and tournaments.

Are offshore poker sites legal in Connecticut?

Offshore poker sites are not licensed or regulated by Connecticut.

Pokerfuse does not recommend offshore poker sites because they do not provide the consumer protections available through Connecticut-regulated gaming platforms.