Online poker is legal in Connecticut, but the state's small size has discouraged poker operators from launching sites there.
That’s because it would be hard to sustain with a population of less than 4 million. There simply aren’t enough people.
This situation might change, however, with a new bill— SB1464. If passed, it would let Governor Ned Lamont negotiate with other states to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), allowing Connecticut to offer online peer-to-peer poker games.
The General Law Committee in the Senate introduced this legislation. A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
What Does the Connecticut Online Poker Bill Call For?
SB 1464 is a broad gambling bill allowing online peer-to-peer casino games through Connecticut's two legal and regulated platforms, DraftKings and FanDuel. Both work in partnership with the state's two federally recognized tribes.
Connecticut legalized two tribal casinos, namely the Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun.
The language of the bill defines peer-to-peer games this way: “Peer-to-peer casino game means a card game, contest, or tournament, including, but not limited to, a poker game, contest, or tournament in which patrons compete against one another and do not compete against the licensee operating such game,” the bill reads.
SB 1464 also addresses industry-wide concerns. It introduces new protections for problem gamblers, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options. The bill’s provisions for online poker suggest that Connecticut, which has already approved online poker but is still developing the necessary framework, might launch its online poker services later in 2025.
Do People Want Online Gambling in Connecticut?
Many poker players in the Nutmeg State hope that the MSIGA will happen. Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Nevada, Michigan, and West Virginia are all already members.
Delaware and West Virginia have smaller populations than Connecticut, which contributed to their joining the agreement.
According to the bill’s language, "The Governor may enter into agreements with one or more states or territories of the United States, or federally recognized Indian tribes engaged in Indian gaming operations, to authorize online gaming operators to conduct multijurisdictional Internet gaming for peer-to-peer casino games, provided (1) entering into such agreements is consistent with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations, and (2) such Internet gaming is conducted exclusively within the United States."
A recent gambling impact study revealed that more than 60% of Connecticut residents are recreational gamblers. That figure could be enough to fuel lawmakers' support and get SB1464 passed. Poker sites need high traffic and many active players to thrive, and the online casino industry is coming off a record year.
What’s Next For the Connecticut Online Gambling Bill?
Since Connecticut has already approved online poker, the main task is to establish the framework. SB 1464 provides a strong starting point for this. The Connecticut General Assembly will be in session until June 4, giving lawmakers ample time to consider this bill and gaming-related others. If everything aligns and the bill passes online multi-state poker could potentially launch later this year.
