The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and DraftKings have announced that they will launch retail sports betting in Connecticut at Foxwoods Casino on 30 September.
Players will be able to wager at the temporary DraftKings Sportsbook at Foxwoods, situated at the Ultimate Race Book in Rainmaker Casino, in addition to several betting kiosks spread across the resort.
Sports betting and igaming were both approved, through new tribal compacts with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and Mohegan Tribe. The Mashantucket Pequot tribe’s compact was finalized in March – soon after a similar agreement with the mohegan Tribe – while legislation approving the agreement was signed into law in Connecticut back in May.
Under the compacts, the tribes and the state lottery may offer sports betting, while the two tribes will have exclusive rights to online casino.
Outside of Mashantucket Pequot lands, online sports betting and iGaming is expected to launch in early October pending regulatory approvals.
Mashantucket Pequot tribal chairman Rodney Butler said: “Today we celebrate a new era for our Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, sports fans, Foxwoods guests and Connecticut residents. We thank Governor Lamont and his administration, regulators, and the many lawmakers who helped pave the way for legal sports betting and expanded gaming in the state.
“Their collaboration and hard work has allowed trusted gaming operators like our Tribe and DraftKings to help lead innovation across Connecticut. With NFL season in full force, it’s game on, and we look forward to a successful launch.”
Matt Kalish, co-founder and president of DraftKings North America, said DraftKings was proud to partner with the tribe, given its experience in operating the Foxwoods resort.
“We’re thrilled to join the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in bringing a holistic and delightful sports betting experience for customers in Connecticut,” added Matt Kalish, co-founder and president of DraftKings North America.
“By leveraging the Tribe’s expertise in developing and operating one of the largest resort casinos in the world, we are excited to bring new offerings for consumers in The Constitution State.”
The Mohegan Tribe and state lottery have not yet revealed launch dates for their own betting products. The Mohegan tribe has a deal with FanDuel to provide its wagering product, while the lottery has partnered with Rush Street Interactive.