Connecticut Sports Betting: Best CT Online Sportsbook Sites April 2024

Connecticut sports betting quick facts

Connecticut is very liberal when it comes to sports betting. You can do it both online and offline, and all sports are fair game — except in-state collegiate teams. 

Connecticut betting promos and bonuses

Before you place your first bet, you should check what bonuses and promotions you might qualify for.

Every bettor should take advantage of Connecticut sportsbook welcome offers. Two of the three CT sports betting sites have attractive bonuses to spark your interest, usually with a 'Bet and Get' or 'First Bet Insurance' type of promotion. The former requires betting a specific amount to get some bonus bets in return. The latter will refund your first bet if it loses but in the form of additional bonus bets.

Naturally, these incentives change from time to time, so here’s the latest scoop:

The welcome bonuses are there to get you started, regardless of whether you're a beginner or a seasoned bettor trying out a new platform. These bonuses are just the tip of the iceberg, as each sportsbook offers additional recurring promos, most notably:

• Odds boosts
• Matched bets
• Insurance wagers
• Free-to-play pools
• Refer-a-friend bonuses
• Holiday promos

Top Connecticut betting sites

We’ve done extensive research on all Connecticut betting sites to decide which is the best and provide you with an overview so you can make an informed decision.

At the moment, there are only three sportsbooks in Connecticut, but we’ll make sure to include more if the market expands in the future. Following PlaySugarRush's exit from the CT market, the Connecticut Lottery has partnered with a new online betting operator — Fanatics Sportsbook.

Why FanDuel is the best sportsbook in Connecticut 🔵

FanDuel is among the leading sportsbooks in the U.S., Connecticut included. In the Nutmeg State, FD has partnered with Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment to deliver sports betting, iGaming, and daily fantasy sports (DFS) options. 

FanDuel is our number one choice because it provides the following:

• Detailed sports coverage
• Wide range of pre-match, future, and live betting markets
• Competitive odds
• Great selection of bonuses

New bettors can capitalize on FanDuel's current bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets offer when your bet wins or loses. To capitalize, just make any sportsbook market bet of at least $5 and you'll get $150 in bonus bets - again, win or lose. You won't need a FanDuel promo code, either.

After that, FanDuel has other deals and an excellent live-streaming option through the FanDuel TV+ service, which is as comprehensive as full streaming platforms. 

FanDuel pioneered the same-game parlay (SGP) betting option, which they have continued to evolve with their SGP+ feature. Although early cash-out options are somewhat limited, there are still plenty of betting markets for you to craft your SGP strategies around. The offering includes creative prop bets and a variety of live bets. Unsurprisingly, FanDuel is ranked near the top of our best NFL prop betting sites and our NFL same-game parlay betting sites lists. It's just that good.

Even with all these positive factors, this sportsbook's most appealing feature is its app. It has outstanding reviews (a 4.8/5.0 rating on the App Store and a 4.7 score on Google Play Store). Bettors praise its user experience, interface design, quick and easy payouts, and helpful customer service agents. 

You can learn more on our comprehensive FanDuel review page. 

Other Connecticut online sportsbooks

If you’re still wondering where else to bet on sports in Connecticut, you have a couple of other options.  

DraftKings Connecticut 👑

DraftKings is FanDuel’s main competitor in Connecticut, providing sports betting services through a partnership with Foxwoods Resorts Casino. 

Even though it slots just behind FanDuel on many fronts, DK offers a broader range of betting markets and more detailed coverage of several sports. Its spotlight feature, Stats Hub, shows team streaks and their chances to continue. 

Its regular welcome bonus is a bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets offer and no DraftKings promo code is necessary to obtain it. It's almost the same as FanDuel, although you can opt-in for a No Sweat Bet token on select NBA same-game parlays during the NBA playoffs. Additional offers for special events always fuel the fire that surrounds the FanDuel vs. DraftKings debate. 

You can learn more about the site and the app in our DraftKings review.

• App rating — 4.9 on App Store and 4.7 on Google Play Store
• Welcome bonus — Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets
• Payout speed — Within 24 hours

How we rate and review Connecticut sportsbooks

Choosing the top Connecticut sports betting sites for our audience is something we do with great care. We review every sportsbook by looking at standard features like betting odds and markets, sports coverage, and bonuses. Then we dig deeper to examine its online reputation, user feedback, unique features, and more. 

Reputation and User Feedback

Reputation is everything, so we evaluate what others say about the sportsbook, the experience it offers, and more. We also confirm that operators honor their payouts and promptly handle complaints. 

User Experience and Interface

The website and the corresponding app must look attractive and operate without glitches and bugs. They must be simple to navigate and allow easy and smooth bet placement. 

Sports coverage

Above all, a great sportsbook must cover the sports world extensively by offering a wide range of markets and competitive odds on every game. You want to see comprehensive coverage of major North American leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, alongside less popular betting markets like golf, tennis, or soccer. 

Bet types and odds

Every sport and game should have several dozen betting options, inducing moneylines, spreads, totals, sports-specific wagers, and live betting. You also want to see a great selection of props, futures, and options for same-game parlays. Combined, these various bet types let you develop diverse betting strategies.

Understandably, the odds need to be competitive as well. The good news is that both FanDuel and DraftKings are great in these areas.

Bonuses and promotions

Bonus offers have become the norm at major online sportsbooks. Therefore, we give higher ratings to sites that offer great diversity of reload and special promos, high rewards, and manageable and fair terms. 

As a starting point, you want to see a generous welcome package. Then we examine the wider range of added promos like deposit bonuses, odds boosts, bonus bets, referral perks, and more. 

Banking options

The best CT sportsbooks support a wide range of payment options, so choose one that offers a method you tend to use the most. DraftKings and FanDuel are very diverse since they operate nationally. All CT sportsbooks have retail counterparts so that you can do in-person deposits and payouts.

Payout speed

Payout speed is good across the board at CT sportsbooks, especially with DraftKings and FanDuel. Both operators are on our ranked list of the fastest payout sportsbooks.

However, there’s still a difference between payment methods, and that’s something to consider if you have a preference. For example, FanDuel is very fast with PayPal transactions. 

Extra features

Differentiation is essential between sportsbooks, so we look into the additional features they offer. For example, FanDuel has a great same-game parlay system, DraftKings offers the Stats Hub feature and betting pools, and Fanatics provides its FanCash Rewards program.

While most books offer the same basics, those additional features like SGP builders and live-streaming options can add extra value.

How to start betting in Connecticut

Connecticut bettors can start their adventure by visiting a retail sportsbook or joining an online betting platform. Let’s review what you need to do to get started.

1. Select a sportsbook

The SBR team has reviewed each sportsbook available in the Nutmeg State, so all you’re left with is choosing one. There are only three to pick from, so you don't have to consider too many options. You can't go wrong with FanDuel or DraftKings.

2. Register

Once you’ve chosen the sportsbook, use our link above to visit the official site or download the app. Complete the registration process to create an account. Usually, you have to provide personal information, like your name, address, birthday, and the last four digits of your SSN. 

The system will automatically verify the data. If that fails for some reason, you’ll have to go through an additional I.D. verification check. You’ll also be required to confirm your location by enabling geolocation on your phone or installing a dedicated plugin on your desktop or laptop. 

3. Deposit

Once registered, you’ll be asked to make a deposit. You’ll get to use one of several payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, bank wire transfer, PayPal, and others. 

The site will have a minimum deposit requirement (usually $10 or $20), but you can fund your account with a larger amount depending on your bankroll. If there’s a welcome bonus, review its terms and conditions to ensure you have deposited the right amount. Some bonuses require a minimum bet or match a certain amount, so keep that in mind.

4. Place your first bet

To start placing bets, visit the sports betting section first. Sportsbooks usually divide this area by league or specific sports. For example, you can browse the NFL section or find a whole section of soccer betting markets. You can also use the search function to find a particular game, team, or player.

Once you’ve made your first pick, click the corresponding odds to add it to your betting slip. You can make additional picks if you want to make a parlay bet. Once ready, input the stake in the slip and complete the wager by selecting the "Place Bet" option.

5. Claim the bonus

Most welcome bonuses come after you've made your first bet. With a "bet and get" bonus, you'll earn the welcome offer whether your first bet wins or loses. If the sportsbook offers a "first bet insurance" bonus, you'll only be credited the bonus bets if your first bet loses. 

6. Withdraw 

If you win your bet, you can cash out immediately. Just visit the "Cashier" or "Banking" section of the sportsbook. It will show your account balance available for withdrawal and the banking options you can pick.

Depending on the method, most withdrawals take one to five business days. Remember that bonus bets cannot be withdrawn as cash, and their stake amount is not included in any winning bets made with them. 

Most sportsbooks have minimum and maximum withdrawal limits. So you can't cash out that $0.12 you have left in your account, and FanDuel's upper limit is usually $500,000. There may also be additional daily or monthly withdrawal limits. These limits won't impact most bettors, but it's good information to know if you hit a huge score.

Connecticut sports betting handle

Before we get into the numbers, explaining a sportsbook’s handle is important. Many confuse it with revenues, but the two are entirely different. The handle is the money wagered by bettors in that sportsbook for a specific period. It doesn't account for whether the bets won or lost.

On the other hand, a sportsbook’s revenue is the amount the sportsbook keeps from the handle after the bettors’ winnings are paid out.

Connecticut sportsbooks launched in October 2021, so let’s review the handle and revenue for every month since.

2021

2022

2023

Connecticut sports betting markets

Connecticut sports betting sites allow you to place bets on almost any sport, league, team, or game. You have it all, from the big leagues like the NBA and NFL to niche sports like lacrosse, cricket, volleyball, snooker, motorsports, or table tennis. The sites cover most of these competitions in full, with various bets you can choose for every game.

Here’s an overview of a few leagues you can bet on:

Football 🏈

The National Football League enjoys the biggest coverage at CT sportsbooks, beginning with the pre-season and ending with the Super Bowl. You can also bet on other leagues, like the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Basketball 🏀

The NBA is often just as popular as the NFL on CT sports betting sites and receives extensive coverage for each game. You can even claim various promos on the best NBA betting sites, especially during the playoffs and for the NBA finals. 

Baseball ⚾

Major League Baseball is always in the dog days of summer if you need something to bet on. Who’ll win the World Series? Who’ll be the MVP? You find bets covering these and much more. Player props, like total pitcher strikeouts or whether Aaron Judge will hit a home run tonight, are increasingly popular. 

Hockey 🏒

Hockey fans can follow the entire NHL season at all CT sportsbooks. Moreover, they can even place bets on less popular leagues like the KHL and AHL.

College Sports 🎓

The FBS is always available on CT betting sites. You can even bet on the UConn Huskies if they play in a competition with four or more teams. Otherwise, betting on in-state collegiate teams is forbidden. 

Betting on March Madness has grown in popularity, even more so now that the UConn Huskies have managed to win the 2022–23 season. The same rules apply as with NCAA football, though, so no betting on them unless they’re playing in an inter-state competition. 

Other sports ⛳

Besides these, you’ll see coverage of numerous other leagues, including the MMA, MLS, all major golf tournaments, all major ATP and WTA tennis tournaments, plus betting markets for special events like the World Cup or Olympics.

CT sports betting by category

Check out our resources on the best sportsbook for specific sports and leagues:

Connecticut sports teams to bet on

If you want to bet on local teams, you can. Just ensure it’s a strategically placed bet, not an emotional one.

Connecticut has many semi-pro and collegiate teams but still lacks a major men’s pro sports franchise. It lost its only franchise, the NHL's Hartford Whalers, in 1997. Despite that, there are plenty of local betting options for sports fans.

The only true professional sports team in CT is the WNBA's Connecticut Sun from the WNBA. There's also the Hartford Athletic, who play in the United Soccer League. Beyond that, most Connecticut residents pick a prominent team from Massachusetts or New York to cheer for. The Red Sox, Yankees, Bruins, and Patriots are all popular choices.

Legal sports betting and regulations in Connecticut

Sports betting was fully legalized (retail and online) in 2021 when the CT regulators passed HB 6451. The bill ratified the gaming compact between the state and the local tribes.

The agreement allowed for three online sportsbooks and 15 retail ones. All three sites launched on Oct. 19, 2021, while we currently have 12 brick-and-mortar betting locations of the 15 possible. Licenses were awarded for the next ten years.

Connecticut’s online and retail sportsbooks

Here’s the list of the three regulated online brands:

Land-Based CT Sportsbooks

Here’s the list of the currently running brick-and-mortar sportsbooks:

Connecticut sports betting information

You must abide by a few rules and regulations to bet on Connecticut sports. For starters, you must be of legal age and physically within state borders. There are other important details to consider, so let's take a moment to review them.

Legal Age 🎂

The legal sports betting age in Connecticut is 21. You will have to prove your age both in retail and online sportsbooks. Online sports betting sites perform automatic identity checks or do it manually if they can’t verify your age. 

Betting Within State Borders 🌎

Sportsbooks in every state, including Connecticut, use geolocation software and typically block VPNs, so you must be physically located within CT borders to place bets. If you’re using a phone, the app will require you to enable geolocation. Similarly, if you’re accessing it via a browser on your computer, you’ll have to install a plugin that recognizes your location. 

Remote Registration 💻

Some states require you to visit a retail sportsbook to register an account with its online counterpart. Connecticut doesn’t have that regulation, even though the online brands must partner with local retail gaming outfits. In other words, you can register online regardless of your location within the state. 

Mobile Betting 📱

If you’re 21 or older and located in Connecticut, you can visit the sportsbooks’ sites or install their apps on your phone. All Connecticut sports betting apps have mobile-friendly sites and dedicated apps for iOS and Android devices. 

Retail Sportsbooks 🏢

Retail sports betting has been operational since 2021, with most of the 15 allowed locations open for business. All are under the auspices of the Connecticut Lottery, but there are also prominent sportsbooks at Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Casino. 

Taxable Winnings 💸

Sportsbooks must comply with the taxation rate of 18% on online gambling for the first five years, after which it will rise to 20%. There’s also a 13.75% tax rate on retail sports betting. 

Bettors are required to pay both state and federal taxes. Connecticut has different rates depending on your overall income, ranging from 3% to 6.99%.  

What you can't bet on in Connecticut

As you’ve seen, Connecticut is very liberal regarding your sports betting options. Almost everything is up for grabs, but there are a few restrictions you should be aware of.

Politics ❌

Anything related to politics, including midterms or the presidential elections, is off-limits to bettors in Connecticut. It's the same in almost every other state with legal sports betting.

Entertainment Award Ceremonies ❌

If you want to bet on the Oscars, Emmys, Golden Globes, or similar events, you're out of luck. All of these are unavailable to bettors of the Nutmeg State. 

eSports ✅

You’re free to bet on eSports if you’re interested in competitions in Counter-Strike, League of Legends, or Rocket League's RLCS games. If your chosen sportsbook offers bets on the eSport of your choice, you can make your picks.

What about college sports? 🎓

Betting on college sports is also allowed, but there’s a caveat — you can’t bet on in-state collegiate teams. You can only bet on CT teams if they are playing in inter-state competitions that include four teams or more. So you can bet on the Huskies in March Madness, but not in their Big East regular season games. 

Responsible sports betting in Connecticut

The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling is a government-funded organization that assists individuals affected by problem gambling. The CCPG has the only free 24/7 hotline that works via phone or live chat. 

The state’s official gambling regulatory body is the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Gaming Division. You can learn more about responsible gambling there as well. 

It’s also important to know that sportsbooks (and casinos) have voluntary exclusion programs you can use if you feel you need a proper break from gambling. Moreover, the sites let you limit how much you can deposit, lose, or wager if you ever feel the need to restrict your betting habits.

Connecticut gambling helpline: 1-800-789-7777

National U.S. gambling helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER

Sportsbooks to avoid in Connecticut

The main sportsbooks you should avoid are unregulated brands not allowed in the state and offshore sports betting sites.

Both are unsafe regardless of their reputations — if you ever encounter problems, no third-party authority can help you. Offshore online sportsbooks also have weaker bonuses, a poor track record regarding payouts, and often have no mobile apps. Stick with any of the three regulated and licensed CT online sportsbooks for the best experience.

Growth of sports betting 📈

When the U.S. Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018, the growth of legal sports betting in the United States skyrocketed. Close to three dozen states have since legalized some form of sports betting, with the most common legislation including the licensing of online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps. Check our legal sports betting tracker to find out more about any state you're interested in. 

Over the past two years, large states like Ohio and Massachusetts have enjoyed massively successful online betting launches. Sports fans get an extra way to engage with their favorite teams, and the states earn plenty of much-needed revenue from licensing fees and taxes.

Most recently, legal North Carolina sports betting arrived on March 11, 2024, bringing eight of the best sportsbooks in the country to the Tar Heel state. 

Connecticut legal sports betting history

With two tribes responsible for running Connecticut’s gaming industry for more than a quarter-century, there wasn’t much room for outsiders as the state sought to legalize sports betting.

Both the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes had done an exemplary job of managing gaming within the state, so it made sense to have them at the center of the sports betting scene. But the state lottery wanted a part of the action, as well – and in the end, all three entities negotiated a slice of the Connecticut sports wagering pie.

Here’s a look at Connecticut’s sports betting history:

2020: Partnerships but no signed bill

After sports betting was left out of the state’s fall legislative session the year prior, 2020 kicked off with plenty of tension between the Connecticut government and the two steadfast tribes. At stake: Whether the state lottery would be permitted to offer sports betting, a concession neither tribe was willing to make at this point in the process.

A pair of sports betting bills (H 5168 and S 21) were introduced, but neither reached the floor. Both sides continued to quibble over who would have jurisdiction over the sports betting industry in the state, and both threatened litigation if the other side didn’t yield to their request.

Meanwhile, Mashantucket Pequot reached a partnership deal with DraftKings through its Foxwood Casino facility to prepare for the possibility of sports betting being legalized at some point in the future.

2021: Tribes green-light CT sports betting

The start of 2021 brought hope for everyone involved in what had become a grueling journey to regulated sports wagering. Senator Cathy Osten, who had tried repeatedly to push through a bill that would appease all parties, introduced legislation early in the year that would see the two tribes oversee statewide mobile wagering and iGaming.

In the spring, the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes agreed to allow the state to run sports betting at more than a dozen OTB locations. That was the final step toward a long-awaited Connecticut sports wagering bill, signed into law in May by Governor Ned Lamont.

From there, everything fell into place rather quickly. Mohegan partnered with DraftKings’ chief rival, FanDuel, to operate via its Mohegan Sun casino. And the Connecticut lottery narrowed its list of roughly a dozen suitors down to four before eventually settling on SugarHouse, a Rush Street Interactive property.

Retail sports betting began at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun on Sept. 30, with online wagering going through a one-week soft launch before going completely live on Oct. 19.

2022: FanDuel DFS paused

There was little sports betting news to report from Connecticut early in 2022, though DFS players were no doubt crestfallen to learn that FanDuel would be halting all contests until the start of the 2022 NFL season. The company explained that it needed to make changes to its platform to adhere to new state regulations.

2023: A new face emerges

Most of 2023 was business-as-usual for CT sports betting. However, the landscape was shuffled a bit when SugarHouse announced it would be leaving Connecticut by the end of the year, leaving the state lottery without a sports betting partner. After a brief period of uncertainty, it was revealed that Fanatics would take over as the third and final sportsbook in the state, which officially happened in December 2023.