Lamont’s proposal would give him the power to negotiate amendments to the compact with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe of Indians, signed in January 1993, and the agreement with the Mohegan Tribe, agreed in May 1994.
The tribes hold exclusive rights to operate gaming in Connecticut, with the Mashantucket Pequot operating Foxwoods Resort Casino, and the Mohegan Tribe running Mohegan Sun.
This expanded agreement would cover the operating of sports wagering, esports betting and daily fantasy contests, as well as online casino gaming and online keno. These would be available both on and off tribal lands.
The new agreements would come into force as soon as they were approved by the Secretary of the US Department of the Interior. Lamont estimates they could generate $47.3m in new state revenue by the states’ 2023 fiscal year, beginning 1 July 2023.
In a pre-recorded budget address Lamont explained that neighbouring states were moving ahead with sports betting and igaming.
“[Connecticut] should not leave these opportunities for other states to benefit from our inaction,” he said. “My administration has been in active negotiations with our tribal partners to bring the state’s gaming economy into the digital age.
“And I am submitting legislation which reflects what I believe to be the best bet in ending this stalemate of inaction in a way which is in the best interest for the entire state.”