It’s not just money credits, it’s real money you’re being paid out. So if you’re looking to play a few hands, or chasing the ponies at the park, and want a real money casino, or if you’re looking for the best online casino for real money for USA players, our top choices have got to be your sure bet. Jun 03, 2019  Legal online poker in Connecticut Connecticut is widely considered to be a prime candidate for legal  online poker. The state has nurtured a sustainable tribal gaming industry, backstopped by a pair of social online casinos. The state  lottery is looking to diversify its offerings, and sports betting has even appeared as a hot topic.

Understanding Connecticut law regarding poker specifically (and gambling in general) isn’t an impossible task. Any poker player who wants to educate themselves about the law in Connecticut as it applies to online poker needs to do little besides set aside a bit of time and focus. To get you started on the right track for researching the legal status of poker in the state of Connecticut, here’s our pocket guide to Connecticut gambling law, history, regulation and recent developments as well as which poker sites accept players from CT.

Connecticut has long been a hub for poker on the east coast, attracting poker players from both the region and the world with high-stakes cash games and a bounty of prestigious tournaments. With that pedigree, it’s little surprise that online poker is also quite popular in the state. Thousands of people from Connecticut play poker online at a variety of sites. Here’s some basic information you’ll need if you’re thinking about joining them. We also review the various laws, updates with respect to HB and provide our analysis of Connecticut’s gambling laws.

Latest Updates from Connecticut’s Online Poker Efforts 2019

For several years, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe (operating Foxwoods) and Mohegan Tribe (operating Mohegan Sun) have advocated for online gaming, specifically online poker. In the absence of legislation regarding real-money sites, both casino operators have launched free-play gaming sites to link customers to their land-based properties. But their support for broad legislation has been made known to legislators for a number of years.

In 2018, Foxwoods signed an interactive gaming technology partnership with Pariplay to offer real-money gaming when players are on the casino property. Customers will be able to download the games, connect to some of the games offered in the casino, and play from their rooms, restaurants, pool, or anywhere on the property. While the offerings are not live yet, this indicates that Foxwoods is more than ready for online gaming legalization.

Meanwhile, several members of the Connecticut House of Representatives recently announced their intension to propose legislation that will expand gambling in the state. The proposals may include online lottery sales, sports betting reliant upon a positive result from New Jersey’s case awaiting a US Supreme Court decision, and online gaming.

2018 Public Hearings on Connecticut Gambling Laws

In March 2018, the Public Safety and Security Committee held a public hearing to discuss gambling expansion. The most powerful testimony came from Foxwoods’ Executive Director of Online Gaming, who gave extensive testimony in support of online poker, casino games, and sports betting. Subsequently, Mohegan Sun’s representative did the same. This support is powerful in the eyes of the legislators.

After the hearings and statements from the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes indicating enthusiastic support for online poker, casino games, and sports betting, it seemed likely that Connecticut lawmakers would put together an omnibus bill. However, as discussions between lawmakers played out, it seemed that many of them were too unfamiliar with the intricacies of online gambling and wanted to study the issue more intently.

When the regular legislative session ended on May 9, so did the chances for online poker and casino games to be considered. A bill was never proposed on either side of the state legislature, which means there has been no framework established that could allow a bill to be introduced during a special session later in the year. Meanwhile, sports betting is very likely to be discussed after the summer break.

CO Online Gambling Shut Down in 2018

Why not online poker? Both the House Majority Leader and Deputy House Minority Leader expressed concerns about how online gaming would operate and how it would protect its customers. They also indicated they wanted full public hearings on the topic. Without a deadline or any specific urgency to act, they want to give it more time.

Connecticut was off the table in 2018 due to an insufficient amount of information in lawmakers’ hands. While casino operators were in favor of regulated online poker and casino games, not enough members of the legislature were ready to support it.

Senate Bill 17: An Online Casino, Keno, and Sports Betting Bill

At the start of 2019, a bipartisan group of 16 members of both houses of the legislature introduced SB.17, a bill to legalize online gaming, keno, and sports wagering. A February hearing on the topic showed that many more lawmakers supported the additional revenue and job creation from gambling expansion, but it was the topic of an additional state casino that produced complications.

By March, another two lawmakers sponsored SB.17, which passed the Senate Public Safety and Security Committee by a 16-8 vote. The bill has time to move forward, as the current legislative session remains open until June 5. If that happens and the bill passes both houses, it would take effect as early as July 1, 2019, and the Commissioner of Consumer Protection would then proceed to draft and ratify online gaming regulations.

Connecticut Online Gambling Bill – Summer 2019 Update

The bill made it to the Senate floor, but no further. Governor Ned Lamont had been working with the Mohegan and Mashantucket tribes to come to an agreement regarding their compacts, but Lamont said not enough progress had been made. It later came out that Lamont was concerned about MGM Resorts filing a lawsuit over a new casino in East Windsor being awarded to those tribes. MGM had wanted to build that casino but ended up building across the border in Massachusetts instead.

MGM expressed its displeasure that the tribes’ casino would compete with the MGM Springfield but also that tribes may obtain authorization to operate online gambling and sports betting. So, MGM sued the Department of the Interior for approving the tribes’ operation of the Connecticut casino.

Catherine Olson’s 2019 Online Poker, Casino, and Lottery Bill

Meanwhile, State Senator Catherine Olson had just revealed the draft of a new bill in early August 2019, one that would legalize online poker, table games, and lottery tickets, as well as mobile sports betting.

Online Poker in Connecticut

It’s important to understand that not every state in the US treats gambling in the same way. As a result, online poker rooms often have policies that prohibit players from a certain state or set of states. Thankfully for online poker players from Connecticut, the state rarely appears on such lists, meaning that it’s easy for you to play poker for real money online if you’re living in Connecticut. Any one of our top picks for Connecticut players will work, as will the dozens of other poker sites that accept Connecticut players.

Is Playing Online Poker Legal in Connecticut?

The ultimate answer to this question is one that can only come from a qualified legal source. We’re not attempting to offer a definitive answer; instead, our goal is to inform you about some basic facts regarding Connecticut law, provide additional resources for reading and hopefully get you closer to an answer along the way. The official version of Connecticut statutes can be reviewed here .

When you read Connecticut law, a few aspects seem salient to Connecticut online poker:

Connecticut defines gambling in a way that specifically includes the game of poker, a somewhat rare thing in state law. According to state law, gambling means

“risking any money, credit, deposit or other thing of value for gain contingent in whole or in part upon lot, chance or the operation of a gambling device, including the playing of a casino gambling game such as blackjack, poker, craps, roulette or a slot machine” (Section 53-278a(2)).

Unlike other state laws that leave some ambiguity (and therefore potential legal wiggle room) when it comes to poker, Connecticut law is abundantly clear on the matter.

Engaging in behavior that qualifies as gambling under Connecticut law is a crime. Specifically, it’s a violation of Section 52-278b, which makes is a class B misdemeanor to engage in gambling, encourage others to gamble or even to simply be present while others are gambling.

Connecticut, like several states, has an older law aimed at curtailing phone-based sports betting that could be read as applicable to online activity. Section 52-278d makes it a class A misdemeanor if you send or receive “gambling information” by “telephone, telegraph, radio, semaphore or other means.’

Additional penalties exist for those who organize, promote or operate gambling as a business, referred to as “professional gambling” in Connecticut law. While the term seems odd to some, it does not refer to someone who makes a living by gambling as a player. Rather, per Connecticut law, it only applies to those profiting from the business of gambling.

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Will Connecticut Regulate Online Poker?

It seems more likely than ever that Connecticut will legalize and regulate online poker in the coming years. With its neighbors – Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania – operating online poker and casino games, it makes sense that Connecticut is now considering offering the same options in order to stay competitive. There are also interstate compacts to share online poker player pools and internet slot jackpots, which is even more appealing for lawmakers in Connecticut. And with the powerful tribes of the state supportive of online gaming, chances are even better that it will happen.

All Poker and Gambling Laws by State

• In the first few months of 2019, Connecticut became one of the states to watch for its internet gaming legislation. A bill was in play, and it seemed to have quite a bit of support. The state has been on watch lists for several years, as the two casino-operating tribes

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• The prospects for online poker and casino games in Connecticut were not overwhelmingly positive after a February hearing, but the legislation remained alive. The most pertinent bill in question for online poker supporters – SB.17 – was one that put several forms of gambling expansion into one basket, with internet

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• One of the states deemed likely to seriously examine online poker and other forms of online gambling in 2019 was Connecticut. The primary reason for the optimism came from the unequivocal support of the state’s two tribes in 2018. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Mohegan Tribe each told lawmakers

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• There was progress in Connecticut in 2018, with lawmakers taking a more serious look at forms of internet gambling than in the past. This was done at the urging of the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribes of Connecticut, both operating massive gambling operations and both in favor of legalized online

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Connecticut Gambling Facts

Connecticut’s emergence as a gambling haven is relatively recent, but the state’s history with gambling goes back hundreds of years. Lotteries were a popular format for entertainment and raising funds for public projects during the state’s early days. In the 1900s, Connecticut embarked on a slow but steady gambling expansion focused primarily around charitable gambling for the first half of the century. As the rest of the US loosened gambling restrictions, Connecticut followed suit. The lottery officially returned to Connecticut in 1972, with pari-mutuel wagering coming in 1976 and tribal casinos opening their doors to state residents and visitors in the 1990s.

Regulated Gambling in Connecticut: The Basics

The only major regulated gambling option missing from Connecticut: Commercial casinos, a gap more than filled by the massive tribal resort casinos that dot the state’s geography. As mentioned above, the state lottery and pari-mutuel wagering are also available in Connecticut, although the state does not have any functioning race tracks as of the time of this guide. Charitable gambling is available in multiple formats, including bingo, raffles and sealed tickets. It was legal, once upon a time, to hold “Vegas Nights” at a charitable event, but that ability was ended by state action in 2003.

What Type of Gaming Is Regulated by the State?

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) was legalized in 2017, but it is not regulated yet as implementation of the law requires agreements with Native American tribes. Most expect this to be finalized in 2018. The state is looking at the possibilities of offering online lottery ticket sales in 2018, as well as sports betting, the latter of which is contingent upon the ruling of the United States Supreme Court regarding a case brought by the state of New Jersey. In addition, online poker and casino games are being proposed in 2018, so many possibilities have opened this year and remain to be discussed and debated in the coming months.

The state of Connecticut has yet to introduce any regulated online gambling controlled directly by a state agency, although one assumes that online lotto sales must be on the state’s radar. As for poker, our analysis is that Connecticut will likely give in to tribal and economic pressure and offer a regulated poker site within the next three years.

Connecticut Gambling: Useful Links

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Gambling in Connecticut : A white paper, prepared for the state in 2009, provides a comprehensive and detailed look at gambling’s role in the state on economic and social levels. While now a few years old, the guide is still an excellent starting point for understanding the complex environment of Connecticut gambling.

Department of Consumer Protection : The gaming division of this state agency oversees all things gambling in Connecticut. One-stop-shop for gambling law, statistics, regulatory questions and problem gambling help.

Mohegan Tribe : Operates the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. Learn about tribal history and current positions on issues like online poker.

Sources and Citations for this Article

Online gambling in the state of Connecticut is not mentioned in the Connecticut gambling laws, making it legal for residents to engage in online gambling. Connecticut gambling laws do not bar residents from gambling online or even mention online gambling. We realize Connecticut is famous for the Foxwoods casino and the Mohegan Sun, but there are residents that still opt for internet gambling.

For those residents that like to gamble online in Connecticut, we have brought you a list of trusted, legal online gambling websites to choose for playing. We summarize the laws of Connecticut online gambling and how it fits into the US gambling laws.

Best Connecticut Online Casinos, Sportsbooks & Poker Sites 2020

Online gambling in Connecticut does not have regulations, though the offline gambling industry does. To gamble in Connecticut you must reach the age of 18 for bingo, lottery, racetracks, and online gambling. Connecticut residents that have reached the age of 21 are eligible to gamble in land-based casinos, online casinos, land-based and online poker rooms, and online sportsbooks.

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Mohegan Sun operates online casinos and poker sites in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The state of Connecticut has gambling laws but those laws do not mention internet gambling or an attempt to ban or regulate internet gambling. Connecticut has not legalized online gambling but it is not illegal either. Residents of Connecticut are able to gamble online once they reach the age of 21 without getting into trouble. You do not have to fear that law enforcement will arrest you for gambling on the internet because it is not a crime. Different rules apply to other states such as New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, among others.

Connecticut online gamblers thus face a problem: how to find a legitimate, honest site in an unregulated market. No one wants to be ripped off or put personal information into the wrong hands at a fraudulent gambling website. To help US players find legitimate, honest gambling websites, we started this site. We test and research for reliability, security, entertainment, customer service, and more, so you can be sure to experience safe deposit transactions and safe, speedy payouts, and a variety of entertaining games for your gambling preferences. Our sites always accept Connecticut residents and offer them a welcome bonus as well.

Online Gambling Connecticut

Our listed online casinos are the best of the best on the internet. They accept Connecticut residents, provide them with bonuses, promotions, secure depositing, fast payouts, and a ton of gaming options to choose. Games such as baccarat, roulette, card games, and a wide range of slots are available to Connecticut residents. The sites we bring you are legitimate, licensed, honest, secure, and legal and provide residents with hours of casino gambling amusement.

There are very few options for sports betting offline and a wide range of options for online sportsbooks. We have provided readers a list of trusted, secure online sportsbooks that accept Connecticut residents. These sportsbooks allow residents to place bets on their favorite sports, receive sports news, and more. This is the best way to experience sports betting in Connecticut online.

Joe Verrangia sponsored a Connecticut sports betting bill.

Online poker players will enjoy our selection of internet poker rooms for the variety they offer. Our selected internet poker rooms allow residents of Connecticut to play for real money, learn to play, play at different levels, and in tournaments. Our listed poker rooms are legitimate, legal, and secure.

Bingo sites on the internet are easy to find and we have shared with you some of the most secure, entertaining online bingo sites around. Our sites accept Connecticut residents, allow free play or money play, an array of cards, tournaments, and more. For the most exceptional online bingo halls, Connecticut residents will be satisfied when they opt to play at one of the selected sites we share here.

Connecticut Online Gambling FAQ

Is online gambling legal in Connecticut?

Online gambling is not banned in Connecticut, because no laws reference online gambling or make it illegal. Connecticut residents do not have to fret about breaking the gambling laws when gambling on the internet or being arrested. The US Department of Justice issued a federal ban against interstate online gambling in January 2019, but that does not effect single-state online gambling.

Is it safe to gamble online in Connecticut?

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Since Connecticut laws do not make online gambling illegal it is safe to gamble online without fearing arrest or criminal charges. We have taken an extra step to provide internet gamblers in Connecticut with safety by offering a selection of exceptional online gambling websites on this page. We cannot say it enough, our sites are safe and legal for Connecticut residents that wish to gamble online. Choose one of these exceptional gambling websites today for a stress-free gambling experience.

Are online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms legal in Connecticut?

These gambling sites are not barred or controlled by Connecticut law enforcement and are legal in Connecticut to all residents. We provide readers a list of selected sites that are legal as well. Whether you enjoy casino gaming, sports betting, or poker, the residents of Connecticut will find the most entertaining sites on this page.

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Is there one site to provide me with casino games, poker rooms, and sports betting?

If you would like all of this action on one website, we offer that in our list of selected online gambling sites. Bovada is one of the online gambling sites that allow all of this action at one website. With Bovada, players will find they can play casino games, bet on sports, and play poker games without changing software or websites. This provides players with one easy registration for all games and their information is only listed on one website. Bovada also offers Connecticut residents a mobile casino, mobile betting for playing on tablets and phones. All of your gaming needs are provided by one gambling site that keeps your information safe from hackers and other internet predators as well. Check out Bovada today.