Online Gambling in Connecticut: Laws, Forms, and Player Behavior

Online and retail poker are legal in Connecticut under the state’s tribal gaming compacts. Poker is available inside the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos, which host a mix of cash games and tournaments. Online platforms are also permitted, though they operate within the state’s closed market structure. Unlike larger states, Connecticut has not joined any interstate poker compacts, so all play is ring-fenced to in-state participants. Players can access both Texas Hold’em and Omaha formats on approved digital platforms, with geolocation and ID verification required before joining tables. Regulators monitor platform fairness, while tribal authorities oversee compliance within their casino properties.

The Connecticut Lottery is state-regulated and offers a mix of multi-state draws, local games, and instant tickets. Players must be at least 18 years old to participate. Tickets are available through authorized retailers across the state, and select products can also be purchased online through the official Connecticut Lottery website and mobile app. Popular options include Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life, Lotto!, and Keno. Online access requires account registration and strict age verification. All winnings are subject to state and federal taxes, and proceeds from lottery sales support state programs and public services.

Bingo is authorized in Connecticut and primarily offered by licensed charitable organizations. Tribal casinos also provide bingo under federal regulations, with both in-person and digital formats. Players must be at least 18 years old. All events are overseen by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection’s Gaming Division, ensuring compliance with state rules. Online bingo is available through approved tribal casino platforms, featuring low-stakes games and themed rooms. Digital bingo is regulated similarly to other casino games, with fairness checks, geolocation requirements, and identity verification for real-money play.

Charitable gaming is legal in Connecticut under strict licensing from the Department of Consumer Protection’s Gaming Division. Eligible formats include raffles, pull-tabs, bingo, and fundraising casino-style events. Only nonprofit organizations with approved permits may conduct these activities, and all proceeds must benefit designated charitable causes. There are limits on prize amounts and the frequency of events, and participants must be at least 18 years old. While digital promotion of charitable gaming is permitted, the games themselves are generally held in person. Certain online charity formats, such as digital raffles, remain in a legal gray area.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are legal in Connecticut and offered through licensed platforms such as DraftKings and FanDuel. DFS is treated as a skill-based competition rather than traditional gambling, so it operates outside standard casino regulations. Players do not need a special license, but they must be at least 18 years old and physically located in Connecticut to participate. Contests feature real-money prize pools and include formats like salary cap games, tiered pick’ems, and head-to-head matchups. Standard consumer protections apply, and the state monitors platforms to ensure fairness and compliance with DFS-specific rules.

Casual, non-commercial gambling among friends is allowed in Connecticut under specific rules. Home poker nights, friendly sports pools, and similar games are permitted as long as no one running the game takes a profit and all participants have an equal chance of winning. Collecting a house fee or suggesting donations is prohibited. These games are generally outside formal regulatory oversight, though authorities can step in if illegal profiteering occurs. Public establishments must have a proper license to host social gambling events. Online social games that use virtual currency instead of real money are also legal and widely available for residents.

Connecticut’s casino market is centered on two tribal properties: Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun. These casinos feature slot machines, table games, poker rooms, and dedicated sports wagering areas. Tribal authorities regulate operations under federally approved compacts with oversight from the state’s Department of Consumer Protection. Casinos must implement strict age verification, surveillance, and anti-money laundering measures. Loyalty programs, complimentary services, and on-site promotions are permitted. Both properties also partner with licensed platforms to offer online gaming. Entry is restricted to patrons aged 21 and older.