While several other US states have been looking to potentially involve themselves in the online gambling world, Connecticut is particularly poised to make the move. The potential for online poker rooms is there, but until now there haven’t really been any moves made to regulate and legalise it. However, according to certain comments from two of Connecticut’s tribes this month, it could very well become part of the legislation soon.
The Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes currently operate casinos by the names of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, respectively. Recently, the two of them have been lobbying for the possibility of online gaming within Connecticut. On March 15, a hearing took place with the Public Safety and Security Committee of the state. During this meeting, testimony from both tribes was heard, relating to their support for online gambling. The nearby state of Pennsylvania went on to legalise online casinos last October, while New Jersey has been running such for a while now.
Sports betting is currently under discussion by the Supreme Court of the US and a ruling is expected to occur within the next few months. It is this move that was united with the pitch by the tribes for online gaming. If the Court rules in favour of sports betting, it could become an option at any online gambling platform in the States. Nevada is the sole state that, for the moment, provides such, and New Jersey holds a very keen interest in providing sports betting possibilities too.
The Argument for Online Gambling
A representative for the Mohegan Sun casino explained in a written testimony to lawmakers that he believes
“that if the two tribes are allowed to operate online gaming and sport wagering, they will generate more than $120 million in revenue”.
This, he said, would be done within the first 5 years for the State of Connecticut.
Meanwhile, the Foxwoods casino informed the same people that about $87 million in revenue from taxes could be claimed from iGaming. This would come from an amount starting at about $14.25 million for the first year before increasing to roughly $20 million by year five. Additionally, Foxwoods claimed that online gaming is somewhat of a more lucrative route than what sports betting is for Connecticut. At the same time, both tribes stated that revenue from land-based establishments would end up being an estimated $40 million for a five-year time period.
The estimates given by the two tribes are calculated on tax rates of 15% for online gambling and 8.75% tax for sports gaming wins. Tribal groups currently reap the benefits of being the exclusive providers of gambling in Connecticut, and they already claim that this pertains to internet and sports betting.
The State itself holds a population of roughly 3.6 million citizens. This is quite a minor market when it comes to online poker – however, Connecticut would no doubt benefit from linking up with other states for stronger liquidity. Should this occur and see Connecticut join up with Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, a cross-state poker network like it would incorporate around 30 million players.
