CT Governor, Tribes Just Inches From Agreement On Gambling Expansion
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2021 is going to be a good year for gambling expansion. Five states have introduced bills which would legalize online casinos, online poker or both. Illinois and Connecticut were considered favorites before the year began. Governor Ned Lamont has arrived at an agreement with one of the state's two tribes for how CT online gambling will function. The Mohegan Tribe, which owns and operates the Mogegan Sun Casino, has accepted the compromise. Mashantucket Pequot tribe, that owns Foxwoods Casino is less enthusiastic about the proposed tax rate.
Connecticut's past problems with gambling expansion stem from the tribes' desire to protect their current duopoly. The compacts between the states and the tribe guarantee them exclusivity over casino gaming. Gov. Lamont wanted to allow the lottery and possibly the state's off-track betting facilities to open sportsbooks. He offered to let construction of one or more new retail casinos, to be jointly operated by the two tribes. MGM Resorts International decided to intervene, fearing cross-border competition for its casino in next door Springfield, Massachusetts.
Tribes and the state will agree on a deal on online gambling. The agreement covers a lot of ground. For sports betting, both sides will get what they want. Tribes will open a sportsbook at their retail casino. State will have up to 15 retail sportsbooks, operated by the lottery. Some of these locations can be licensed to Sportech, which operates the State's off-track betting parlors. In exchange, the states will launch a partial online lottery, with draw ticket sales and online Keno as the only instant option.
Connecticut Governor, Tribes and the state government are close to an agreement on gambling expansion. The issue between the Mashantucket and Mohegan tribes is the tax rate for online casino gaming. The tribes are negotiating the issue. It's unlikely that either tribe or the government will scuttle the deal. However, the tribes' chances would have looked better if they stood together. Sports betting has been something most Connecticut lawmakers and public have wanted for some time. Alex is a journalist from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada.
