Online sports betting has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many states legalizing and regulating it. Connecticut legalized online sports betting in 2021, allowing state residents over the age of 21 to place wagers on sporting events through licensed online sportsbooks.
Is online sports betting legal in Connecticut?
Yes, online sports betting is legal in Connecticut as of October 2021. The state legalized online and mobile sports wagering through the passage of House Bill 6451, allowing state-licensed operators to take online bets. This makes Connecticut one of the many states that have legalized sports betting in recent years.
What sports can I bet on online in Connecticut?
Connecticut allows betting on a wide variety of professional, collegiate and international sporting events. Some of the major sports you can bet on include:
- Football (NFL, NCAA)
- Basketball (NBA, NCAA)
- Baseball (MLB, NCAA)
- Hockey (NHL)
- Soccer (MLS, EPL, UEFA Champions League)
- Tennis
- Golf
- Motorsports (NASCAR, Formula 1)
- Boxing/MMA
- Rugby
- Cricket
In addition, you can wager on more niche sports like darts, cycling, and snooker. Connecticut prohibits betting on in-state college teams like UConn, as well as amateur and high school sporting events.
Which online sportsbooks can I use in Connecticut?
As of October 2023, there are several licensed online sportsbooks accepting bets in Connecticut:
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
- BetRivers
- PointsBet
- WynnBET
- SugarHouse
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection oversees the licensing and regulation of online sportsbooks in the state. All of the above operators have been approved to take online wagers from CT residents over 21.
Do I need to be a Connecticut resident to bet online?
Yes, you must be physically located within Connecticut state borders to place online wagers. Sportsbooks utilize geolocation technology to confirm your location when you access their platforms. If you try to access an online sportsbook from outside of Connecticut, even if just across state lines, you will be blocked.
Do I have to register in-person at a casino?
No, online registration is available with all Connecticut sportsbooks. You can sign up, deposit funds and start placing wagers completely online, without having to visit a casino in person.
After signing up online, you may need to verify your identity by submitting documents like a driver’s license or utility bill. This ensures you are who you say you are and are eligible to bet.
What information do I need to provide when registering?
Connecticut sportsbooks will require the following personal details during signup:
- Full legal name
- Physical address in CT
- Email address
- Phone number
- Date of birth
- Last 4 digits of SSN
You will also need to create a username and password for your account. Sportsbooks have Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures requiring this information to verify your identity, age, and location eligibility.
Do I need to be a permanent resident of Connecticut?
No, you do not need to be a permanent resident of Connecticut to bet online, but you do need to be physically located in the state when placing wagers. Sportsbooks allow temporary visitors, college students, military personnel and others in CT to sign up and bet.
Can I bet using a mobile app or browser?
Yes, Connecticut online sportsbooks offer betting via mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, as well as desktop/laptop web browsers. You can download the app directly from the sportsbook site or app store. Mobile betting provides convenience for betting on the go from your smartphone or tablet.
What types of wagers are allowed online?
Connecticut allows all standard sports bet types including:
- Moneyline
- Point spread
- Totals (over/under)
- Parlays
- Teasers
- Props
- Futures
- In-game betting
Along with single game bets, you can combine picks into parlays, round robins and teasers for bigger potential payouts. Live in-game betting allows wagering on outcomes as a game progresses.
What sports betting limits are there?
Connecticut does not impose betting limits on its own. However, individual sportsbooks may have minimum and maximum limits in place on certain bet types or sports:
| Sportsbook | Minimum Bet | Maximum Bet |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | $1 | $5,000 – $25,000 |
| FanDuel | $1 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| BetMGM | $1 | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Caesars | $5 | $5,000 – $25,000 |
These limits can vary over time and between bet types, so check the sportsbook for any updated restrictions.
Are there any prohibited sports bets?
Yes, Connecticut prohibits wagering on:
- In-state college teams (UConn, Yale, etc)
- In-state college events
- High school sports
- Amateur sports
- E-sports
Bets on in-state collegiate teams like UConn are restricted to preserve integrity and prevent any potential match-fixing issues. E-sports betting is also not permitted currently.
What bonuses are available for CT bettors?
Connecticut online sportsbooks run attractive sign-up bonuses and promotions to attract new bettors, such as:
- Risk-free bets up to $1,000
- Deposit matches up to $1,000
- No-deposit free bets
- Odds boosts
- Profit boosts
- Parlay insurance
- Referral bonuses
These offers provide valuable incentives for new customers in the form of bonus funds and bets to use at that sportsbook. Always read the terms and conditions for rollover and expiration details.
Can I claim sportsbook bonuses from outside CT?
No, Connecticut sportsbook bonuses and promotions are reserved for bettors located within the state. You must be physically in CT to create an account and claim these offers due to state regulations.
If you create your account or try to redeem a bonus while being out of state, your account may be suspended or closed.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are available?
Connecticut sportsbooks accept a variety of convenient banking methods for deposits and withdrawals:
- Debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AmEx)
- Online banking/ACH
- PayPal
- PayNearMe
- Play+ Prepaid card
- Cash at casino cage
- Online sportsbooks do not accept cash deposits
Most methods are processed instantly for deposits and within 1-5 days for withdrawals. PayPal is the fastest withdrawal method at just 1-2 days. Online banking and PayNearMe have $500-$1000 weekly limits for withdrawals.
Are there any fees for deposits and withdrawals?
Most deposit methods are processed free of charge by Connecticut sportsbooks. However, there are some potential fees to look out for:
- Debit/credit card deposits incur a 2-5% processing fee at some books
- PayPal charges a 2.5% transaction fee on withdrawals
- PayNearMe charges a $2.99 flat fee plus 7% on withdrawals
- Cash withdrawals at casino cage have fees from $2-$20
It’s advisable to use ACH/eCheck transfers to avoid fees, as they are free for both deposits and withdrawals in most cases.
What is the tax rate on CT sports betting winnings?
Connecticut imposes a 10% tax on all sports betting revenue, which includes player winnings. When you withdraw funds from your sportsbook account, 10% state tax will be deducted from the amount.
If you win an exceptionally large payout, there may also be separate federal tax withholding taken out beyond the state tax.
Can I offset losses against winnings for tax purposes?
Unfortunately, you cannot deduct sports betting losses from your winnings for tax purposes in Connecticut. The state does not allow loss deductions or let you offset losses against winnings.
All withdrawn winnings are taxed at the standard 10% rate regardless of the losses you may have incurred over time. There is no itemizing deductions to reduce your sports betting taxes owed.
Do I need to report or pay additional taxes on my sports bet winnings?
The 10% state tax deducted on withdrawals is the only tax taken out automatically. However, you may owe additional federal and state income taxes depending on how much you win:
- For substantial winnings over $5,000, you will receive a federal Form W-2G for tax filing
- Winnings are taxed federally at your income tax rate, up to 37%
- You must report gambling winnings as “Other Income” on your federal return
- CT state income tax of up to 6.99% may apply on additional net winnings
Keep detailed records of all your reportable gambling winnings. Sportsbooks do not withhold or remit these extra income taxes automatically.
Can I deduct gambling losses from my taxes?
You can deduct gambling losses as an itemized deduction on your federal tax return up to the amount of winnings reported. So if you lost $5,000 and won $10,000, you could deduct $5,000 in losses to offset half the winnings.
You cannot deduct more in losses than you report in winnings. Keep detailed records like bank statements, tickets, etc. documenting your gambling losses for tax purposes.
Are daily fantasy sports legal in Connecticut?
Yes, daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests for real money are legal and regulated in Connecticut. Popular DFS operators like DraftKings, FanDuel and Yahoo Fantasy Sports are licensed to operate in the state.
DFS contests involve building lineups of athletes to compete for cash prizes based on their statistical performances. DFS is considered a game of skill, unlike chance-based sports betting.
Can I bet on horse racing online?
Yes, you can bet on horse races legally through licensed online racebooks in Connecticut. Operators like TwinSpires, TVG and BetAmerica allow horse race wagering online and via mobile app to bettors located within the state.
Races from major tracks around the U.S. and world are offered. You can make straight bets, exotic wagers, doubles, pick 3-6 and more. Parimutuel betting pools are shared with racetracks.
Where can I find help with responsible gambling?
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, there are resources available for help within Connecticut:
- Call the 24/7 Problem Gambling Hotline: 1-888-789-7777
- Contact the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling: www.ccpg.org
- Find a Gamblers Anonymous support meeting: www.gamblersanonymous.org
- Use responsible gambling tools like deposit limits on sportsbooks
Online sportsbooks are required to provide resources to assist problem gamblers. Setting a budget, time limits and other responsible betting practices can also help keep gambling safe and enjoyable.
Conclusion
Connecticut provides a legal, regulated environment for betting on sports online since launching in 2021. Adults located physically within the state can wager on sports through licensed sites and mobile apps.
While in-state college betting is prohibited, bettors have a wide range of professional and other sports to bet on. Daily fantasy sports and horse race betting are also legal options. As long as you are within Connecticut state lines, you can enjoy the convenience of online sportsbooks and betting.
