Name: Connecticut Sports Betting Statistics
Creator: RG

Overview of the Connecticut Sports Betting Market

Connecticut, one of the oldest states in the US, has a rich history dating back to its earliest days. Known as the “Constitution State” and for its role in the American Revolution, Connecticut has a long history of innovation and economic contributions. Today, its industries include aerospace manufacturing, finance, biotechnology, and maritime commerce.

Sports betting was legalized in May 2021 and launched in October 2021 following an announcement by Governor Ned Lemont (D). This marks a new chapter in Connecticut’s gaming industry. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) regulates the market. The DCP works closely with the licensed operators, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics, to implement guidelines that aim to provide consumer protection and transparency in the online sports wagering space.

Connecticut has a dual sportsbook framework: retail at tribal casinos and online. The state’s agreements with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes made this possible. The combination of those betting options generated a total handle of $187.3 million in 2024, with $25.7 million in revenue reaching the government via its 13.75% tax rate on sports betting.

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Annual Sports Betting Growth in Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection publishes partial data on its online sports wagering financials, including Total Handle and Total Tax Revenue. Data is pulled directly from the Dept. annual reports.

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Monthly Sports Betting Growth in Connecticut

2024

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Connecticut's Sports Betting Handle Performance

Connecticut’s sports betting market steadily grew in 2024. The total handle reached an impressive level ($187.3 million), leading to significant tax revenue for the state ($25.7 million).

While not experiencing the same explosive growth as some larger markets, the state's established operators—DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook—continued to deliver solid performance.

With a stable regulatory environment and strong partnerships with tribal operators, Connecticut remains well-positioned for sustained performance.

Future Outlook

Since launching in 2021, Connecticut’s sports betting market has grown into a reliable and well-regulated industry.

Strong partnerships with the state’s tribal casinos and the Connecticut Lottery drove early success. While the Connecticut Lottery's first partnership with SugarHouse didn't work out, the organization found a new partner (Fanatics Sportsbook), and the market has shown resilience. That said, the current structure's relative lack of operators and the state's low population could somewhat cap the market's upside.

As consumer habits evolve and mobile betting remains dominant, Connecticut continues to refine its offerings to keep pace with regional competitors.

Connecticut’s sports betting market has the potential for further expansion, particularly if the state introduces new operators or retail betting expansion beyond its current locations.

Latest Updates in the Connecticut's Sports Betting Sector

January 24, 2025: Legislation is proposed to allow betting on flights leaving from and entering Connecticut. (Fox News, 2025)
January 22, 2025: A new bill is proposed that would allow Connecticut sports bettors to wager on local college teams (New Haven Register, 2025)
November 21, 2024: Fanatics Sportsbook opens a retail location, giving the state 11 in-person betting options. (The Hour, 2024)
December 1, 2023: Fanatics Sportsbook secures deal to become the Connecticut Lottery's sports betting partner in the state. (SBC Americas, 2023)

Professional Sports Teams in Connecticut

The only major professional sports team in Connecticut is the WNBA's Connecticut Suns. The team was founded in 1999, shortly after the Hartford Whalers of the NHL left the state, relocating to Raleigh, North Carolina, and becoming the Hurricanes (1997).

This franchise is not partnered with any U.S. sportsbook and has instead named Mohegan Sun Casino its official iGaming Partner (Connecticut Suns, 2023).

Connecticut also has one affiliated minor league franchise, the Hartford Yard Goats, which is the Colorado Rockies' Double-A team.

Outside of that, the biggest local sports draw is the UConn Huskies. The school has a legendary basketball program that's won 11 women's championships and six men's titles.

Connecticut Snapshot

Key Aspect	Details
Population	Approximately 3,625,650 residents as of 2024. (World Population Review, 2024)
Political Affiliation	Predominantly Democrat, although there are many Republican voters in the state. (270towin.com, 2024)
Year Sports Betting Legalized	Permitted from May 21, 2021. After years-long negotiations with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, sports betting became legal. (CT Mirror, 2021)
Number of Sportsbooks Operating	Three licensed online sportsbooks: DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Sportsbook.
Sports Betting Handle	$187,349,516.00
Professional Sports Teams	Connecticut does not have professional teams in the NFL, NHL, MLB, or NBA, but the Connecticut Sun, a WNBA team, is located there. The NCAA's UCONN Huskies are immensely popular.

Future Outlook for Connecticut Online Sports Betting

The Connecticut sports betting market has grown steadily since 2021, with a competitive landscape of online and retail operators. The state’s partnership with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes (FanDuel and DraftKings sportsbooks, respectively) has stabilized the market and brought strong market participation.

Connecticut’s small population challenges long-term growth. However, strategic efforts like sportsbook bonuses and promotions, more betting options, and partnerships with professional sports teams can drive continued engagement and revenue. Potential regulatory changes, such as allowing more operators into the market, could stimulate more competition and innovation.

The state is currently showing some willingness to be on the cutting edge of the industry. For example, it has been pushing to become the first state to legalize in-flight betting.

Regional competition is a factor, especially from neighboring New York and Massachusetts, which have robust sports betting industries. To stay competitive, Connecticut may need to invest in marketing to attract the bettor who currently crosses state lines.

Looking ahead, Connecticut’s sports betting market has good fundamentals but will need to evolve with industry trends and consumer behavior. Micro-betting, live streaming integration, and personalized betting experiences could be the edge in attracting and retaining users.

FAQs on Connecticut's Sports Betting Revenue

General Questions

When did sports betting become legal in Connecticut?

Sports betting became legal in Connecticut in May 2021 after years of negotiations with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes. It went live in October 2021 with both retail and online sportsbooks.

How does Connecticut’s sportsbook work?

Connecticut has a dual sportsbook: retail at tribal casinos and online. The state’s agreements with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes allowed for this setup with operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics.

What’s the tax rate on sports betting revenue in Connecticut?

The state collects its share of the gross revenue from sports betting through a 13.75% tax, which has been increasing since its launch in 2021.

What are the challenges for Connecticut with sports betting?

A small population is a long-term challenge for growth in sports betting. To stay competitive, the state may need to focus on marketing, promotions, and expanding betting options to attract more customers, especially from neighboring states.

What’s new in Connecticut sports betting?

In January 2025, legislation was proposed to allow betting on flights in and out of Connecticut, potentially the industry's first. Fanatics Sportsbook opened a retail location, bringing the total to 11 in-person betting options in the state.

Analyzing Connecticut Sports Betting Revenue Insights of 2025