Gambling has been legal in Connecticut since 1971, 100 years after people started betting on horses. The state allowed a lottery first, then horse racing betting in 1976, and casinos in 1992. Of course, the laws are specific to the fifth Union state, so we’ve created this guide to help you understand each one.
In the Constitution State, you can gamble freely at brick-and-mortar casinos, but not online. Only horse racing bets have been legalized. Also, it’s home to the largest casino resort in the United States, the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket.
So, let’s see what else you can gamble on in the Nutmeg State.
Online Gambling: Horseracing is the only form of legal online gambling.
Gambling Age: 18 for lottery and bingo, 21 for casinos and racing.
Regulated Gambling by Year: Horseracing (1976), Lottery (1971), and Casinos (1992).
Approximate Tax Revenue from Gambling: $290 million.
Estimated Casino Gambling Revenue: $1.7 billion.
Smoking Ban: Not applicable.
Types of Live Gambling
In Connecticut, you can place bets on horse and greyhound racing online, but not the lottery or online casino games. Additionally, you can visit off-track betting venues and taverns to get your fix.
Further, the Connecticut Lottery sells instant games like bingo and keno, as well as lottery tickets in single purchases or subscriptions. Moreover, you can play the Powerball and Mega Millions legally.
Other popular casino games can be enjoyed at the Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods. Currently, both casinos offer video poker, slot machines, and table games. Featured games include poker, blackjack, craps, and roulette.
Fact: Foxwoods has 147 tables on the casino floor for gambling.
CT Gambling Laws
Like many other states, Connecticut only allows casinos on tribal land and takes 25% of slots wins in exchange. However, only federally recognized tribes, like the Mohegan-Pequot, can run these casinos and resorts.
While race tracks and Jai Alai are specifically allowed, the casinos hurt racing revenues and led to closures across the state. To fill the void, taverns can offer off-track betting under new laws, which also allow mobile apps and websites from out-of-state.
Any licensed non-profit charitable organizations can offer raffles and bingo games in the state. Provided that all revenues are reported monthly to the state.
Lastly, the minimum gambling age for lottery and charity players is 18, while racing and casino patrons must be over 21.
List of Connecticut Casinos
While there are only two casinos in CT, you can still enjoy more than the casinos at both. In fact, they host plenty of restaurants, golf courses, and other entertainment options.
Casino
Size
Address
Mohegan Sun Casino
6,300 Slot Machines
Mohegan Sun Boulevard
Foxwoods Resort Casino
7,400 Slot Machines
39 Norwich Westerly Road
Connecticut Gambling FAQs
Is online gambling legal in Connecticut?
Yes, but only off-track betting on greyhound and horse racing.
Is daily fantasy sports legal in Connecticut?
Reportedly, they can operate because the Attorney General has never addressed it.
Are there racetracks in Connecticut?
No, all racetracks have permanently closed by 2020.
What is the minimum gambling age in Connecticut?
By law, you can gamble on charity and lottery games after you turn 18. However, you must be over 21 to visit casinos and bet on horse racing.
Does Connecticut sell lottery tickets over the Internet?
