Top 3 Connecticut Online Sports Betting Sites – Compare the Best Betting Apps & Sportsbooks in CT

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont launched a new era of legal sports betting when he signed HB 6451 into law in 2021. That bill awarded master licenses to the Mohegan Tribe, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, and the Connecticut Lottery. Each licensee was permitted to open a retail sportsbook and host a single Connecticut online sports betting skin.

The Mohegans teamed up with FanDuel, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe joined forces with DraftKings and the Connecticut Lottery selected PlaySugarHouse as its partner. The first retail sportsbooks went live in September 2021 at Mohegan Sun Casino and the Mashantucket Pequots’ Foxwoods Casino, and online sports betting began six weeks later. This guide explains everything you need to know about legal CT sports betting, including the bonuses on offer, the banking methods you can use, the bets you can place, and much more.

Best CT Online Sportsbooks for Each Bettor Type

Timeline for Sports Betting in Connecticut

• March 28, 2023: PlaySugarHouse owner Rush Street Interactive announces that it will leave Connecticut, meaning the Connecticut Lottery needs to find a new sports betting partner.
• February 23, 2023: SB 971 is introduced to the Senate, proposing stricter rules around Connecticut sports betting advertising, especially around bonuses.
• October 19, 2021: Connecticut online sports betting goes live, with DraftKings, FanDuel, and PlaySugarHouse launching.
• September 30, 2021: The first retail Connecticut sportsbook launches at the Mohegan Sun Casino. At the FanDuel Sportsbook, Gov. Lamont places the first bet of $50 on the Connecticut Sun to cover a 7.5-point spread against the Chicago Sky.
• May 27, 2021: HB 6451, a bill that includes a gaming compact with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes, is signed by Governor Ned Lamont.

Best Connecticut Online Sports Betting Sites

The legalization of sportsbooks in the US has progressed in the past years and today most states have a lot to choose from. If you’re looking for advice on which CT sports betting site to sign up with, look no further. Our experts have provided a mini-review of each brand so you can get an idea of what’s available when you click the links on this page.

1. DraftKings – Best Connecticut sportsbook overall

• Website: sportsbook.draftkings.com/ct-sports-betting
• Payout Time: 1-5 days
• Established: 2012
• Land-Based Partner: Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
• Headquarters: Massachusetts, US

Our Verdict: 9.7/10

DraftKings offers a high-quality online sportsbook, casino, DFS site, and digital marketplace in Connecticut. It launched DraftKings Sportsbook CT in the fall of 2021 after agreeing to a partnership with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe. This agreement also includes a retail sportsbook at the tribe’s Foxwoods Casino resort.

The company already had a large DFS player base in the Nutmeg State by the time it introduced online sports betting. It has narrowly outpaced FanDuel to emerge as the most popular Connecticut sportsbook, which is interesting, as FanDuel leads DraftKings on a nationwide basis. CT bettors clearly enjoy the all-round customer experience on offer at DraftKings, which includes a stylish website, a user-friendly app, large sign-up bonuses, and free-to-enter contests.

It is often the first Connecticut sports betting site to release its lines. The odds are competitive too, but it is worth signing up with both DraftKings and FanDuel and placing your bets at whichever site has the best odds on any pick you like. Additional features at DraftKings include a competitive rewards program and detailed pre-game stats.

You can bet on various sports at DraftKings, including its sports betting partners, the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. There are also plenty of markets for local and international sports as well like soccer, motorsports, and boxing. Most sports offer betting options, including moneylines, point spreads, and totals.

There is a solid range of trusted payment methods like bank cards, PayPal, ACH, and bank transfers. You can also use Play+ or top up your account from Foxwoods Resort Casino. Deposits are instant, and withdrawals take two to seven business days.

You can contact customer support at DraftKings via email. It does not offer phone support or 24/7 live chat. There is also an extensive FAQ section on the website where you can find answers to common issues.

New players in Connecticut can claim DraftKings’ 20% deposit match bonus up to $1,000. It also regularly offers bet and get sign-up bonuses, such as Bet $5, Get $150, or Bet $5, Get $200. There are pools to enter each day too, along with a few stepped-up same-game parlays.

Sections Overview:

• Bonuses: 9.3/10
• Desktop Experience: 9.6/10
• Mobile Experience: 9.6/10
• Registration Process: 9.6/10
• Account Verification: 9.7/10
• Payment Methods: 9.1/10
• Sportsbook: 9.7/10
• Customer Support: 9.7/10
• Responsible Gambling: 9.8/10

DraftKings bonuses & promos:

2. FanDuel – Top-rated mobile app

• Website: www.fanduel.com/sportsbook-ct
• Payout Time: 1-5 days
• Established: 2012
• Land-Based Partner: Mohegan Sun Casino
• Headquarters: Massachusetts, US

Our Verdict: 9.6/10

FanDuel also built up its business in the fast-growing DFS sector before expanding into online sports betting in 2018. Flutter Entertainment, the largest online gambling group in the world, purchased the company that year. It launched FanDuel Sportsbook in New Jersey, and it has now been rolled out into more than 20 states. FanDuel is the No. 1 online sports betting brand and the No. 1 online gambling brand by market share in the United States.

This online sportsbook is similar to DraftKings, but there are some notable differences. FanDuel is not always as quick to release its betting lines as DraftKings, and it often provides a slightly smaller selection of prop bets. It does not offer a loyalty program either, and it does not run as many free-to-play sports betting contests.

However, FanDuel is also superior to DraftKings in lots of ways. It offers live streaming of various sports, whereas DraftKings does not. FanDuel also provides significantly quicker payouts, higher betting limits, a far wider selection of ongoing bonuses, simpler wagering requirements, and a slightly sharper mobile app. It offers 24/7 live chat support too, which is unavailable at DraftKings.

For Connecticut sports fans, FanDuel is a great option as the official betting partner of the Connecticut Sun. You can bet on the WNBA games, as well as place wagers on other major leagues. There are also plenty of niche sports at FanDuel, like darts and snooker, with more markets available than any other CT sportsbook.

You’ll find most of the payment methods popular with sports bettors available at FanDuel, with online bank transfers, ACH, Play+, and PayPal all accepted. You can also make deposits using bank cards. Through FanDuel’s partnership with Mohegan Sun Casino, you can visit its retail sportsbook and make fast transactions. Most online withdrawals take around two to four business days to process.

If you run into any issues at FanDuel, you can contact customer support through live chat and email. There is also a comprehensive FAQs section on the app and site with plenty of answers to common questions.

You can claim a  Bet $5, Get $150 welcome bonus at FanDuel. As the official betting partner of the Connecticut Sun, FanDuel frequently provides odds boosts and other promotions on WNBA games.

Sections Overview:

• Bonuses: 8.9/10
• Desktop Experience: 9.6/10
• Mobile Experience: 9.6/10
• Registration Process: 9.6/10
• Account Verification: 9.7/10
• Payment Methods: 9.2/10
• Sportsbook: 9.7/10
• Customer Support: 9.3/10
• Responsible Gambling: 9.7/10

FanDuel bonuses & promos:

3. PlaySugarHouse – Best for betting market variety

• Website: https://ct.playsugarhouse.com/
• Payout Time: Instant
• Established: 2016
• Land-based Partner: Connecticut Lottery
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois

Our Verdict: 9.4/10

The Connecticut Lottery selected Chicago-based Rush Street Interactive (RSI) as its sports betting partner after a competitive bidding process. Many industry insiders expected RSI to launch its BetRivers brand in the Nutmeg State, but it opted for sister site PlaySugarHouse instead. The deal sees PlaySugarHouse power an estate of small retail sports betting kiosks across the state, along with an online sportsbook.

PlaySugarHouse is named after the old SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia, which has now been renamed Rivers Casino Philadelphia. It is powered by Kambi, an award-winning software provider that offers white-label solutions for a range of sportsbooks, including Unibet and Barstool. The sportsbook is very comprehensive, offering hundreds of betting options on most big games. PlaySugarHouse also offers some live streaming options, along with instant payouts, a loyalty program, and a huge choice of promos.

In March 2023, RSI announced that it would end the agreement to serve as the Connecticut Lottery’s sports betting partner. PlaySugarHouse will continue to operate until the CT Lottery finds a new partner, and it will then be discontinued.

There are good markets for most US sports at PlaySugarHouse, as well as moneylines, point spreads, and totals for sports like motorsports, MMA, and tennis. You can also place future bets on niche sports like Australian Rules. In addition, BetRivers is the only sportsbook in CT that lets you bet on jai alai.

Many trusted payment methods are accepted by PlaySugarHouse, including PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and online bank transfers. You can also use a PlaySugarHouse Play+ card. There are no fees for deposits and withdrawals, and most withdrawals are instant.

There are a range of ways to contact the friendly customer support team at PlaySugarHouse, including 24/7 live chat, email, and telephone. If you want fast answers to commonly asked questions, you can check the FAQs for information on account verification, bonuses, and payments.

You can get a variety of bonuses at PlaySugarHouse, including a second chance bet worth up to $500 when you sign up. This is a little lower in value than other welcome bonuses in CT, but still pretty generous. Where PlaySugarHouse shines is its promotions for existing players, with new promotions every day like parlay insurance, daily odds boosts, and bonus bets.

Sections Overview:

• Bonuses: 9.0/10
• Desktop Experience: 9.3/10
• Mobile Experience: 9.2/10
• Registration Process: 9.7/10
• Account Verification: 9.6/10
• Payment Methods: 9.0/10
• Sportsbook: 9.1/10
• Customer Support: 9.3/10
• Responsible Gambling: 9.6/10

PlaySugarHouse bonuses & promos:

Connecticut Sports Betting Overview

• 🧑‍⚖️ Retail Sports Betting Launch Date: September 30, 2021
• 🧑‍⚖️ Online Sports Betting Launch Date: October 17, 2021
• ✅ Licensed Sportsbooks: DraftKings, FanDuel, PlaySugarhouse
• 💵 Legal Wagering Options: Moneylines, parlays, point spreads, props, same game parlays, teasers, totals
• ❓ Legal Gambling Age in Connecticut: 21+
• 🏈 Sports to Bet On: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, WNBA, MLS, motorsports, golf, MMA, boxing, European soccer, Olympics, eSports
• 🏦 Permitted Banking Options: Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Play+, Paysafecard, online bank transfers, ACH, casino cage cashier
• 📝 Connecticut Gambling Regulator: Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP)

How to Place a Bet in Connecticut

While the licensing laws for sportsbooks in Connecticut are a little complicated, registering with an online sportsbook is super easy. All you have to do is follow our step-by-step guide below, and you can get started within minutes.

1. Select one of our recommended Connecticut Sportsbooks and click the links on this page to visit the site.

2. Press the “Join”, “Sign Up”, or “Register” button to begin the sign-up process.

3. Enter your name, address, email, phone number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Sportsbooks need this information to verify your identity and protect you from fraud. Your sportsbook won’t share this information.

4. With your new account created, visit the cashier section to make your first deposit. Select a payment method and how much money to add, ensuring you meet any minimum deposit requirements for any bonuses you’re claiming.

5. Browse through the sportsbook’s range of markets to find your first bet. Add a wager to your bet slip, select your stake, and confirm your bet.

6. Return to the cashier section to withdraw if your bet wins. The online sportsbook will instruct you on how to cash money out from your account.

7. Before you withdraw, you may need to verify your identity. You can do this by uploading or emailing a copy of your photo ID and other requested documents to the sportsbook. The verification process usually takes a few days.

If you are betting from your mobile device, you must allow the sportsbook app to detect your location and verify that you are placing bets from within the state. Many sportsbooks will prompt you to enable your device location during registration. If not, go into your device settings and allow the sportsbook app to detect your location.

Connecticut Betting Apps on Mobile

Banking Methods Available in Connecticut

Most sportsbooks available in Connecticut will accept popular and trusted US payment methods, including bank cards like Visa and Mastercard. Cards are commonly accepted for deposits but may not be available for withdrawals. Many sites also accept e-wallets like PayPal, which provide some of the fastest withdrawal times from online sportsbooks.

Sportsbooks may also allow you to pay with popular prepaid cards like Paysafecard and Play+, which let you easily control how much you add to your account. Sportsbooks may also accept direct online bank transfers and ACH, but this may depend on your bank provider.

If you use a sportsbook with a land-based partner in CT, you can visit the casino cage cashier and top up your account in person. You can also make fast withdrawals, getting your funds in hours. Most Connecticut sportsbooks don’t apply fees for deposits and withdrawals.

Who is Eligible to Bet in Connecticut?

The eligibility requirements for betting in Connecticut are designed to ensure the integrity of CT sports betting and protect bettors and sports teams. Bettors must understand and comply with these requirements to participate in sports betting legally and safely.

You must be 21 or older to wager in Connecticut and provide proof of your age whether you’re playing online or in person. You also need to place all bets within Connecticut’s borders. Your CT sportsbook will ask you to use your geolocation services to prove you are playing where it’s safe.

Some professional positions prevent you from wagering in Connecticut, such as employment from a professional or college sports team. You also can’t bet if you are a referee, coach, or staff member of a team. Members of the regulatory bodies for sports like the NFL and NCAA are also prohibited from betting. This is to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain the integrity of the sports.

Connecticut law also includes restrictions on individuals with certain criminal histories. For example, individuals with a history of fraud or other financial crimes may not be eligible to place bets.

Latest Connecticut Sports Betting Updates

Online and retail sports betting are both legal in Connecticut, and there are three Connecticut online sports betting sites you can use. In addition, you can visit retail CT sportsbooks at two land-based casinos operated by Native American tribes. Daily Fantasy Sports games and pari-mutuel horse racing betting are also available in CT. Most professional sports are available for betting, but you can’t place wagers on in-state college teams. eSports betting is legal and available.

Connecticut Sports Betting Background

Connecticut had considered legalizing sports betting for several years before finally passing legislation in 2021. The state had been seeking to expand its gambling industry to remain competitive with neighboring states that already offered sports betting, such as New Jersey and Rhode Island. That’s why lawmakers passed a framework for legal sports betting in 2017 before the US Supreme Court struck down PASPA. In addition, CT held a meeting with the major leagues and local parties to discuss the prospect of sports betting months before the PASPA decision.

However, when the PASPA decision came, it still took CT some time to legalize sports betting. Many lawmakers’ disagreements concerned what locations would be permitted to launch Connecticut sports betting. It was pretty clear that the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes would be given permission to operate sports betting, but initial discussions also suggested OTBs be given licenses. There were also suggestions for opening a new casino in CT.

However, lawmakers dismissed many of these ideas in the final bill passed by Gov. Lamont. Instead, just three Connecticut online sports betting sites would launch, and two retail betting locations.

Future of Connecticut Sports Betting

Connecticut’s sports betting legislation has undergone recent changes, but there are ongoing discussions about future developments in the industry. In January 2022, Governor Ned Lamont announced a new gambling agreement with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes, which permits the tribes to build a third casino in Connecticut.

In addition to the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes, other parties have expressed interest in operating sportsbooks in Connecticut. MGM Resorts, for example, has been lobbying to be included in the Connecticut sports betting industry. However, the agreement with the tribes gives them exclusive rights to operate sports betting in CT, which could limit the entry of other sportsbooks in the future.

There is also an ongoing debate about including collegiate sports in Connecticut’s sports betting industry. Some argue that allowing college sports betting in CT could create conflicts of interest and undermine the integrity of the games, while others believe it could generate significant revenue for the state.

In addition, lawmakers are considering changing laws towards advertising CT sports betting, including limiting the language around bonuses that sportsbooks can use. This would follow similar legislation in Ontario, Canada, and a few places in the US.

Connecticut Sports Betting Locations

Mohegan Sun Casino

The Mohegan Sun was the first casino in Connecticut to launch a retail sportsbook in October 2019 when its FanDuel location went live. You’ll find more than 30 betting kiosks available, allowing you to bet on events while you watch on the 140-foot video wall. There are also six betting windows. You can reserve a seat at the sportsbook online or rent a private Mezzanine for a party of 13 or more. The FanDuel Sportsbook offers lounge-style seating and easy access to food and drinks as well.

Foxwoods Resort Casino

The DraftKings Sportsbook at Foxwoods Resort Casino is a 12,000 square foot space covering two stories, with 36 24/7 betting kiosks. You can take in the latest sporting action across its range of video screens, including its 50-foot by 30-foot main event viewer. The sportsbook has two VIP lounges for players wanting privacy, a restaurant, and two bars with 24 beers on tap.

Connecticut Lottery Locations

Currently, there is no indication that the DCP intends to hand any authority to operate sports betting to the Connecticut State Lottery. While this could change in the future, it seems unlikely, given the emphasis on Connecticut online sports betting and allowing Native American tribes to benefit from the industry.

Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations

Currently, there is no stadium betting in Connecticut, as only land-based casinos are licensed to launch retail sportsbooks.

You can place legal pari-mutuel bets on horse racing by visiting an off-track betting location in Connecticut. Horse racing betting has been available for decades and is overseen by the DCP. However, from 1994 Sportech Venues has had an exclusive license to operate facilities in the state. These venues offer simulcast betting on horse and greyhound races from around the world, as well as on-site betting on live races held at the company’s own Winners venues in New Haven and Norwalk.

Connecticut Responsible Gambling Resources

All online sportsbooks in Connecticut have to meet the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection’s high standards for responsible gambling support, even the operators licensed by Native American tribes. Every betting site will offer advice on controlling problem gambling and account tools to assist your efforts to play responsibly. These will include deposit limits, spending limits, and time limits.

Sites will also let you self-exclude and prohibit yourself from gambling at CT locations through the Better Choice Program. You can ban yourself from casinos, OTBs, and online betting sites for 12 months or a lifetime. For example, the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling provides information, support, and referrals to people struggling and operates a 24/7 helpline. You can also contact national organizations like Gamblers Anonymous, which organize meetings across the US, including in CT.

Teams to Bet on in Connecticut

Pro Sports

Currently, there are no men’s professional sports teams based in Connecticut, which is no surprise given the state has a population of just over 3.5 million. In addition, CT is neighbors with New York and Massachusetts, both states with plenty of major league teams for sports fans to get behind.

We’ve listed some of the most popular teams which Connecticut bettors can back with our recommended sportsbooks below.

New York

• Buffalo Bills
• New York Giants
• New York Jets
• New York Mets
• New York Yankees
• Brooklyn Nets
• New York Knicks
• Buffalo Sabers
• New York Islanders
• New York Rangers

Massachusetts

• New England Patriots
• Boston Red Sox
• Boston Celtics
• Boston Bruins

College Sports

University of Connecticut Huskies

Field hockey is one of the most successful programs at the University of Connecticut, with the team winning five national championships. The men’s basketball program has also claimed four national championships. However, the pride of the school is the women’s basketball team, which has claimed a massive 11 national titles.

Yale University Bulldogs

Yale is an Ivy League sports team that has seen a lot of success in team golf, winning 21 national championships. However, the last of these came in 1943, with the school’s first win coming in 1897. The school also scored a famous victory in the NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament in 2013, lifting the title for the first time.

Quinnipiac University Bobcats

There are 21 varsity teams supported by Quinnipiac University, with the women’s basketball team being the most successful. The Bobcats made it to the NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen in 2017 and have also won the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) several times.

Central Connecticut State University Blue Devils

Playing in the Northeast Conference, there are 16 varsity teams playing in the blue and white of the Blue Devils for Central Connecticut State University. The men’s basketball, baseball, and soccer programs have all made it to the latter stages of NCAA Tournaments, with the soccer team making it to the Round of 16 in 2007.

Fairfield University Stags

There hasn’t been too much for Fairfield Stags fans to cheer about in its history, as the school has never won any national titles. However, the women’s basketball team has made multiple trips to the NCAA Tournament after winning the MAAC.

Sacred Heart University Pioneers

Most of Sacred Heart University’s success has come in NCAA Division II, with the school claiming a basketball championship in 1986 and claiming an FCS title in 2002. The Pioneers have a major rivalry with the Huskies known as the Constitution State Rivalry.

Women’s Sports

Connecticut Sun

The only professional sports team in Connecticut is the Connecticut Sun, a professional women’s basketball team in the WNBA. The franchise was established in 1999 and has made it to the WNBA finals three times, in 2004, 2005, and 2019. The team plays its home games at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

How Does Connecticut Compare to Other States?

Market Coverage

When Connecticut legalized sports betting in May 2021, it allowed residents to place wagers on a wide range of professional sports online and at retail sportsbooks. This includes the most popular events in the US, like football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, boxing, motorsports, and more. You can even bet on eSports in Connecticut.

However, Connecticut does not allow betting on in-state collegiate teams. You can place bets on college teams across the US, including player prop wagers.

Competitive Odds & Prices

DraftKings and FanDuel are two of the biggest sportsbooks in the US and provide the same competitive odds everywhere in the US, including Connecticut. Meanwhile, while PlaySugarHouse may only be available in CT, its sister site, BetRivers, is widely available across the US and also brings competitive odds.

However, the odds may not be as generous as in states where several sportsbooks are fighting for a market share. This is one of the issues with CT’s current sportsbook model. However, the betting lines still provide plenty of value for players.

Gambling Revenue

Under the state’s sports betting law, all retail sportsbooks must pay a 13.75% tax on retail and Connecticut online sports betting handles. This is pretty similar to the tax rate in other states like Illinois and Virginia, which both have a 15% sports tax. The state’s tax revenue from sports betting goes toward the state’s General Fund, which supports various programs and services.

In addition to the state’s tax rate, a 0.25% integrity fee is paid to the professional sports leagues. However, Connecticut is one of the few states that does not mandate this fee, and operators can choose whether or not to pay it.

According to a report by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, Connecticut’s sports betting market could generate up to $1 billion in annual gross gaming revenue (GGR) by 2026. This seems a little ambitious, as sportsbooks have only generated over $180 million in revenue. Currently, Connecticut has a total betting handle of over $2 billion and has collected more than $18 million in taxes since launching in 2021.

Betting Taxes

Everyone in the US has to pay taxes on sports betting to the IRS. You need to declare any money you win through betting and complete a W-2G form if you earn more than $600. Your sportsbook will provide you with a form if you need one. In addition, you also need to include your sports betting winnings when completing your income tax.

Who Oversees Sports Betting in Connecticut?

Connecticut has some incredibly unique rules for overseeing sports betting compared to other US states, as it technically has three regulatory bodies. First and foremost is the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, which is responsible for enforcing sports betting regulations across all sportsbooks and keeping players safe. These rules cover everything from the types of bets on offer to the security measures that must be in place to protect customer data. The DCP has one sportsbook license to award to a commercial operator.

However, to comply with the regulations passed in HB 6451, two Native American tribes are allowed to operate sports betting. Each of these tribes has one license to award to a commercial sports betting partner, with approval from the DCP.

Under this system, PlaySugarHouse is licensed by the DCP, with DraftKings and FanDuel signing agreements with local tribes. For players, the licensing agreements have no impact. All three sportsbooks are safe for CT players and comply with Connecticut sports betting laws.

Best Sports Betting Site Connecticut

Even though there are only three sportsbooks in CT, it is still an incredibly competitive market. However, our experts are happy to declare DraftKings as the best option for Connecticut punters. The online sportsbook allows you to live stream sports from your mobile. It provides generous odds on a variety of major league sports. It is also an official betting partner of the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. DraftKings even allows you to play DFS through your sports betting account.

To sign up with DraftKings, or any of our other recommended sportsbook, click the links on this page today.

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