- Connecticut lawmakers and the Mohegan Tribe have come to an agreement to bring online gambling and sports betting to the state.
- Connecticut is still in negotiations with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, who also need to sign on in order for iGaming and sports betting to launch.
- Both parties expect an agreement will come soon.
HARTFORD, Conn. – Connecticut gambling fans have some good news to look forward to, as Governor Ned Lamont successfully negotiated a deal with one of the two main tribal nations to approve iGaming and sports betting.
The tribe which signed, the Mohegan Tribe, agreed during a hearing held between the two tribes and Connecticut lawmakers.
The other tribe, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation expect to come to an agreement soon to bring Connecticut online gambling to local players.
One Step Closer to Connecticut iGaming
During the session hearing, the Governor Lamont’s administration was able to close the deal with the Mohegan Tribe relatively easily, which was expected from the Governor.
“This agreement represents months of hard work and dedication to getting a deal that’s best for the residents of Connecticut and moves our state forward when it comes to the future of gaming,” said Lamont. “We are incredibly fortunate to have such a devoted partner in these efforts like the Mohegan Tribe, as they have been open to negotiation, honest discussion, and a positive path forward that is beneficial for both their tribe and the State of Connecticut.”
The agreement will see a 20% tax rate on all revenue generated from USA online gambling, and then 13.7% in taxes would come from the newly legal sports betting market.
Both the governor and the Mohegan tribe have expressed excitement for getting the deal done. This is expected to be a major boom in the local economy for Connecticut with the added revenue stream.
The one thing missing, however, is a deal with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, which may be in jeopardy as members have expressed dissatisfaction with how the Governor has been handling the media.
Deal Could Fall Apart
Representatives from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation have revealed they are unhappy with how Governor Lamont has told the media that one tribe signed while the other didn’t, knowing that both signatures are needed for the agreement to pass.
Because of this, Eastern Connecticut lawmakers have publicly addressed the Governor, informing him that no vote will approve the potential gaming bill without the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation’s compliance.
NEW: Eastern CT lawmakers say they won’t support @GovNedLamont’s new sports betting deal until @FoxwoodsCT signs on too. Asking both sides to get it done by Sunday pic.twitter.com/WBLyZ4SXF5
— John Craven (@johncraven1) March 3, 2021
Local gamblers should still be optimistic, however, as during the initial session hearing Rodney Butler, Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation expressed eagerness to sign and the belief that a deal will be done soon.
“I’m certain we’ll get there and we’ll get there soon,” said Butler.
Online gambling launching in Connecticut could be a major market. Many are hoping the Governor will be able to patch things up with the tribes and get the deal done.