The legal sports betting industry in Connecticut is off and running, and Monday marks another milestone as the first non-casino, retail brick-and-mortar sportsbook has opened up.
Rush Street Interactive, along with the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, announced the launch of in-person wagering at Sports Haven in New Haven, the first of 15 planned PlaySugarHouse retail locations in the state. In the coming days, Bobby V’s Restaurant and Sports Bar in Stamford and Windsor Locks will also open up for would-be bettors.
“We are thrilled to roll out the PlaySugarHouse retail sportsbooks in the state of Connecticut alongside the Connecticut Lottery and Sportech,” Richard Schwartz, chief executive officer of Rush Street, said in a press release. “By combining the Connecticut Lottery’s brand recognition and retail presence throughout Connecticut, Sportech’s easy-to-access venues, and RSI’s market proven products and services, we look forward to delivering convenient and exciting sports betting options to PlaySugarHouse players across the state.”
Operated on behalf of the lottery by Rush Street, which has been operational in numerous other states, the sportsbooks include wall-to-wall TV monitors, odds boards, betting kiosks, full food and beverage options, and, of course, the chance to put a few bucks down on the … Carolina Hurricanes (formerly the Hartford Whalers).
A ‘long time coming’
“This has been a long time coming for Connecticut players, and we’re honored to be the only statewide retail operator,” Greg Smith, president and CEO of the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, said in the release. “Together with our partners Rush Street Interactive and Sportech Venues, we can offer bettors world-class, in-person sportsbooks at accessible locations throughout the state and mobile sports betting under the PlaySugarHouse brand.”
In the coming weeks and months, PlaySugarHouse retail sportsbooks will also open in Hartford, Manchester, Waterbury, Torrington, New Britain, Milford, and Norwalk. An additional five locations are authorized to open.
“Today marks a historic day for sports betting fans in Connecticut as the PlaySugarHouse sportsbook launches in New Haven,” said Ted Taylor, president of Sportech Venues Inc. “Our Sportech team is delighted to be Connecticut Lottery’s and RSI’s partner for delivering this exciting product here and in all our other locations soon.”
Things kicked off in the Constitution State during a soft launch period on Oct. 1, when Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun began accepting bets in-person at the tribes’ casinos.
On Oct. 12, the online soft launch began, with DraftKings, FanDuel, and SugarHouse going live. A week later, the reins came off, and all limits were lifted for the full launch.
Photo: Shutterstock
