Connecticut Sports Betting: Best Connecticut Sportsbooks in December 2024

In October 2021, Connecticut launched online sports betting, and now there are three online sportsbooks operating in the state. On this page, you'll find everything you need to know about Connecticut sports betting, from how to place your first bet to the best platforms and current CT betting promos available.

Closer Look at the Best Online Sportsbooks in Connecticut

1. FanDuel Sportsbook

Best for: Mobile App

Backed by the highest total betting revenue in the US, FanDuel secures its place as our top and only recommended sportsbook for Connecticut bettors. If you are looking for a reputable and trusted platform, then it is definitely worthwhile to explore FanDuel.

FanDuel's welcome offer for new players is - Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins. It is a great bonus for those who are not looking to spend a lot of money upfront.

FanDuel’s standout feature is its mobile app, which is regarded as the best mobile app in the industry. Users clearly agree, as the app boasts an impressive 4.8/5 on the App Store and 4.7/5 on the Google Play Store. Using the app is a seamless experience that allows you to conveniently access your account and place bets as you please.

Another praiseworthy feature is the ease of depositing and withdrawing with 9 available methods. If you use PayPal, Venmo, or Prepaid+, you can even enjoy your winnings within 24 hours. 

» Check out our complete review of FanDuel Sportsbook.

💰Sign-up offer:  Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

FanDuel Sportsbook Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.5/5
⭐ Apple App Store: 4.8/5
⭐ Google Play Store: 4.7/5
⭐ Trustpilot: 1.3/5

Is Sports Betting Legal in Connecticut?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Connecticut as of Oct. 19, 2021. After legislators passed HB 6451, which formed an agreement between the state and tribes, online sports betting was granted legalization. 

The bill only allowed for online sportsbooks that were not directly branded under an existing physical casino so that they could partner with a Connecticut retail partner. Therefore, the state only currently has three operational online sportsbooks. FanDuel partnered with Mohegan Sun, DraftKings with Foxwoods, owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, and originally SugarHouse with the Connecticut Lottery. At the start of 2023, SugarHouse decided to cease operations in the state, which allowed Fanatics to form a partnership with CT Lottery.

How to Start With Sports Betting in Connecticut

It is straightforward to begin betting on a Connecticut sportsbook. If you are a beginner, we have laid out exactly how to do so in this step-by-step guide:

1. Select a licensed sportsbook. Firstly, it is important to choose a reputable sportsbook that is licensed to operate by the state. This ensures a safe betting environment by protecting your personal and financial information. All of the sportsbooks we cover are fully registered and licensed to operate in CT.

2. Register your account. The next step is to sign up for a sportsbook. You will be asked to provide standard information such as your name, email address, password, and date of birth.

3. Verify your identity. Some platforms will ask you to confirm your identity by submitting documents such as your ID, passport, or proof of address.

4. Claim your welcome bonus. As a new user, you'll be eligible for the new player welcome promo. They tend to be quite generous, so it is always worth making the most of it. You should always read the T&Cs to be aware of any special requirements.

5. Deposit money. If you wish to place your bet, then you will need to fund your account. Head to the cashier section, where you will find a variety of payment methods to make your deposit. 

6. Place your first bet. Next, you can make your first bet by choosing your sport, event, and type of wager. This will be added to your digital bet slip, where you can add your stake amount and confirm.

7. Withdraw your winnings. If your bet is successful, then you can withdraw your winnings. Processing times and fees will vary depending on your chosen sportsbook.

Connecticut Sportsbooks Promotions 

CT Sportsbooks have a range of promotions that keep bettors engaged with their platform. Welcome bonuses are particularly appealing as they encourage new users to register for the site. It is important to always check the T&Cs before claiming any bonus.

Below, we have listed the most common kinds of bonuses:

Bonus Bets

A bonus bet is a kind of betting voucher that can be used solely on the sportsbook. It is usually awarded after an initial deposit and a wager of a specific amount. For example, FanDuel’s welcome bonus of $250 in bonus bets if your first bet wins. If you are looking for a sportsbook in Connecticut with easy to claim promo, then FanDuel is an easy pick.

Second Chance Bets

A second chance bet provides a backup if you lose your initial wager. Basically, you receive a redo for your first bet, as the sportsbook will refund your wager up to a certain amount in bonus bets. This limit tends to be quite high, so it is great for low and high risk takers alike. It’s a one time only offer.

Deposit Match Bonuses

With this offer, the sportsbook will match a percentage or all of your deposit up to a specific limit. Hence, the higher your deposit, the more you can claim with this type of bonus.

No-Deposit Bonuses

A no-deposit bonus is entirely free. It requires no deposit or wager on your part. You simply have to register to claim this offer. It is less common than the other bonus and is normally a lower amount, ranging from $10 to $20. Still, it provides a way to test out the waters without investing a single cent.

Mobile Sportsbooks Available in Connecticut

Nowadays, mobile compatibility has become an essential part of any online sportsbook. With the increasing reliance on smartphones, bettors expect the flexibility of accessing sportsbooks on the go. Our top recommended sportsbook, FanDuel, has the best mobile app in the industry, with 4.8/5 on iOS and 4.7/5 on Android. 

What Betting Markets Are Available in Connecticut?

Sportsbooks in Connecticut have a diverse range of sports and betting markets waiting to be explored. FanDuel, for instance, as a leading US sportsbook, has a huge selection of betting choices, from popular major leagues to niche sports. The different types of bets can be a little confusing at first, but we have explained the most popular ones below:

Moneyline

A moneyline bet is straightforward – you're predicting the team you think will win a game. Positive odds suggest a lower chance of winning, while negative odds indicate a favorite. The payout for a moneyline bet depends on the odds set by the sportsbook. Here's an example:

• NY Jets (+110)

• NE Patriots (-130)

In this example, the NE Patriots are considered the favorites. Therefore, you would need to make a bet of $130 to win $100 for a total payout of $230 if they win. While for the NY Jets, you would make a bet of $100 for a potential profit of $110. If they are the winner, your total payout would be $210.

Point Spreads

A point spread bet is when you wager on the margin of victory. Essentially, this levels the playing field and provides more balanced odds. The favored team must win by more than the spread, while the opposing team has to either win or avoid losing by more than the spread. It can look like this:

• NY Jets +2.5 (-115)

• NE Patriots -2.5 (-105)

Here, the NY Patriots would need to win the game by 3 points or more. On the other hand, the NY Jets would need to avoid losing by 3 points for your bet to be successful. The standard odds for each side are around -110 with point spread bets.

Totals

A totals bet is when you wager on whether the total points scored in a game will be over or under a number set by the sportsbook. For this reason, it is also called an over/under bet. For example:

NY Jets vs. NE Patriots

• Over 30 (-110)

• Under 30 (-110)

Futures

Futures bets involve predicting the outcome of an event well into the future, such as the winner of an NBA championship. For example, if you are confident that the NE Patriots will win the Super Bowl, you can place a future bet before the season starts. Many people like to place futures at the start of the season or competition or just before the playoffs, but you can make them at any stage. 

Prop Bets

Prop bets are bets on specific events in a game that do not necessarily affect the final outcome. This kind of bet can cover a range of situations, including player performance, stats, and other events. Prop bets are especially popular in football, with examples including the first touchdown scorer, longest field goal kicked, or number of passing yards.

Parlays

A parlay is slightly different from other bets, as you combine multiple individual bets onto a single ticket. The parlay is only successful if each separate bet is correct. While it is a more risky bet, there is the potential for higher payouts. A teaser bet gives you the opportunity to adjust the point spreads within a parlay, although there is a lower payout if you do so.

Live Betting

Live betting allows you to make wagers on a game as it happens. The odds are continually updated based on the current situation in the game. It is an especially immersive form of betting, as you can adjust your bets as you are watching the game live. Several sportsbooks have live betting sections, with some even offering live streaming and helpful stats.

Betting Restrictions in Connecticut

Connecticut sports betting is subject to these restrictions:

• It is not allowed to bet on in-state college sports

• You cannot wager on high school sports.

• It is prohibited to bet on entertainment or political events.

• Betting on horse racing has not been legalized.

College Sports Betting in Connecticut

Betting on in-state college sports has not been legalized in Connecticut. However, you can bet on college teams from outside of the state. 

Connecticut Sports Betting Facts

How Does Connecticut Online Sports Betting Compare to Other States?

In terms of total betting handle, Connecticut ranks around the middle with $3.4 billion since it legalized sports betting in October 2021. This is quite a high amount, considering that the state only has three online sportsbooks and two retail sportsbooks. For context, Connecticut is the 29th largest state, with a population of 3.6 million residents.

Connecticut is quite hard to compare to other states, considering its low number of online and retail sportsbooks. Wyoming is a good point of comparison in this regard because it only has four online sportsbooks. However, it has a much smaller population of 584,000, which means that it has a total betting handle of only $319.5 million. Above Connecticut on the total betting handle list is Massachusetts, with $4.3 billion. Massachusetts only launched online sports betting in March 2023 but has quickly surpassed Connecticut. This is unsurprising, considering it is the second most populated state in the US.

Connecticut has a retail tax rate of 13.75% for retail betting and 18% for online betting. This is pretty average: higher than Nevada’s flat rate of 6.75% but significantly less than New York’s 51%. Unlike some other states, it's legal to bet on esports and out-of-state college teams in Connecticut. 

Connecticut Sports Betting Updates

After the Supreme Court overturned PASPA, it took Connecticut three years to legalize online sports betting in agreement with tribal gaming. Below, we have provided a detailed timeline of events throughout this process:

• July 31, 2024 - Offshore betting company Bovada was officially banned in Connecticut.

• June 11, 2024 - Connecticut regulators will send a cease-and-desist letter to Bovada in the coming weeks for operating illegal sports betting in the state.

• May 22, 2024 - Connecticut sportsbooks bag lowest handle of the year in April, but still had a 20% year-over-year increase with $156.8 million in wagers.

• May 8, 2024 - CT sports betting handle rose to $187.8 million in March, up 15.3% from February and 17.4% year-over-year

• April 19, 2024 - Connecticut aims to amend college sports betting laws, seeking to allow only those physically present in the state to wager on in-state collegiate events. 

• April 8, 2024 - After beating Alabama in the Final Four, UConn will take on Purdue in the National Championship.

• April 5, 2024 - UConn is playing in the men’s and women’s March Madness Final Four.

• March 28, 2024 - Connecticut's sports betting handle drops in February as NFL season ends, bringing in $162.7 million compared to $202.6 million in January.

• Feb. 20, 2024 - Connecticut's sports betting revenue brought in $202.6 million in wagers in January.

• Jan. 17, 2024 - Connecticut DCP reported $212 million in wagers for December. This is only a slight increase compared to November, but the hold and revenue soared, reaching 10.2% and $21.7 million, respectively.

• Dec. 18, 2023 - Fanatics Sportsbook is now operating in the state.

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Connecticut?

Yes, DFS is legal in Connecticut since it was legalized by Gov. Dannel Malloy in 2017. You can find DFS platforms on FanDuel and DraftKings.

Connecticut Sports Teams

Connecticut has not had any major league teams since 1997, when the NHL’s Hartford Whalers moved to North Carolina. However, the New England and New York teams are extremely popular in the state, given their proximity. 

Connecticut Sportsbook Partnerships

Since Connecticut has no major league teams, there are not any sportsbook partnerships with pro teams.

How We Rate the Top Connecticut Sports Betting Sites

We take a hands-on approach when rating sportsbooks by personally testing out each platform. We believe that this offers the most accurate insights into the strengths and weaknesses of a sportsbook. Therefore, we put time and effort into exploring the site for ourselves to form a reliable assessment.

Our team is required to dedicate a minimum of 2 hours to checking these six areas:

1. User Experience: We look at how intuitive and easy it's to navigate a platform. Each click should be functional and enjoyable. We also assess the aesthetics and overall design, recognizing that visual appeal impacts user-satisfaction. 

2. Features: We examine a wide range of betting choices, covering both popular and lesser-known sports, and we consider different types of bets. It's important to us that sportsbooks offer live betting and streaming options, along with special features such as DFS, cash-out, and picking services.

3. Promotions: We recognize the importance of enticing promotions, especially substantial welcome bonuses. We go through the process of claiming these offers to understand precisely how they function and the associated terms and conditions. Additionally, we look at loyalty programs, ongoing promotions, and bonuses.

4. Deposits and Withdrawals: We test out each payment method to see how quick the processing time is and if there are any fees or limits. That goes for both deposits and withdrawals. We appreciate sportsbooks that have a wide variety of payment methods, including debit/credit cards, PayPal, bank transfers, and e-wallets.

5. Customer Support: We assess how effective the support is by contacting the live chat, calling any available support number, and emailing. We especially value platforms that offer 24/7 live chat, as we know that this is the quickest way to receive help.

6. Responsible Gambling: We especially appreciate sportsbooks that prioritize and actively promote responsible gambling. We look at the availability of educational resources, in addition to specific tools like self-exclusion, deposit/wager limits, and time-outs.

After this process, our post-publication editors are tasked with dedicating 5 hours per month to updating the reviews according to any changes on the platform.

Why Trust Us?

At WSN, you should trust us because our reviews rely on firsthand and personal experience. We do not use secondary information sources. We actively explore each sportsbook for ourselves. We strive to be a reliable and dependable source of information that guides you in your betting decisions.

The team behind WSN has a wealth of knowledge that has developed from decades of experience. We know exactly what makes a fantastic sportsbook since we have been part of the industry since the beginning. We use this expertise to evaluate and access each sportsbook that we review.

Getting Help: Responsible Gambling in Connecticut

The state of Connecticut is dedicated to ensuring that you are practicing responsible gambling. You can find several state-specific resources and helplines if you need help with problem gambling:

• For specific information about betting, you can consult the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.

• The helpline for Connecticut is (888) 789-7777.

• Responsible Play CT provides useful resources and tips. 

• On Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, there are several articles and a chat for support.

• A form can be registered on Connecticut Self-Exclusion which prevents individuals from accessing gambling sites.

Connecticut sportsbooks also have specific tools that can assist you in managing your betting:

• Deposit/wager limits - Allows a specific amount to be set in order to control spending.

• Time alerts - Notifications are provided to remind users how long they have been betting.

• Self-exclusion - Gives the options to limit access to a platform for a specified period or indefinitely