The Connecticut Lottery Corporation’s plans to expand into sports betting may not launch in time for the NFL season opener in September, according to a report by Action.
Last week, it was reported that CLC had signed a 10-year partnership agreement with Rush Street Interactive to operate a sports betting business in Connecticut in both physical and digital formats.
In those plans, CLC will open a statewide online sports betting operation and up to 15 retail sports betting shops, subject to ratification by the Department of the Interior.
However, Action reports that Casino retail sportsbooks may be under review before CLC, meaning it could miss the NFL’s September 9 curtain-raiser.
FanDuel and DraftKings, which are partnered with Mohegan Gaming and Mashantucket Pequot, are still awaiting federal approval for retail sportsbooks at their individual casinos. Mohegan Gaming CEO Ray Pineault told Action that opening its sportsbook by the first weekend of the NFL would be the “best-case scenario.”
Meanwhile, CLC would also need to acquire approval to operate a sports betting service online. A cross-party and neutral panel of legislatures are set to meet on August 31 to discuss online sports betting regulations. Even if the plans are approved, formal ratification could still take another “few weeks.”
Greg Smith, CLC President & CEO, said of the partnership with RSI to open a sports betting operation: “We look forward to working with the team at Rush Street Interactive.
“We had 15 quality proposals from well-established gaming companies, and RSI rose to the top through the combination of its experience and commitment to quality products, customer service, and responsible gaming safeguards.
“We’re excited about this partnership and know our players will be getting an excellent product and customer service.”
