Connecticut: Mashantucket Pequot compact amended
The state’s updated compact with the tribe would allow online casino games, sports betting and lottery in Connecticut and create retail sports betting venues.
US.- Connecticut’s Governor Ned Lamont and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe have agreed upon various amendments to the state’s gaming compact with the tribe, paving the way for sports betting and igaming in the state.
Last month, Connecticut lawmakers filed a sports betting and igaming bill with the legislature’s Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security, but any sports betting and online gambling legislation must have the support of the state’s two tribes.
The new deal with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe sets taxes on internet gambling at 18 per cent, slightly less than the 20 per cent negotiated between Lamont and the Mohegan Tribal Nation earlier this month. Sports betting will be taxed at 13.75 per cent.
Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequots, Rodney Butler, said: “We’re proud of this landmark agreement with the State of Connecticut that cements a historic moment for our Tribal Nation.
“This agreement bolsters the state’s economic development and growth, and allows us to develop a stable economic foundation for the future of our tribal community.”
Gov. Lamont said the agreement “allows the tribes to grow and prosper”.
He added: “It’s something that all of our neighbours are doing, our neighbouring states, and Connecticut is going to play. I think it’s a way to bring our cities and towns back to life, and represents some real revenue for the taxpayers.”
Both parties said the amended compact would bring tens of millions of dollars in tax revenues to the state of Connecticut.
The agreement now requires the approval of the General Assembly, which could make changes. The US Department of the Interior must also sign off on any changes to tribe-state compacts.
