Connecticut lawmakers say they want to mandate Governor Ned Lamont to reopen negotiations with the state’s two federally recognized Native American tribes to offer online sports betting at existing and any future casinos.
“This is about jobs, this is about revenue. This is about protecting our municipalities,” said State Senator Cathy Osten, chair of the Appropriations Committee. Both casinos, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods, are in her district.
Osten says profits from online gambling would go to help cities and towns.
The bill would also give the tribes exclusive rights to open a casino in Bridgeport, the state’s largest city. And it would allow for smaller facilities in New Haven, Hartford and another city or town to be determined.
The tribes face stiff competition from other gaming companies including MGM, which has opened a rival casino across the state line in Massachusetts.
State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff says a deal could bring a lot of money to the table.
“We should right now be enjoying revenue from sports betting as other states are doing. We should not be putting jobs at risk from our casinos that are good, well-paying middle class jobs.”
