The state of Connecticut, under the leadership of Governor Ned Lamont, has reached a deal with the Mohegan Tribe to introduce new forms of wagering within the state’s borders. These new forms of gambling include sports betting and online gambling.
The agreement, officially signed by Governor Lamont and Mohegan Tribe Chairman James Gessner II, levies a 20% tax on online gambling and a 13.75% tax on sports betting.
The agreement makes significant concessions to the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, which will be granted the authority to operate 15 physical sports betting locations, as well as an online sports betting platform. These locations include new physical locations in Hartford and Bridgeport.
The Lottery Corporation will also have the authority to sub-license some of these locations to Sportech, the state’s licensed horse racing operator.
The licensing agreement has an initial term of ten years with an option to extend for five years and could “generate tens of millions of dollars in new revenue” for the state, the Governor’s office stated. The agreement requires approval from the U.S. Secretary of the Interior before it can become effective.
“This agreement represents months of hard work and dedication to reach a deal that is in the best interest of Connecticut residents and will shape the future of gaming in our state,” Governor Lamont explained.
Connecticut’s chief executive, Ned Lamont, conveyed his appreciation for the Mohegan Tribe’s collaborative spirit in achieving a mutually beneficial agreement. He remarked, “We are fortunate to have a steadfast ally in the Mohegan Tribe, who have demonstrated a willingness to engage in negotiations, candid discussions, and a constructive approach that yields advantages for both the Tribe and our state.”
Mohegan Tribe leader Rodney Butler mirrored this sentiment, expressing pride in the accord reached by the Mohegan Sun operators in Uncasville. He emphasized the economic advantages of the deal, stating, “This course of action will enable Connecticut to generate tax revenue from sports and online gambling that is comparable to other states and assist Connecticut in aligning itself with those states in expanding the economy and bolstering the state’s financial resources.”
The announcement made no mention of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, who share exclusive gambling privileges with the Mohegan Tribe within the state. Discussions with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation are ongoing.