Connecticut is set to become the newest gambling haven thanks to recent approval by a legislative committee in the state. While the state officially enacted legislation authorizing sports betting, online casinos, and only daily fantasy sports, there were a few things that had to be ironed out. With the recent developments, gamers in the state are now a step closer to legalized and regulated sports betting, online casino game as well as other forms of gambling.
All that remains now is for the United States Department of the Interior to approve all the changes to the agreements between the state of and the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Indian Tribes. The two tribes have played a major role in the growth of the Connecticut gambling sector. Their involvement going forward will also be beneficial for the gambling expansion plans.
Just in Time for the NFL Season
Perhaps the most notable thing about the new legislation is that they are an ’emergency’. With the NFL season just around the corner, it was only logical for Connecticut lawmakers to double down on their efforts to bring legalized sports betting to its residents. Not only will that be a great launchpad for the gambling sector but it also presents a unique revenue stream. That is certainly worth exploring. However, there are more reasons why the approval happened.
“The purpose of this regulation is to create a licensing structure and implement provisions for responsible gaming and data privacy protections in order to ensure consumer safety and gaming integrity for new gaming markets in our state,” Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull wrote in a letter to the legislative committee.
The Regulation Review Committee approved a total of 82 pages of regulations. This is the largest one when compared to the previous gambling expansion laws in the state’s history.
Some Concerns
A few of the legislators expressed their concern about the possibility of more cases of gambling-related harm. This is especially with regards to problem gamblers potentially going bankrupt or getting into debts. All these are, of course, very valid concerns and it will be very important for the state to pay attention to them.
During the approval meeting, these concerns especially those relating to gambling payments were not resolved. There is little information about the next course of action but it is quite clear that the law might need to change to ensure that the consumers are always protected.
