Gov. Danell Malloy has signed a bill – H 6948 – a few days ago that features the sports betting provision. The bill that was passed by the state legislature in June, included the authorization of a new brick and mortar casino to be built in the state as part of a larger gaming package. The sports betting provision would see the number of track betting sites for horse racing increasing.
The new bill that was recently signed into law will allow the state to offer sports betting within its borders, pending a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court as to whether or not states have the right to offer the wagers in their individual states.
The portion of the bill that related to sports betting read that the Commissioner of Consumer Protection shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 of the general statutes, to regulate wagering on sporting events to the extent permitted by state and federal law.
Sports betting is currently illegal in most of the States thanks to the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. Only Nevada currently offers full on betting of sporting events throughout their state and New Jersey is contesting that law with the Supreme Court due to the fact that they have previously passed their own law with regard to sports wagering. Should the Supreme Court rule in the Garden State’s favor it would likely open all other states the ability to pass their own laws in order to allow the activity.