State Rep. Greg Howard Statement on Connecticut Agreement with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot Tribes on Online Gaming

Southeastern Connecticut Legislative Republicans Laud Progress on Expanded Gaming

Earlier today, Governor Lamont announced that a deal had been reached by his office and both tribes.

Per the Governor’s announcement, the agreement is expected to generate tens of millions of dollars in new state revenue.

Key components of the agreement include:

• An 18 percent tax rate for the first five years on new online commercial casino gaming (or “iGaming”) offerings, followed by a 20 percent tax rate for at least the next five years

• A 13.75 percent tax rate on sports wagering

• Connecticut Lottery shall have the right to operate 15 retail sports betting locations, as well as operate an online sports betting skin

• Connecticut Lottery shall have the right to sublicense locations to the state-licensed parimutuel operator

• Connecticut Lottery will undertake new retail sports betting venues in Hartford and Bridgeport

• License agreement to be for ten years with a five-year extension option

• Expansion of iLottery and Keno through the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, including the sale of draw tickets online

• Both tribes agree to halt development of an East Windsor casino through the duration of this agreement

Southeastern Connecticut Republicans are thrilled to hear of this development:

Senator Paul Formica (R-East Lyme) shared, “Congratulations to Governor Lamont and both Tribal Nations on today’s announcement to expand to online gaming. Investing in this new online technology and continuing the state’s partnership with the Tribal Nations will protect Connecticut jobs, support our communities and continue to provide for employees in Southeastern Connecticut and beyond.”

Sen. Heather Somers (R-Groton) said, “It’s great news.  Our tribes are one of the largest contributors to our state’s economy and have been faithful employers and partners with our state for more than 25 years.  Significant revenue can be realized by our state in a very short timeframe.  That revenue will improve our weakened economy and create jobs which are desperately needed after the devastating aftermath of COVID.” 

“I applaud this agreement between the state of Connecticut, the Mohegan Tribe and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe on the modernization of gaming in our state,” said Rep. Greg Howard (R-43). “This expansion into online gaming is all about jobs and the economic vitality of the southeastern region. Many of my constituents are employed by the Tribes and even more of our local businesses rely on their viability. Both tribes have been tremendous community partners over the last 30 years and my hope is this agreement will lead to a continued long-term partnership with long-lasting benefits for the region and for our state.”

Representative Holly Cheeseman (R-37) said, “As the ranking member on the Finance Committee, I welcome the announcement of today’s agreement between the state, the Mashantucket Pequot and the Mohegan Tribes. The tax revenue generated from this agreement stand to benefit the region and the entire state of Connecticut. I want to thank the southeastern delegation and the Governor’s office that acted in a bipartisan manner to move this deal forward. I would also like to acknowledge the tribes’ enormous contributions to the state from an economic, employment and philanthropic perspective and this agreement will continue that tradition.”

“This is exciting news for our region and the state of Connecticut. The expansion of online gaming and sports wagering will open new avenues for entertainment and it will bring new jobs, protect thousands of jobs and bring tens of millions in new revenue to our state,” Rep. Kathleen McCarty (R-38) said. “I am glad that the Tribes were able to reach an agreement that will benefit the region, the state and the Tribes themselves. It is good news that the state recognized the valuable partnership and the contributions that both Tribes have made to it over the past 25 years.

“I’m pleased the governor and the two Tribal Nations were able to come together to finalize this negotiation allowing an expansion of gambling in the state to include online gaming and sports betting, helping to ensure the continued success of our tribal partners,” Rep. Mike France (R-42) said. “This is great news for the region, especially for workers employed by or associated with the casinos, and for Connecticut residents who have been asking for the ability to place wagers on sporting events and participate in iGaming like residents of many of our surrounding states.”