Gambling and Casinos in Connecticut - Complete Guide

Social casinos have gained popularity in Connecticut, providing residents with a unique and engaging form of online entertainment that combines elements of casino gaming with a social community atmosphere. While not involving real-money wagering, social casinos offer a diverse array of games, including slots, table games, and more.

Numerous social casinos are available to Connecticut residents, in the following section, we have spotlighted our recommended selections:

High 5 Casino Connecticut

High 5 Casino, distinguished for its captivating social gaming experience, has emerged as a frontrunner for Connecticut players seeking diversity and entertainment. With a keen emphasis on creativity and innovation, High 5 Casino offers an array of unique slot games and interactive features, making it a preferred choice for those desiring a dynamic social casino encounter.

• Unique Game Library
• Desigend for Social Interaction
• Exclusive Rewards

Pulsz Casino Connecticut

Pulsz Casino, operating on a virtual currency model, extends its appeal to Connecticut players by offering legal and engaging sweepstakes gameplay. With a commitment to user rewards and unique currency systems, Pulsz Casino provides an innovative social gaming website and app within the legal framework of the state.

• User-friendly website and app
• Innovative virtual currency model
• Rewarding user loyalty program

Fortune Coins Connecticut

Fortune Coins Casino entices Connecticut players with its visually appealing design and enticing bonus offers. This social casino's commitment to clarity in the sweepstakes model, coupled with substantial welcome bonuses, positions it as an attractive option for those in Connecticut looking for an engaging social casino adventure.

• Clear Sweepstakes Model
• Colorful Website Design
• Generous Bonus Offers

McLuck Casino Connecticut

McLuck Casino, operated by B2Spin Limited, distinguishes itself in the world of social casinos with an extensive game selection exceeding 500 titles, including a live casino. This casino's exclusive McJackpot, a progressive jackpot available across all games, adds an exciting dimension to the gaming experience.

• Dedicated Live Casino Section
• Appealing Progressive Jackpot
• Highly-Reputed Brand

WOW Vegas Casino Connecticut

WOW Vegas Casino captures the attention with its simplicity, a library of over 700 slots, and user-friendly design. This sweepstakes casino's compatibility with iOS and Android devices ensures convenient access, making it an appealing choice for players in Connecticut.

• Excellent Mobile App
• Generous Welcome Bonus
• Diverse Banking Options

LuckyLand Slots Casino Connecticut

LuckyLand Slots Casino, under the umbrella of Virtual Gaming Worlds, offers a focused slot-centric experience with over 70 exclusive titles. The inclusion of a loyalty program provides additional incentives for players in Connecticut, encouraging regular play and consecutive logins.

• Beneficial Loyalty Program
• Broad Selection of Exclusive Slots
• Daily Bonuses

Chumba Casino Connecticut

Chumba Casino, a reliable operator legally available in 49 out of 50 US states, prioritizes safety, legitimacy, and player security. This sweepstakes casino's adherence to regulatory standards, coupled with a daily sweepstakes coins feature, instills confidence among players in Connecticut.

• Legal and Trustworthy
• Daily Sweepstakes Coins
• High-Security Maintenance

Stake.us Casino Connecticut

Stake.us Casino distinguishes itself among Connecticut players by offering a genuine casino ambiance and an extensive selection of slots and table games. The incorporation of Stake Originals titles, exclusively found on Stake.us, adds a distinctive touch to the social gaming experience.

• Rewarding VIP Club
• Exclusive Stake Originals Titles
• Realistic Casino Visuals

Hard Rock Social Casino Connecticut

Hard Rock Social Casino brings the renowned brand's quality gaming service online, offering live slots as a standout feature. Players in Connecticut appreciate the immersive gaming experience, with additional opportunities to earn extra coins through various in-game activities.

• Appealing Merchandise Redemption
• Excellent Live Slots Feature
• Rewarding In-Game Activities

MyJackPot.com Connecticut

MyJackPot.com, developed by the reputable German company Whow, delivers an authentic online casino experience without the need for real money. Connecticut players appreciate the casinos's premium software, enticing bonuses, and the introduction of the new Epic Wilds app.

• Exceptional Software
• Rewarding Loyalty Program
• Great App Experience

Yes, online casinos are legal in Connecticut. The legalization of online casinos in the state occurred in 2021 as part of a comprehensive gambling expansion. 

Notably, online casinos, including DraftKings and Mohegan Sun, were permitted to offer a variety of games, including online slots. The official launch of these online casinos took place in October 2021.

Brief History of Casinos and Gambling in Connecticut

Here's an overview of the gambling evolution in CT:

1939-1987: Early Legal Gambling Milestones

• Connecticut's journey into legal gambling began in 1939 with the enactment of a law permitting charitable Bingo.
• This law expanded in 1955 to include carnival games and in 1987 to authorize pull-tabs.

1971-1992: Lottery and Casino Developments

• In 1971, Governor Thomas Meskill signed the law that launched the Connecticut Lottery Corporation.
• Casino games like roulette and blackjack were briefly allowed in 1972 but rescinded in 2003.
• The crucial development in 1986 saw the opening of a high-stakes bingo parlor, evolving into Foxwoods Casino by 1992, later expanding to offer table games in 1993.

1996-2009: Casino Expansion and Ranking

• The Mohegan Tribe unveiled a full-fledged casino in 1996, becoming the largest in the USA until 2009. As of January 2020, Foxwoods Casino ranks as the second-largest in the United States and the fourth-largest globally.

2000s: Legislative Changes and Tribal Authority

• In 2015, the legislature revisited gambling laws, attempting to legalize slot machines at off-track betting facilities. However, this initiative did not materialize.
• Connecticut's gambling landscape is dominated by two federally recognized tribes, Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Sun, holding exclusive rights over slot machines and gambling games.

2015: Tribal Collaboration and Introduction of Keno

• The Public Safety and Security Committee passed a bill in 2015, empowering the tribes to jointly establish more land-based casinos.
• In the same year, Connecticut introduced Keno, with tribes receiving 12.5% of revenue and retailers taking 5%. The game expanded to more retailers in 2016.

2021: New Era of Online Casinos and Sportsbooks

• A new era of legal online casino and sportsbook gambling commenced in Connecticut in 2021. This development followed the signing of HB 6451 into law by Governor Ned Lamont earlier in the year.

Yes, online sports betting is legal in Connecticut. The state took steps to legalize online sports betting as part of a broader gambling expansion. The legalization occurred through a comprehensive bill in May 2021, which not only permitted online sports betting but also sanctioned online casinos, online poker, retail sports betting, and daily fantasy sports. 

The legalization allowed for the introduction of online sports betting sites in Connecticut. Today residents of the state can choose from three premier online sportsbook brands:

• DraftKings: A prominent name in the sports betting industry, DraftKings offers a user-friendly website and app for online sports wagering in Connecticut, providing a wide range of betting options and features.
• FanDuel: Renowned for its intuitive interface and diverse betting markets, FanDuel stands out as a popular choice for sports bettors in the state.
• Fanatics: As a recent addition to the growing sports betting scene in Connecticut, Fanatics Sportsbook has quickly garnered attention and popularity for its variety of features and betting options.

Connecticut boasts two premier land-based casinos, Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun, both renowned on a national scale for their exceptional offerings.

Foxwoods Resort Casino: 

• Operated by the Mashantucket Pequot tribe, Foxwoods Resort Casino stands as a prominent gaming destination, featuring over 4,800 slot machines, Bingo, Keno, and poker. 
• Beyond gaming, visitors can indulge in an array of amenities, including world-class dining options, upscale shopping, rejuvenating spas, and captivating live entertainment. 

Mohegan Sun: 

• Operated by the Mohegan Tribe, Mohegan Sun Casino rivals Foxwoods with its extensive offerings. Boasting over 5,000 slot machines, poker rooms, and various table games, Mohegan Sun is a hub of excitement. 
• The casino complex goes beyond gaming to provide visitors with a diverse range of experiences. From fine dining establishments and vibrant shopping outlets to relaxing spas and live entertainment venues, Mohegan Sun ensures a well-rounded and opulent stay.

Connecticut provides diverse gambling options beyond online casinos, sports betting, social casinos, and land-based casinos. While these alternative options may not be as prominent, they contribute to the state's vibrant gambling scene.

Off-Track Betting (OTB): 

• Off-Track Betting facilities, managed by Sportech, operate throughout Connecticut, allowing enthusiasts to engage in pari-mutuel betting on horse racing, greyhound racing, and even jai-alai. 
• With 15 OTB parlors scattered across the state, bettors can conveniently place wagers on various races, combining excitement and strategic betting.

Charitable Gaming: 

• Connecticut has a rich history of charitable gaming, beginning with the legalization of charitable bingo in 1939. Over the years, this has expanded to include bazaars, raffles, and sealed tickets. 
• What sets charitable gaming apart is its focus on community involvement, allowing residents to participate in games like bingo and raffles without age restrictions.

Lottery: 

• The Connecticut Lottery has been a staple since the early 1970s, offering a mix of in-state and multi-state lottery games. 
• While online lottery ticket purchases are not available through the official CT Lottery website, lottery ticket vending machines in retail stores provide a digital touchpoint for players. The lottery also embraces mobile technology with its iOS and Android app, enhancing accessibility for players.

Keno:

• Introduced in 2015, Keno is a game of chance similar to bingo, offered at over 3000 lottery retailers and 600 entertainment facilities. 
• Players, both in-person and online, have the opportunity to enjoy this game, with the tribes receiving a share of the revenue as part of their exclusive rights to casino games.

Online Poker:

• In addition to the broader spectrum of gambling options, Connecticut has embraced the digital realm with the legalization of online poker. Since May 2021, online poker enthusiasts have had the opportunity to enjoy their favorite card games through authorized platforms.