Oct27
Gaming Realms Launches Content in Connecticut with DraftKings
Connecticut Pressured To Get In On Sports Betting
December 2, 2018 Jim Murphy
Sports betting has arrived in the Connecticut already feel the pressure because they are falling behind.
Earlier in the week, professional sports betting kicked off in neighboring Rhode Island. This means that Connecticut will fail…
…in collecting the gambling revenue as the gaming enthusiasts from this state will jump across the boarded in order to bet on their favorite teams.
Even though Connecticut has studied the issue and they seemed to be willing to introduce this type of gaming to the state, action has not been taken. That means that the people here would have to wait for 2019 because that’s the time when sports betting will reach the agenda.
In Favor
Governor-elect Ned Lamont is in favor of sports wagering and he stressed the fact that illegal betting already takes place. He believes that regulating sports betting would help this strapped-for-cash state with much-needed revenue.
Estimates and forecasts vary, but Lamont claims that Connecticut could collect the revenue between $30 and $50 million per year when the local authorities take the right measures. In the meantime, the legislature’s nonpartisan fiscal office projected…
…the yearly proceeds of “only” $20 million.
Other States
At this point, sports betting has made its way to eight states with some of the closest ones to Connecticut being Rhode Island, Pennsylvania. And now that Rhode Island bets kicked off…
…they are already focused on the next step which is mobile accessibility!
According to Rhode Island’s powerful Senate president, this matter will be dealt with starting January, 2019. The players will have a chance to place their wagering using the electronic devices, including smartphones.
More Complex That It Sounds
And while Rhode Island has been taking sports betting a step further, Connecticut might struggle with legislature when they even come to a decision to regulate it. This is something representative, Joe Verrengia, a West Hartford Democrat, is concerned with.
He explained that multiple issues are interconnected with gambling and any of these problems could postpone the legalization!
Verrengia showed it with an example: “If somebody wants a Bridgeport casino, the only way they would vote for a sports betting bill is if they get a casino. It’s called the political process, and it has everything to do with leverage. Those are the challenges. There’s a lot of money at stake. There’s no question.”
Now
Looking over the fence and Verrengia likes what he sees. He eventually wants to allow people to place their bets over a mobile device.
“Without question, any sports betting would have to include a mobile platform,” Verrengia approved. “That’s where the money is. That’s the reality. When the governor was negotiating with the tribes, that’s where it fell short. The tribes claim they have exclusivity on sports betting.”
Different Opinions
Not everyone believes that Connecticut is falling behind. Senate Republican leader Len Fasano of North Haven said: “If there’s a feeling we’re losing ground, Gov. Lamont has the ability, if he’s that concerned, to jump on it. Whatever he wants to do.”
Everybody in Connecticut is aware that sports betting is already a thing. This is something newly elected Litchfield County Democrat Maria Horn pointed out: “Sports betting is going on in every bar in this state.”
Will Connecticut be among the eight states that are predicted to legalize sports betting prior to 2019 NFL Season? It remains to be seen…
Source:
“Connecticut falling behind as Rhode Island begins sports betting”, Christopher Keating, courant.com, November 29, 2018.
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The people are already betting and nobody gets a penalty. There’s no rush, I am positive Connecticut will settle the matter eventually. After all, those who want to bet legally can always go to some of the surrounding states.