Online Sports Betting Coming To Connecticut By Way Of DraftKings

DraftKings has entered into a lucrative contract with Foxwoods Casino in Ledyard, Connecticut. Online sports betting is something state lawmakers and sports fans have wanted for a while. With this new deal cemented, it’s on its way. Foxwoods Casino and Resorts is owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.
A spokesperson for the tribe said on Monday that the deal with DraftKings is a multi-channel deal between the two companies. According to the information released, this will allow sports betting fans to have access to online sports betting before it officially launches in Connecticut.
DraftKings has huge sports betting presence in the United States and will have an even wider presence in the New England region as well as the adjacent tri-state area.
Sports betting in the ‘Nutmeg State’ still has some hoops to jump through before it can officially launch. Players that set up an account with Foxwoods through DraftKings will be able to place sports bets through that platform.
Tribal Casinos Are Exempt From Certain Rules
Connecticut has contracts that were in place for several years with the Mashantucket Pequot and the Mohegan tribal casinos. Those tribal casinos can operate their gaming enterprises with far fewer rules and regulations that other casinos must adhere to.
These two casinos have generated more than $8 billion in revenue since the contract started for the state of Connecticut. There will have to be an amendment to the current tribal/Connecticut gaming agreement that is currently in place.
Gaming officials predict that the tribal casinos will bring in more than $175 million dollars in revenue for the state in the next five years, which is about $35 million in profits each year.
DraftKings co-founder Matt Kalish weighed in on the deal on Monday. Kalish said,
“This is a landmark deal in collaboration with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation as well as critical next step to bringing America’s number one rated sportsbook app to sports betting fans in Connecticut. The national expansion of regulated sports betting is among our top strategic priorities. DraftKings today is live with mobile sports betting in 10 states. Which is more than any other operator in the United States. Teaming
up with the tribe will allow us to extend our reach even further.”
The Tribe Is Very Excited With New Partnership
The Chairman of the Mashantucket Tribe, Rodney Butler, also released
a statement on Monday. Butler said,
“Partnering with DraftKings the most prominent name in sports betting, reinforces the Mashantucket Pequot tribe’s position as a leader in the gaming and entertainment industry. We have proven our ability to shape the future of gaming time and time again. Now we are ready to drive sports wagering and online gaming for the state of Connecticut. Working through the tribal gaming compacts, we will help bolster our economy with much-needed and virtual entertainment.”
The CEO of Foxwoods Casino and Resorts, Jason Guyot, said
“the entire team at Foxwoods is very happy to be able to offer online sports betting options to their cherished customers.”