Connecticut passes Online Gambling Bill

In what has been a significant 12 months for the US in the online gambling industry, another state has received approval to offer online gambling and sports betting to its residents. 

This news follows the recently approved states of New York and Michigan where online gambling bills have been passed and there is a strong indication that more could be set to follow in due course.

Of course, the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania have allowed online gambling for a considerable more amount of time, though this latest development is being seen as good news for what could gradually turn into being the largest and most lucrative online gambling market in the world.

In what was approved, following an overwhelming majority of 28-6 the state senate effectively passed the proposed online gambling and sports betting bill, which will now allow for the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot Tribes to offer these to residents.

Having been initially suggested in March this year, the bill was passed without much opposition, and having seen the success of the legalisation of online gambling in Michigan earlier this year, it is being regarded as a great opportunity for the state. 

The state of Connecticut has 3.6 million residents and it is predicted that with the passing of this bill, it could generate in excess of $1.5 billion per year in online sports wagers, in addition to over $100 million in revenue for operators. Predicted forecasts also cite that as much as $350 million could be generated annually in gross gaming revenue (GGR), which means that Connecticut will benefit substantially in terms of taxes.

Analyst for Play USA, Dustin Gouker, suggested that Connecticut is highly likely to be a very successful market in the online gambling industry and referred to the state’s high level of average income as well as its closeness to New York, will be significant factors that influence this, especially with New York having recently passed online gambling legislation.

Connecticut joins a growing list of states

This geographical pocket of the US has steadily started to increase the number of states where you can now gamble online. Initially, this was just allowed in New Jersey, however, it has since moved gradually east, adding Pennsylvania and Michigan, with Illinois also rumoured to be in talks, while the latest move south to New York and now Connecticut shows the effect that each state is having on its neighbours.

It should also be easy for operators to launch in the state as well, especially those that have had recent success in Michigan; it essentially means that they have a tried and tested blueprint, with the likes of Golden Nugget tipped to be a major contender for offering its services first.

In addition to this, it also presents a major opportunity for software providers in this region of the US as well in terms of the creation of more games and conducts the market research that is needed in order to appeal to new players. 

There are a number of benefits for the state and not just in terms of monetary value from a tax perspective. With the likelihood of a major initially rally from customers, it could well mean that operators may decide to have regional headquarters to keep up with the demand, especially from a customer service perspective. This means that, in the wake of the latest financial crisis which has seen many people lose their jobs, more work would be provided.

What will be interesting to see is which state is next in the US to pass an online gambling bill, with this market very swiftly becoming the next big one to watch.