Will Connecticut Legalize Sports Betting Despite Tribe Agreements?
Governor Malloy is on board to move ahead with sports betting but one large obstacle could stand in his way — the Native American tribes.
According to the Hartford Courant, even though Governor Daniel Malloy is in favor of bringing sports betting to Connecticut, two important things have to happen first. The state legislature must ratify Malloy's deal and the state has to reach an agreement with two Native American tribes.
Currently, the state receives $273 million from the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes under a slot machine, revenue-sharing agreement and lawmakers do not want to jeopardize that agreement. The agreements are complicated which is why Malloy will soon be negotiating with the two tribes.
Other items that need to be ironed out are, where sports betting will be legal. Will sports betting follow the Keno model? How will the state control sports betting for underage gamblers? Lori Potter, a spokeswoman for the Mashantucket Pequots told the Courant:
Working together, we can find a sensible solution that puts Connecticut's best interests first.
Read more local stories: