The Top Connecticut Sportsbooks
Online sports betting in Connecticut launched in October 2021 and since then the state has taken in over $3.6 billion in betting handle. Led by two of the major sportsbooks and a relatively new entrant, the state took in over $200 million of sports bets in November 2023 alone.
There are currently three Connecticut sportsbooks that are licensed by the state, with the option to add up to 15 legal sports betting operators.
Our team, composed of sports betting experts, has thoroughly reviewed and ranked the best Connecticut sportsbooks. We’ve focused on platforms offering standout user experiences alongside compelling betting bonuses.
Which Sportsbooks are Legal in Connecticut?
Here’s a look at Connecticut’s current licensed online sportsbooks:
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- Fanatics Sportsbook
The Legalization of Connecticut Sportsbooks
In 2021, the passing of HB 6451 marked a pivotal moment in Connecticut’s gambling landscape, finalizing a new gambling compact between the state and its tribal entities. This agreement allocated only three online gambling licenses or “skins” within the state: FanDuel entered into a partnership with the Mohegan Tribe, DraftKings with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, and the Connecticut Lottery initially teamed up with SugarHouse Sportsbook, although SugarHouse would eventually withdraw from this arrangement, leading the state to collaborate with Fanatics Sportsbook instead.
Furthermore, the compact allows the Connecticut Lottery to manage up to 15 brick-and-mortar sportsbooks across the state, with eight currently operational. Some of these retail locations may be managed through Sportech, Connecticut’s provider for off-track betting services.
The terms of the sports betting licenses are set for a decade, with the state levying a 13.75% tax on the generated revenue.
Connecticut Sportsbook Bonuses
The three existing sports betting sites in Connecticut each offer their own unique welcome bonuses for new players.
DraftKings Connecticut Bonus
All new players in Connecticut can receive $150 in bonus bets at DraftKings when they register and make a bet of $5 or more.
The bets come credited in six $25 bonus bets, allowing you to make a variety of bets when first trying out the site rather than having to put all your bonus funds into one wager.
FanDuel Connecticut Bonus
All new depositing players in Connecticut are eligible for FanDuel’s welcome offer, which includes $150 in free bets when you make a bet of $5 or more after a $10 deposit (or more).
Regardless of if your bet wins or loses, you will get your $150 in Sportsbook Bonus Bets upon bet placement (within 72 hours). You can use these bonus funds on multiple sportsbook bets, meaning they don’t need to be used in one lump sum.
A Variety of Sports Betting Options in Connecticut
As it grows, Connecticut’s sportsbooks aim to serve a wide betting audience, offering a slew of options from simple point spreads and moneylines to the more complex parlays and prop bets. As Connecticut’s sports betting market develops, expect an increase in the diversity and sophistication of betting options available.
There are also same game parlay sportsbooks in the state, meaning that you can multiply your stake by massive amounts just by adding more markets in any one game!
Sportsbook Regulation in Connecticut
Connecticut made a significant leap in its gaming sector with the launch of retail sports betting on September 30, 2021, followed by an online sports betting soft launch on October 12, and a full-scale launch a week later on October 19. The state’s move into the sports betting arena was further solidified through partnerships between two tribes that operate casinos within Connecticut and prominent sportsbook operators. The Mohegan Tribe teamed up with FanDuel, while the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation joined forces with DraftKings to provide two of the three online sportsbook platforms, with the Connecticut Lottery managing the third platform in collaboration with Fanatics.
The race for the third online sports betting skin saw at least 15 sportsbooks throwing their hats in the ring, although the Connecticut Lottery kept the identities of these applicants under wraps. The state’s push towards legal sports betting was buoyed by support from influential quarters, including lobbyists from major sports leagues like MLB and the NBA, who testified in favor of the move before the legislation was passed. This regulatory landscape is set to remain stable, with sports betting licenses issued in Connecticut being valid for a decade.
Connecticut’s sports betting scene has not only thrived but also reached a milestone of $1 billion in handle within just nine months, showcasing the robust appetite for legal sports wagering among residents. The state benefits from this booming market through a 13.75% tax on sports betting revenue. However, one notable restriction is in place: betting on in-state college teams is off-limits unless they’re participating in a tournament, ensuring a balanced approach to collegiate sports betting.