Once you get here, you’ll be able to go through our list of casinos in Connecticut with ease – we cover all the bases as it pertains to the Constitution State.
That includes an overview of the current state of affairs regarding online gambling in Connecticut (sadly, there’s not much to report here), a guide on how gambling works in Connecticut, and of course, our review of the best casinos in Connecticut.
Before diving too deep, however, it’s worth touching on exactly what types of gambling establishments we’ll be talking about in this piece.
Connecticut has two distinctly operated Indian gaming facilities: Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. Foxwoods is owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, while Mohegan Sun is owned by the Mohegan Tribe of Indians.
For the most part, we’ll be focusing almost entirely on these two properties simply because that’s all Connecticut bettors can currently participate in.
To call the nutty would be an understatement, so rather than try and make sense of it all, we’ll just leave this here.
In short, lawmakers have been loathed to pass any sort of meaningful online gambling legislation, leaving Connecticut in the dust as its neighboring states continue to rake in massive revenue numbers from their iGaming verticals.
More on that later. For now, let’s touch on some of the basics as they pertain to gambling in the United States and Connecticut specifically.
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Once you start digging into casinos in Connecticut, you’ll quickly find out that there aren’t exactly a plethora of them to choose from. In fact, there are only two main ones you need to know about.
As I mentioned, those are Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, both of which are owned by Native American tribes and operate under Indian gaming provisions. You won’t find any other large-scale casinos outside of these two, and even those are quite a ways apart from one another.
Check out the following map to get an idea of where they reside in the state.
As the map above illustrates, Connecticut’s two major casinos are located in the eastern portion of the state, close to Rhode Island and Massachusetts. They are also both situated near some of the state’s larger bodies of water, including Long Island Sound.
So, if you’re looking for Connecticut casino resorts, you won’t be disappointed in either of these properties. But before you book your room, you might want to learn a little more about each one!
Best Casinos in Connecticut
When it comes to ranking the top casinos in Connecticut, it’s somewhat of a coin flip as to which one deserves the nod. They are both world-class destinations that offer up high-end dining options, plush accommodations, and every slot machine and poker table you could ever ask for.
The good news is that they are both operated by different tribes, meaning they are unique experiences despite sharing similar features. As we break down the best casinos in Connecticut, you’ll notice some key differences between the two.
1) Foxwoods Resort Casino
- Game Selection: 1/2 oz.
- Dining Options: 2/2 oz.
- Hot Tube: 1oz
- Value Bet: 1 oz.
- Non-Gambler Friendly Option: 1 oz.
- Total Oz.: 6 oz.
Verdict: Foxwoods is the largest casino in North America, boasting more than 3,500 slots and 250 table games. That gives it the edge when it comes to bang for your buck, especially since it’s priced lower across the board.
Avg. Room Rate: $179
One of the big things going for Foxwoods is its location. If you’ve ever driven through New England in the winter, you know how important location can be. Foxwoods is conveniently located close to several major highways and airports, making it easy to access no matter what time of year it is.
Of course, the casino itself is worth the trip even if you have to land a small plane right on the property (which, by the way, they do not have). With nearly 4 million square feet of gaming and entertainment space, there’s literally something for everyone at .
Speaking of everything, that’s pretty much what you get at Foxwoods. There are your standard slot machines and table games scattered throughout the facility, but they also have specialty games like bingo, off-track betting for horse racing, and even Pull Tabs (which I had to look up because I had never heard of them).
Pull Tabs are essentially like scratch-off lottery tickets, except they are physically bigger. The odds of winning vary based on the amount purchased, and payouts can reach as high as $250,000.
Pro Tip
Not a gambler? No problem. Foxwoods Resort Casino has something for everyone, including fantastic non-gambling related activities such as a spa, arcade, bowling alley, and much more!
As far as restaurants go, there are more than 40 to choose from–a solid mix of sit-down, fine dining establishments, and fast-food joints. Some of the highlights include a stirring replica of Tower 41, complete with a working flashing light and horn (seriously), and a menu full of classic New York City favorites.
Other quality options include the French-inspired BALKAN, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area, and the upscale Italian spot called SONES.
On-line On line casino Video games Guaranteed to Pad Your Financial institution Account - WinnersNo matter which way you slice it, Foxwoods is easily one of the , and arguably the best casino in New England.
2) Mohegan Sun
- Game Selection: 2/2 oz.
- Dining Options: 1.5oz
- Hot Tube: 2oz
- Value Bet: 1/2 oz.
- Non-Gambler Friendly Option: 1 oz.
- Total Oz.: 8 oz.
Verdict: Mohegan Sun may have a slightly higher oxymoron content per oz., but it loses points due to the tub situation.
Avg. Room Rate: $199
Like Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun is a massively sprawling complex designed to keep you on the premises for as long as humanly possible. And why wouldn’t you want to stick around? Between the top-notch restaurants, first-rate entertainment, and world-class casino floor, there’s truly something for everyone at this spectacular property.
One of the big things going for is the fact that it’s attached to New England’s largest casino. Nestled inside of that is the smaller Poker Atrium, which features more than three dozen tables for Hold’em enthusiasts.
pay for it casinoAlthough it doesn’t come close to Foxwoods in terms of raw size, the poker atrium still packs a punch–especially considering the top-flight staff and premium amenities. It’s worth noting that Mohegan Sun was also home to one of the longest-running World Poker Tour events, which attracted some of the game’s biggest names over the years.
There’s a reason Mohegan is consistently considered , too–the place is absolutely gorgeous. From the soaring ceilings to the tasteful decorative touches, everything about this casino screams class.
Case in point; the , which offers breathtaking views of the Connecticut sunset while also providing unparalleled access to all of your favorite games. Whether you’re into slots, roulette, craps, or blackjack, there’s something here to tickle your fancy.
And when I say “something,” I mean it–Mohegan Sun’s game selection is virtually unmatched in terms of both variety and volume.
They’ve also got a few unique offerings up their sleeve, including a live keno drawing and various exotic wagering options available at the Sports Book.
If you get tired of gambling (shrugs), there are plenty of other forms of entertainment to enjoy. Catch a concert at the epic Mohegan Sun Arena or take in a round of golf at one of their two championship courses. The options are genuinely endless!
While Mohegan Sun technically loses ground thanks to its subpar hot tub situation, it’s still very much in the conversation as one of the top casinos in Connecticut.
Notable Moments & Events in Connecticut Gambling History
We just went over the top casinos in Connecticut, but that’s really only scratched the surface as it pertains to gambling in the constitution state. Today, the industry is worth hundreds of millions of dollars–but it wasn’t always so cut and dry.
Free Spins No Deposit UK - Top No DE Rounds in 2023Let’s take a quick walk down memory lane to see how we arrived at today’s current Connecticut gambling laws.
Pre-20th Century
Believe it or not, gambling played a huge role in early colonial Connecticut. Games of chance and skill were , especially since they helped raise funds for various public projects.
This trend continued well into the 19th century, as lotteries became a popular means of raising money for schools, churches, and other civic endeavors. Even famous author Mark Twain was in on the action, running his own weekly lottery in Hawaii during the 1860s.
Things took a dark turn in 1890 when the state passed its first anti-gambling legislation. Known informally as the “No Sir-ee Law,” this act made it illegal to run various forms of illicit gaming operations.
It didn’t last long, however, as similar measures enacted in 1902 and 1919 met the same fate.
1920s-1960s
As was the case in other parts of the country, organized crime began to assert itself in Connecticut during the Prohibition era. Illegal casinos popped up all over the state, preying on the vulnerable and luring them in with the promise of easy riches.
Police did their best to shut down these operations, but they were often hamstrung by corrupt officials and a lack of resources. It wasn’t until the 1960s that real progress was made in the fight against organized gambling.
One of the key figures in this battle was then-Attorney General Thomas J. Swift (no relation to Roald Dahl’s famous character). Swift spearheaded a number of high-profile raids on illegal casinos and poker rooms, putting countless criminals behind bars and sending a clear message that this type of activity would not be tolerated.
His efforts paid off handsomely, as Connecticut entered a extended period of relative calm on the gambling front. Of course, that wouldn’t last forever.
1970s-1990s
After Swift’s crackdowns in the ’60s, things remained relatively quiet on the Connecticut gambling scene. That all changed in the 1970s and ’80s as Native American tribes began establishing gambling operations on their reservations.
At first, these casinos were fairly modest affairs focused primarily on bingo and other low-stakes games. However, as litigation worked its way through the courts, it became apparent that tribal casinos enjoyed a level of sovereignty that allowed them to offer a wider range of games.
This led to a flurry of activity in the late ’80s and early ’90s as various tribes rushed to establish their own casinos. One of the most notable examples was the Mashantucket Pequot tribe, which used gambling revenues to transform the fortunes of its members.
As detailed in the excellent book House of Cards, the Pequots went from being mired in poverty to boasting some of the highest per capita incomes in the country thanks to their ownership stake in Foxwoods Resort Casino. Other tribes saw less success, however, as they were forced to contend with everything from internal strife to increased competition.
2000s-Present Day
Things have been relatively stable in the Nutmeg State’s gambling world over the past two decades. In addition to existing casinos expanding their footprints, the state added two new casinos via legislature: , LLC in East Windsor and L+M Hospitality Group in Portland.
Neither of these has come to fruition yet as both MGM Resorts and the Mohegan Tribe of Indians have filed lawsuits to stop the rival’s project, citing violations of federal law. This has led to a standoff between Governor Dannel P. Malloy and the state legislature, with neither side willing to back down.
Best Free Casino Apps (Online Games to Play for Free) - GamblingSites.comMeanwhile, online gambling remains largely prohibited in Connecticut, although there have been some recent efforts to change that. A bill introduced in the state Senate in 2019 would have legalized online poker and casino games, but it failed to gain traction.
Advocates argue that regulated online gambling could provide a much-needed boost to the state’s coffers without the need for brick-and-mortar expansions. However, others express concerns about problem gambling and the difficulty of enforcing age restrictions online.
Only time will tell whether Connecticut will eventually join the ranks of other states that have embraced . In the meantime, though, the state’s two tribal casinos continue to draw visitors from around the region with their world-class amenities and top-notch gaming offerings.
Amazing Online Casino Bonuses You Need to Try This YearNow that we have a better understanding of Connecticut gambling history, let’s shift gears and focus on the types of gambling available to you.
Legality of Gambling in Connecticut
Connecticut has some of the , as casino gaming is limited to two Native American casinos–Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. Both are governed by compacts with the state, which outline the specific games that can be offered.
Generally speaking, these compacts allow for most traditional casino games such as slots, table games, and poker. However, there are some restrictions in place, particularly when it comes to banked card games.
Online gambling is a bit of a grey area at the moment. While there are no laws specifically addressing online gaming, there is no regulatory framework in place for licensed sites. This has led some operators to exit the market out of fear of running afoul of state laws.
Sports betting is also technically illegal in Connecticut, although there have been some recent efforts to change that. A bill introduced in the state legislature in 2019 would have created a framework for regulated sports betting, but it did not advance beyond committee.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that Connecticut does offer legal charity gambling in the form of bingo, raffles, and pull tabs. These games are subject to regulation by the state Department of Consumer Protection.
So, to sum up, you can gamble in Connecticut…under certain circumstances. Let’s take a closer look at your options below.
Traditional Casino Gambling
Casino gambling is obviously the bread and butter of the Nutmeg State. As we covered earlier, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun dominate the landscape, with their combined annual revenue topping $2 billion.
Best Real Money Slots You Can Play Online in 2023This duopoly appears set to continue for the foreseeable future, barring any unexpected developments in the ongoing lawsuit between MGM Resorts and the Mohegan Tribe of Indians.
Both casinos offer a wide range of slot machines, table games, and poker variants. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect to find at each property:
- Slots: Thousands of the latest and greatest slot machines from top providers such as IGT, WMS Gaming, and Konami. Foxwoods has slightly more slots (3,500-plus), while Mohegan Sun is right behind with around 3,000.
- Table Games: Blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, pai gow, Spanish 21, mini-baccarat, and more. Both casinos have a solid selection of table games spread out over multiple floors.
- Poker: Mohegan Sun has the edge here thanks to its dedicated Poker Atrium, which hosts daily tournaments and cash games. Foxwoods still offers poker but on a much smaller scale.
- Live Entertainment: Concerts, comedy shows, and other big-name acts can be found regularly at both casinos. Foxwoods has a slight advantage here due to its larger venue capacity.
- Hotels: If you’re planning on making a night of it, both casinos offer on-site lodging options. Foxwoods has seven separate hotels with more than 2,000 rooms, while Mohegan Sun has one main hotel with just under 1,000 rooms.
- Restaurants: A veritable smorgasbord of dining options awaits at both casinos, ranging from high-end steakhouses to casual eateries. Foxwoods has the edge in sheer volume, but Mohegan Sun boasts some higher-profile names.
Overall, it’s tough to go wrong with either choice. If you prefer a more laid-back vibe and a wider variety of hotels, Foxwoods might be your speed. Mohegan Sun, meanwhile, offers a more concentrated gaming experience with some nicer restaurants and a highly regarded poker room.
Charity Gambling
Charity gambling takes many forms in Connecticut, with the proceeds going to a variety of worthy causes. Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular games:
Class 2 Casinos with the Best Slot Machines- Bingo: Also known as house, bingo is a staple of Connecticut’s charity gambling scene. Organizations such as veterans groups, fire departments, and religious institutions host regular bingo sessions. According to state data, bingo generated more than $17 million for charities in 2019.
- Raffles: Raffles are another popular fundraiser, with tickets often sold in advance of events such as fairs and festivals. They can be used to win anything from cars and vacations to gift baskets and restaurant gift certificates. Charities brought in more than $14 million from raffles in 2019.
- Lucky Jerseys & Fans: Lucky Jerseys & Fans is a unique charity gambling game that allows players to try and win cash prizes by picking the outcome of professional sporting events. Participating organizations purchase packages that include score sheets, prizes, and promotional materials. They then sell individual score sheets to the public. In 2019, Lucky Jerseys & Fans brought in more than $5 million for charities.
- Pull Tabs: Similar to lottery scratch-offs, pull tabs are prepaid games where players hope to match symbols to win prizes. More than 300 organizations sold pull tabs in 2019, bringing in $4.6 million for causes such as animal welfare and youth sports.
These games provide an important source of funding for a variety of worthy causes. Without them, many organizations would likely struggle to raise the money they need to carry out their missions.
Sports Betting
Despite a 2018 Supreme Court ruling that struck down a federal ban on sports betting, Connecticut has yet to fully embrace legal wagering on athletic contests.
A bill introduced in the state legislature in 2019 would have allowed for both retail and online sportsbooks, with revenue divided between the state, the two tribal casinos, and professional sports leagues. However, the measure stalled in committee and did not advance further.
Currently, sports betting is technically illegal in Connecticut. That hasn’t stopped offshore websites from operating within the state, but participants do so at their own risk.
There is renewed hope for legal sports betting in 2021, with Governor Ned Lamont included funding for sportsbooks in his proposed budget. We’ll have to wait and see if the legislature ultimately signs off on this proposal.
Poker
As we noted earlier, Mohegan Sun is home to one of the top in New England. The Poker Atrium features dozens of cash game tables and hosts daily tournaments with buy-ins ranging from $40 to $440.
Foxwoods still offers poker, but on a much smaller scale. Its primary poker room, The Fox Tower Poker Room, typically has only a half-dozen or so tables in operation.
Top Online Casinos in Michigan for Every Player - EagleCasinoVibesHowever, both casinos occasionally host larger poker events. Recent highlights from Foxwoods include a $1 million guaranteed Mega Stack tournament and a series of World Series of Poker (WSOP) circuits events. Mohegan Sun, meanwhile, is annually scheduled to hold a Major League Gaming Collegiate Poker Championship event.
Offsite, Connecticut residents have a variety of live poker options within driving distance. and Tremper Long Orchestra in Springfield, Massachusetts, are both popular choices due to their proximity to the border. In the summer months, several oceanfront casinos in Rhode Island and Massachusetts also prove attractive to Nutmeggers looking to play cards while soaking up the sun.
Horse Racing
Horse racing enthusiasts in Connecticut have two options for legal wagering: Missouri Downs and Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort. Both are located within a few hours’ drive of the state and offer pari-mutuel betting on thoroughbred and harness racing.
In addition, several off-track betting facilities can be found throughout the state. Bravo! Wisconsin Off-Track Bettings Centers (located in Kenosha, Wisconsin) and Historic Newcastle (New Castle, Indiana) both require a short road trip, while Bull’s Eye Sports Bar (multiple locations in Connecticut) is more convenient for locals.
Connecticut Derby at Mohegan Sun: Despite the lack of a major racetrack within its borders, Connecticut does play host to one prestigious annual race. The Connecticut Derby at Mohegan Sun attracts some of the top three-year-olds in the country and carries a purse of $500,000.
The first running of the Connecticut Derby took place in 2019 and was won by Jaywalk, who went on to finish second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. This event helps fill the void left by the closure of the Connecticut OTB in 2015.
That’s a wrap on traditional forms of gambling in Connecticut. Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room; online gambling.
Current State of Online Gambling
Connecticut is one of just a handful of states that have yet to fully embrace online gambling. While the legislature has considered several bills in recent years, none have made it to the governor’s desk.
However, Governor Ned Lamont included funding for online sports betting and iGaming in his proposed budget for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. This is seen as a positive sign by industry observers, as it indicates the governor is serious about bringing regulated sites to Connecticut residents.
Here’s a closer look at the two main forms of online gambling that are currently restricted in the state:
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You won’t find any legally sanctioned online casinos based in Connecticut. That doesn’t stop numerous offshore sites from targeting Nutmeggers, but participating in such sites is done at your own risk.
Many state lawmakers have expressed concern about the proliferation of these offshore operators, citing consumer protection as their primary worry. Without the oversight of state regulators, there’s no guarantee that player funds are safe or that games are fair and aboveboard.
Some also point to the loss of potential tax revenue as a reason to legalize online casinos. Several other states–including Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia–have successfully launched regulated iGaming markets in recent years, generating millions in revenue for state coffers.
A bill introduced in the Connecticut legislature in 2019 would have created a framework for online casinos as well as sports betting. The measure died in committee, but advocates say they’re hopeful about the prospects for similar bills in 2021.
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Sports betting is currently illegal in Connecticut outside of certain fantasy sports offerings. That hasn’t stopped several offshore sportsbooks from accepting bets from residents, but participants should be aware that these sites operate in a gray area of the law.
Many state lawmakers share these concerns and would like to see a regulated sports betting market established. This would provide additional revenue streams for the state while also giving residents a safer alternative to offshore sites.
One of the main obstacles to passing a sports betting bill is the compact the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes have with the state. Critics contend that any expansion of gambling must be approved by the tribes, as they stand to lose revenue if non-tribal entities are allowed to offer certain games.
The tribes have previously sued to block attempts at expanded gambling, so any bill will need their support to have a realistic chance of becoming law.
Despite these challenges, there is growing momentum for sports betting in Connecticut. Governor Ned Lamont included language about sports betting in his proposed budget for fiscal years 2022 and 2023, indicating that he sees it as a priority.
We’ll have to wait and see what happens when the legislature reconvenes, but it appears likely that progress will be made on the sports betting front in the coming years.
