Connecticut can’t reach casino deal

Even though Connecticut legislative leaders and tribes reached a casino deal, Governor Ned Lamont questioned the agreement.

US.- Connecticut and the state’s two tribes continue to look for a deal to set a gaming venue in Bridgeport. Even as legislative leaders in Connecticut had struck a casino deal with the tribes, Governor Ned Lamont isn’t happy with it.

Gov. Lamont wasn’t involved in the draft of the deal and says it has numerous shortcomings. Furthermore, the CEO at Sportech, the operator of off-track betting in the state, also warned about it. He said that giving authority to the Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort casinos for sports wagering could lead to a lawsuit.

Connecticut’s casino deal involves the Bridgeport venue and would authorise the Connecticut Lottery to offer online and app-based lottery ticket sales. Furthermore, it would be allowed to offer iKeno. The tribes also would conduct sports betting at the casinos, with mobile apps and internet gambling as well.

After the potential agreement sparked such reactions, Sen. Cathy Osten, a strong supporter of the tribes’ casinos, requested a special legislative session to debate it. However, the authorities haven’t decided on it yet. 

Lamont’s communications director, Max Reiss, said the governor received the draft legislation only last week. “A matter of such significance requires substantial involvement from multiple stakeholders, in particular the executive branch,” Reiss said.

Rodney Butler, chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, and James Gessner, interim chairman of the Mohegan Tribe, thanked the bipartisan support.

“We’ve long believed that the best way forward for the state is to protect and preserve the historic partnership with our two tribes, one that’s generated more than $8 billion in revenue for Connecticut,” they said.