Connecticut Online Poker: Legal Status, Why It Hasn’t Launched, and What’s Next
Last updated: February 12, 2026
Connecticut is one of nine US states where online poker has been legalized under state law — yet it has never launched. In the broader US online poker market, most states that legalize poker also allow shared liquidity through multi-state compacts. Connecticut does not.
In 2021, lawmakers legalized online poker, casino gaming, and sports betting. However, a combination of licensing structure and shared liquidity restrictions has prevented poker from going live.
This guide explains why online poker is legal but unavailable in Connecticut, what would need to change for a launch to happen, and what options players currently have.
Is Online Poker Legal in Connecticut?
Yes. Online poker is legal in Connecticut. However, there are currently no regulated real-money online poker operators active in the state.
Lawmakers in the Connecticut General Assembly passed legislation in May 2021 authorizing online poker, online casino gaming, and sports betting. Governor Ned Lamont signed the bill into law later that month.
Online sports betting launched in September 2021, followed by online casino gaming in October 2021. Online poker, however, has not launched.
Until an operator introduces a poker platform under the current regulatory framework — or the law is amended — regulated real-money online poker remains unavailable.
| Online Poker in Connecticut: Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| 📢 What’s Available | Free-play and poker training sites |
| 🔮Real Money Online Poker (Regulated) | No operators, shared liquidity illegal under CT gaming laws |
| 🃏 Available Games | No avialble real money games yet |
| 🔞 Age Limit | Players must be at least 18 years of age |
| 👥 CT Population | 3.6 Million (ranks 29th) |
Why Has Online Poker Not Launched in Connecticut?
There are two primary reasons why online poker is legal but not live in Connecticut.
First, the two tribal casinos authorized to conduct online gaming — Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun — partnered with DraftKings and FanDuel, respectively. Neither operator currently offers an online poker platform in the US market.
Second, current Connecticut law does not permit shared liquidity. The state does not allow online poker operators to combine player pools with other states through a multi-state compact such as MSIGA.
The licensing framework also prevents casinos from partnering with different operators for different verticals. In other words, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun cannot bring in a separate poker-only partner under existing law.
Both DraftKings and FanDuel expressed support for Connecticut joining a multi-state poker compact, but legislative language that would have authorized interstate poker agreements was removed before final passage.
Without shared liquidity, Connecticut’s relatively small population of approximately 3.6 million residents may not be sufficient to sustain a competitive standalone online poker market.
Free-Play Poker in Connecticut
While regulated real-money poker is not available, Connecticut residents can still play online poker for free.
Free-play poker platforms allow players to participate in ring games and tournaments without wagering real money. These platforms are useful for learning the game, practicing hand rankings, and understanding betting mechanics.
Some popular free-play poker options available in Connecticut include:
- Zynga Poker
- Replay Poker
- Governor of Poker
- PokerStars Play
- PlayWSOP
Free-play sites can help new players get comfortable with poker basics. However, because no real money is at stake, gameplay and strategy may differ from regulated environments.
Real Money Online Poker in Connecticut
Although online poker is legal, no operator currently offers real-money poker under Connecticut’s regulated market.
Under the 2021 law:
- Online casinos and poker rooms are taxed at 18% for the first five years, increasing to 20% thereafter
- Sports betting is taxed at 13.75%
- Each tribal casino may partner with only one operator for online gaming
Foxwoods partnered with DraftKings, and Mohegan Sun partnered with FanDuel. Because neither operator currently runs a US online poker platform under their primary brands in Connecticut, poker remains unavailable.
How Connecticut Could Move Forward
For regulated online poker to launch, lawmakers would likely need to amend the state’s gaming laws to allow shared liquidity or greater operator flexibility.
The most realistic paths forward include:
- DraftKings or FanDuel acquiring an online poker platform (similar to Rush Street Interactive’s acquisition of Run It Once Poker)
- Either operator partnering with a third-party software provider to power a branded poker room
- Flutter Entertainment licensing PokerStars technology to FanDuel, creating a potential “FanDuel Poker” product
If Connecticut were permitted to join a multi-state compact, it could combine player pools with larger states, making a launch more viable.
Live Poker in Connecticut
Players interested in in-person poker have two options in Connecticut: Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket and Mohegan Sun in Uncasville.
Foxwoods Resort Casino
Foxwoods hosts daily tournaments and cash games. Most play is No-Limit Texas Hold’em, though Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Seven-Card Stud are also offered. The poker room regularly runs WSOP Main Event qualifiers.
Mohegan Sun
Mohegan Sun features daily tournaments and a variety of cash games including No-Limit Hold’em, Omaha, Razz, Badugi, and 2-7 Triple Draw.
According to PokerAtlas, Foxwoods has 35 poker tables while Mohegan Sun has 33:
| City | Casino | Tables |
|---|---|---|
| Mashantucket | Foxwoods Resort Casino | 35 |
| Uncasville | Mohegan Sun | 33 |
Connecticut Online Poker FAQ
Is online poker legal in Connecticut?
Yes. Online poker is legal under state law, but there are currently no regulated operators offering real-money poker in the state.
Who regulates online gaming in Connecticut?
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (CDCP) serves as the state’s gaming regulator.
Does Connecticut have real money online poker?
No. Although legal, no operator currently offers real-money online poker under Connecticut’s regulatory framework.
Why hasn’t online poker launched in Connecticut?
Online poker has not launched because the state’s licensed operators do not offer a poker platform and current law does not permit shared liquidity with other states.
Will online poker launch in Connecticut soon?
There is no confirmed timeline. A launch would likely require changes to shared liquidity rules or operator partnerships.
Is PokerStars legal in Connecticut?
PokerStars does not currently operate in Connecticut. It could only launch if partnered through an approved operator and allowed under state law.
Can I play online poker on offshore sites?
Offshore sites are not recommended. They do not offer US consumer protections and present financial and identity risks.
Can I play GGPoker in Connecticut?
GGPoker does not offer regulated real-money online poker in Connecticut.
Can I play WSOP in Connecticut?
WSOP Online is not available in Connecticut. Players can use PlayWSOP, the free-play version of the brand.