Connecticut Sports Betting to Become Legal on July 1
The good news is that Connecticut sports betting will be legal on July 1. However, the bad news is that fantasy sports platforms could go offline in the state. The new law requires FanDuel, DraftKings, and other online fantasy sports platforms to apply for licenses.
According to bookie pay per head providers, online fantasy sports platforms need to go offline to process their licenses. The process could take several months. FanDuel and DraftKings are protesting the move.
Lawmakers are trying to help the fantasy sports providers by inserting a provision into the budget bill. It would create a process that would provide FanDuel and DraftKings temporary licenses. First, however, the providers need to sign a deal with the CT Lottery or tribal nations.
Connecticut Sports Betting
According to 9DollarPerHead.com sources, FanDuel and DraftKings haven’t reached any agreements. However, the governor’s office expects the two to sign one soon to continue operating in the state.
Fantasy gambling software providers agreed to pay $1.1 million in back fees for operating in the state without a license in the past years. The bill allows the Connecticut Lottery and tribal nations to operate online sports betting and gambling. The two fantasy sports providers can continue to operate in the state if they partner with the Lottery or any tribal nation.
Connecticut’s new measure requires fantasy sports platforms to apply for a license if players pay entry fees and win monetary prizes. However, the new law doesn’t affect free fantasy sports leagues.
FanDuel and DraftKings are the two most prominent paid fantasy sports organizations. They work with different types of fantasy games that offer prizes to top performers. The organizations maintain that this sort of betting has consistently been lawful in Connecticut. However, it was a thought a few officials challenged.
The implementer bill provides temporary licenses that will last up to September 30 or until the state issued all sports betting licenses.