Anthony Nolan

The Lamont administration this week announced an agreement with the Mohegan Tribe for online gambling and sports betting in Connecticut, allowing for the first time nontribal gambling operators to compete for customers. The deal calls for a 20% tax on web-based gaming and 13.75% tax on sports betting. Expanded gaming is expected to reap tens of millions in revenue for the state.

State Representative Anthony Nolan (D - New London) issued the following statement:

"I am pleased the Mohegan Tribe has worked out an agreement for expanded gaming in Connecticut and I hope the Mashantucket Pequots jump on board too. No agreement is perfect, but it is in the best interests of both tribes and the state to work in unison on the growth of gaming in Connecticut with a mutual agreement that assures the continued success of their casinos.

Given that the tribes and state have been great partners for many years it is important we keep pace with the evolution of online gambling in other states.

At the outset of negotiations, the state sought a 25% tax rate on online gaming revenues before the Mohegans agreed to a lower 20% rate. The Mashantucket Tribe is reportedly seeking a tax rate of 18%.

I urge the state to negotiate with the Mashantucket’s for a tax rate they can agree to for the sake of the casinos, their workforce, and the local and state economies."

Read the Governor's press release.

As part of the new deal, the Connecticut Lottery will be allowed to operate 15 retail sports betting locations, including new ones in Hartford and Bridgeport. The agreement is for 10 years with a five-year extension option.

The U.S. Department of Interior must review revised regulations, which could take 60 to 90 days, and the state Department of Consumer Protection would have to rewrite existing regulations.