Sports betting is legal in Connecticut, further cementing the Nutmeg State as one of America’s greatest gaming destinations. Though Connecticut hasn’t truly had a major sports team to call its own since the Hartford Whalers moved in 1997, the state is still sports-hungry and sits between two of the biggest sports cities in the country.
Because of the in-state muscle that the tribes behind the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos, Connecticut has a relatively unique arrangement regarding its sports betting scene. Here’s what the state has to offer, who can bet, and how to get started.
Best Online Sports Betting Sites in Connecticut
Connecticut residents can place wagers through three great sports betting sites; FanDuel, DraftKings, and Sugarhouse. Only three online sportsbooks are available in the state, which is partnered with Connecticut’s two most iconic casinos and one through the state lottery. Here are the key details on the top 3 sports betting sites and what makes each one unique.
- Sugarhouse Sportsbook – Best user rewards and player bonus program in Connecticut
- FanDuel CT Sportsbook – Best prop betting market for CT sports bettors
- DraftKings Connecticut – Best overall betting app in Connecticut
#1 Sugarhouse Sportsbook
- Tech partner: Kambi
- Connecticut partner: Connecticut Lottery
Sugarhouse is a staple of Pennsylvania’s gaming scene. Though the casino now bares the name of the Rivers Casino brand, it enjoys a name and presence elsewhere today thanks to its parent company’s expansion into sports betting. It has huge visibility in the state of Connecticut through the Connecticut Lottery, which owns a host of Sugarhouse-operated retail sportsbooks.
A great loyalty program, regular promos, and a 1x wagering requirement keeps the action moving quickly with Sugarhouse. There’s also the great convenience factor of being able to make cash deposits and withdrawals through Sugarhouse’s retail sportsbooks.
#2 FanDuel CT Sportsbook
- Tech partner: FanDuel
- Connecticut partner: Foxwoods Resort Casino
Because there were only a few sportsbook licenses available in the state of Connecticut, only the biggest were able to get their foot in the door. Among the biggest is FanDuel, the daily fantasy sports convert that has become one of the most popular sportsbooks in the country.
That popularity is well-earned. FanDuel has garnered the loyalty of many sports bettors thanks to its great usability, which includes the actual wagering process as well as its variety of banking options that actually make it easy to deposit. Users can take advantage of its weekly promos and get one right off the bat with this welcome bonus:
#3 DraftKings Connecticut Sportsbook
- Tech partner: DraftKings
- Connecticut partner: Mohegan Sun
Like FanDuel, DraftKings has gone from being a daily fantasy sports site to being one of the heaviest hitters in the American sports betting world. DraftKings is established in the state of Connecticut through the Mohegan Sun casino, offering both online sports betting as well as in-person at the casino.
DraftKings Sportsbook is a great sportsbook option, regardless of your actual favorite sports. It offers regular promos on every sport and has a strong interface that makes it easy to find your preferred markets and props. Sign up and get started with this great welcome bonus:
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Connecticut?
Yes, sports betting is legal in the state of Connecticut. The action kicked off in 2021 when the state legalized sports betting in an agreement between the Connecticut Lottery and its two massive tribal casinos, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. Each of these three entities are partnered with a different sportsbook, opening the door to place wagers with these partners.
How to Register for an Online Sports Betting App in Connecticut
Registering for an online sportsbook in Connecticut is easy, with three great options available for residents of the state.
Naturally, the process of registering for an online sportsbook starts by actually picking out a sportsbook from the list of options above. There are just three sportsbooks that are licensed to operate in Connecticut, including FanDuel, DraftKings, and Sugarhouse. Thankfully, all three are very strong options with a lot to offer users.
Once you pick out the right sportsbook for you, click on the link to visit the site. Make your way to the sign-up page and start the registration process. Registering with a sportsbook is similar to signing up for any other website, but it does require users to submit personal information. Make sure to give accurate personal information to ensure a safe, legal, and secure account and betting experience.
Once you create the account, the next step is to make a deposit. This adds the funds to your account that is used to place bets.
Deposits can be made in a number of different ways, and different sportsbooks have different accepted payment methods. Credit and debit cards are standard, but other services such as Paypal may be accepted. Those who want to deal with cash can also visit a retail sportsbook in order to make a deposit that can be used to bet right there or online.
Once you have funds in your account, you’ll be eligible for welcome bonuses. Opt into any CT Sports betting promos that interest you, and take a quick look at the terms and conditions to learn the specifics of how they work.
Time needed: 7 minutes
From there you can start betting! Here’s the step-by-step guide for the process:
- Figure out which of Connecticut’s legal sports betting apps you’re interested in
Choose from DraftKings, Sugarhouse and FanDuel betting apps
- Click on the button above to start the registration process
Visit each site to get started
- Submit the required information and verify the account
Name, address, phone and geolocation needed
- Make a deposit using the sportsbook’s available payment methods
Visa, Mastercard, Paypal, Venmo are some of the most popular options at CT betting sites
- Opt into any promos you’re interested in
Lock in your new user sportsbook bonus!
- Start betting on sports!
Bet Smart and with your head, lose only what you can afford.
Where Can I Bet On Sports in Connecticut?
Retail sports betting is live and ready to accept wagers in the state of Connecticut. Sports bettors in the Nutmeg State have it relatively easy, thanks to the sheer number of retail sports betting sites in the state. Both of Connecticut’s massive casinos have retail sportsbooks on site, but the Connecticut Lottery owns a slew of betting sites across the state. Here’s a lineup of the options available in the state.
DraftKings Sportsbook at Foxwoods Resort Casino
- Location: 350 Trolley Line Blvd, Ledyard, CT 06338, USA
- Retail Sportsbook: DraftKings Sportsbook
- Other Features: Slots, table games, poker, bingo
Foxwoods Resort Casino is one of the largest casinos in America, and that’s obvious as soon as you see it. The whole of Foxwoods takes up an astounding 9 million square feet of space and is effectively a city in its own right with its assortment of restaurants, shops, and other establishments.
Of course, the centerpiece of it is the casino. Foxwoods has a total of 340,000 square feet of gaming space on offer, which is densely packed with action, including over 5,000 slot machines, hundreds of table games, a poker room, and more. It also has a sports betting bar operated by its partner, DraftKings sportsbook.
FanDuel Sportsbook at Mohegan Sun
- Location: 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Montville, CT 06382
- Retail Sportsbook: FanDuel Sportsbook
- Other Features: Slots, table games, poker, race book, WNBA basketball
Mohegan Sun isn’t quite as large as Foxwoods, but it is still a sight to behold. Its 364,000-square-foot gaming floor is actually a bit larger than that of Foxwoods, with almost 5,000 slot machines available, 300 table games, and a poker room.
There’s also a big focus on sports. Mohegan Sun is the home venue of the Connecticut Sun WNBA team and often hosts other sporting events, including Bellator MMA. It also has a pair of FanDuel sportsbooks at the casino, including the dedicated Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook and the Bow & Arrow Sports Bar.
Sugarhouse at Winners OTB and Bobby V’s
- Retail Sportsbook: Sugarhouse
- Other Features: Off-track betting, restaurants
The Connecticut Lottery is the local partner of Sugarhouse, with the two establishing a number of retail sportsbooks across the state in a number of venues. Included in this are the various Winners-branded locations and two Bobby V’s Restaurant and Sportsbars. Visitors to these establishments can sit down, take in a game or race, and have a good time. If you had a winning night, you can even request a cash withdrawal through Sugarhouse to walk out with more cash than you entered with.
Here is the full lineup of Winners and Bobby V’s locations in Connecticut that offer sports betting through Sugarhouse:
Restaurant | City | Address |
---|---|---|
Winners | Hartford | 121 Brainard Road, Hartford, CT 06114 |
Winners | Manchester | 103 Tolland Turnpike, Manchester, CT 06042 |
Winners | Milford | 89 Roses Mill Road, Milford, CT 06460 |
Winners | New Britain | 160 East Main Street, New Britain, CT 06051 |
Winners | Waterbury | 155 Thomaston Avenue, Waterbury, CT 06710 |
Winners Sports Haven | New Haven | 600 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, CT 06511 |
Bobby V’s | Stamford | 268 Atlantic Street, Stamford, CT |
Bobby V’s | Windsor Locks | 11 Schoephoester Rd, Windsor Locks, CT |
What Sports Can I Bet on in Connecticut?
Connecticut sports fans can bet on everything from football to baseball to esports. Basically, every sport imaginable can be wagered on in Connecticut, with all the biggest leagues available for wagers. The one key hangup is related to college sports.
You can only bet on Connecticut-based NCAA schools with a Connecticut betting app when the team is competing in a tournament of four teams or more. This means that Connecticut sports bettors can bet on the UConn Huskies during March Madness but not during the regular season. Here’s a list of some of the sports you can bet on in Connecticut:
- NFL
- NBA
- NHL
- MLB
- MMA
- Boxing
- NCAA Basketball
- NCAA Football
- Racing
- Tennis
- Soccer
- PGA
- Darts
- Lacrosse
- Esports
Available Types of Sports Bets in Connecticut
Moneyline
Want to just bet that one team will beat the other, and have that be the end of it? Then moneyline wagers should be your go-to. Moneylines are a straightforward wager on which side will win a competition.
Spread
Even if you don’t bet, you’ve probably heard of “the spread” at some point. Spreads add a handicap to the favorite team to win a contest, with the size of that handicap being adjusted based on how heavily favored that team is. These will often see the betting lines on both teams get pushed close to being even.
Live Betting
Live betting is any type of betting that focuses on a contest that’s already underway. Sports betting apps will offers a number of different markets to wager on for games that are currently underway. The level of support for live betting varies between sportsbooks, so if this sounds appealing make sure to check out a sportsbook’s review in order to see what the operator has to offer.
Totals (Over/Under)
Totals are functionally similar to an over/under, but they combine the numbers of both teams. For example, if there’s a totals line set at 30.5 points in a football game, the “over” bet will hit if the final score is a 31-0 blowout, a 16-15 squeaker, or anything in between.
Prop Bets
Prop bets are typically those that focus on conditions outside the score of the game. Each sport has its own list of common prop bet offerings, and these can focus on specific events occurring during the game or the performance of an individual player.
The most common approach to this is the number of points scored by a sports team, but other markets exist for things like the number of rounds a boxing match lasts or the number of passing yards thrown by a quarterback in a football game.
Parlays
Parlays combine a number of different bets into one larger bet where all conditions need to be met in order to win. While needing all those bets to land in order adds risk, parlays offer greater odds than could be had by just placing a these bets individually.
Connecticut Sports Teams
New York Knicks, Rangers
Connecticut sports fans are divided in their loyalties between Boston and New York teams. Generally speaking, New York gets the better of this and that includes the Knicks and Rangers being the most popular NBA and NHL teams in the state rather than the Boston Celtics and Bruins.
Though the Rangers haven’t necessarily been consistent, the team has still found its way into the playoffs more often than not and has made multiple deep playoff runs in recent years. On the opposite side of the coin are the New York Knicks, who have had their ceiling set at getting blown out of the first round of the playoffs.
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox is the lone Boston team that can claim the loyalty of a majority of Connecticut residents. Boston’s most beloved team is the top dog in Connecticut, beating out the New York Yankees and Mets.
Since the turn of the millennium, the Red Sox have transformed from being lovable losers to being perennial contenders. The team had a disappointing 2022, dipping below a .500 record, but will be able to rebuild in short order.
New York Jets
Technically, the New England Patriots should be the favorite team of Connecticut. While the Pats are most commonly associated with Boston, Connecticut is still a part of New England! Despite that, the most popular NFL team in the state of Connecticut is the New York Jets.
The Jets were in the unfortunate position of trying to work their way out from underneath the Patriots for a long while, as Bill Belichick and Tom Brady were basically shoe-ins to win the division each year. The Jets didn’t make a playoff appearance from 2011 to 2021, but the team’s prospects are much higher with given Belichick and Brady’s divorce.
UConn Huskies
In recent years, the most notable and successful collegiate athletics program from Connecticut has been the UConn Huskies. The University of Connecticut is the state’s only school that has a Division I FBS football team and has been successful at the conference level in a number of sports.
The Huskies are best known for their women’s basketball dynasty. Dating back to the early 1990s, the Huskies have been all but a lock for making it to the Final Four during the NCAA Tournament, with the team taking 11 NCAA Tournament championships between 1995 and 2016. It went through something akin to a championship drought after 2016, but still managed to consistently make it to the Final Four.
Yale Bulldogs
Yale University is one of America’s most famous and prestigious universities. Part of that prestige is its history of athletics success, which includes the school being 27-time national champions in football.
Much of that success is something for the history books, but Yale does still maintain relevance in a number of sports for various reasons. Its rivalry with Harvard University is still a bitter one, with the two coming together in multiple sports for high-profile showdowns.
Alongside its top NCAA schools and its adopted major league teams, Connecticut has a number of minor league teams and teams that compete other notable sports leagues. Here are some of the teams Connecticut sports fans get to enjoy:
- Connecticut Sun
- Hartford Athletic
- Connecticut Whale
- Hartford Wolf Pack
- Bridgeport Islanders
- Hartford Yard Goats
History of Sports Betting in Connecticut
Connecticut online sports betting was legalized at the state level on May 27, 2021 after three years of negotiations between the state, the CT Lottery, and the two tribes, the Mashantucket Pequot and the Mohegan. Governor Ned Lamont and the state legislature finally helped broker the deal that led to a massive expansion of gaming in the state of Connecticut.
The legislation not only allowed for three online sports betting licenses and up to 15 retail locations under the state lottery, but also iGaming which brought online casinos to the state. An existing partnership between DraftKings Sportsbook and the Mashantucket Pequot tribe that owns and operates the Foxwoods Resort Casino gave Connecticut its first retail sports betting operator.
A FanDuel partnership with the Mohegan tribe narrowed the focus for the second operator and the state lottery accepted bids for two weeks after the bill was signed into law to get its official online sports betting partner which is Sugarhouse sportsbook. Sugarhouse is a sports betting brand attached to the Rivers Casino, which operates as BetRivers in most states.
Despite being a small state by size, Connecticut is densely populated with over 3.5 million people, so sports betting at the online sportsbooks in the state has the chance to be a thriving and booming business.
Connecticut Sports Betting FAQ
Yes. FanDuel Connecticut launched on October 19, 2021 through a partnership with Mohegan Sun
You can use the FanDuel betting app anywhere in the world, however you must be within Connecticut’s borders to place a wager.
Yes, DraftKings Connecticut launched on October 12, 2021 through a partnership with Foxwoods Resort Casino.
Yes, Sugarhouse launched on October 19, 2021 through a partnership with the Connecticut Lottery.
The state of Connecticut legalized sports betting on May 27, 2021 and officially went live with legal online sports betting and casino games on October 12, 2021.