Update: Wednesday morning, the governor's Chief of Staff issued this statement on talks with the Mashantucket Pequots, who own Foxwoods:
“The administration agrees that the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation must be a party in any agreement, and that this agreement is best for the entire state, especially Eastern Connecticut, where the tribes employ thousands of people and contribute significantly to local economies and communities. This expansion of gaming in Connecticut is a financial benefit to both tribes and will provide long-term stability for both sovereign governments. Governor Lamont is urging the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation to join this agreement immediately, and Eastern Connecticut legislators should do the same.”
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In a big, bright neon sign of the times, sports gambling and casino-style online games are coming to Connecticut, pending legislative and regulatory approval.
Gov. Ned Lamont announced a deal with the Mohegan Tribe to "modernize" the state's gaming offerings. That means a new focus on online gaming, with both Mohegan Sun casino and the Connecticut Lottery taking part.
State budget chief Melissa McCaw says launching sports and online gaming in Connecticut is a matter of keeping up with the neighbors: "We really stand at risk of running behind in what is currently a flourishing market."
"The world is clearly moving online," says Commissioner of Economic and Community Development David Lehman. "One's phone is where a lot of bets are taking place in sports betting and beyond."
The state is counting on the new plan to bring in tens of millions in new revenue. Legalized sports betting is a big draw. Lehman points to New Jersey, which drew almost $400 million in sports wagering revenue in 2020. 92% of that was spent online.
Before the deal with the Mohegan Tribe was announced late Tuesday afternoon, a separate deal with the Mashantucket Pequots, who operate Foxwoods, was expected soon.
But Tuesday night, Pequots Chairman Rodney Butler issued this statement, expressing disappointment in the governor's announcement:
"After months of closed-door negotiations, it's offensive that Governor Lamont would announce an agreement with only one of the two Tribal Nations that have been a party to the negotiations, despite full knowledge that both sovereign Nations are needed to implement any agreement. We have participated in these discussions in good faith and consider today’s events extremely disrespectful in terms of process and substance."
Butler explains the parties have "one point of contention" remaining, and he hopes it can be resolved quickly.
