Connecticut Lottery Set for Bridgeport Sportsbook at Mortgage Arena

Article ByDavid Weir

September 26, 2023

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Posted in: Connecticut Gambling News, US Gambling News, US Sports Betting News

The Connecticut Lottery Corporation (CLC) is set to expand its sportsbook operations with the announcement of its 11th Connecticut retail sportsbook venue. The newest retail option will be located at the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport (pictured). It will be the first of the CLC’s venues inside a sports stadium.

The Arena, home to the American Hockey League’s Bridgeport Islanders, has been chosen as the prime location for the new 2,500-square-foot sportsbook.

The sportsbook at the Arena will be equipped with all the standard amenities that sports bettors expect. This includes food and beverage services, multiple television screens for live sports viewing, bar seating, betting kiosks, and windows for placing wagers.

It will also offer easy parking, via the existing stadium arrangement, making it convenient for visitors.

“The City of Bridgeport has been a focus for the Connecticut Lottery since Day 1, and we thank local officials and Bridgeport’s state delegation for their support in this endeavor,” said Greg Smith, the CEO of the CLC,

“Total Mortgage Arena provides us with a unique space that is already known as an entertainment hub for sports, music performances, and events.”

Positive Reception and Economic Growth

The announcement of the new sportsbook has been well received by local leaders, who believe it will provide a boost to the local economy.

“The sportsbook will be a great addition that will expand entertainment and dining options for the greater Bridgeport area and tourists alike,” said Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim.

“I thank the CT Lottery Corporation and the Bridgeport Islanders for this collaboration that will provide continuous opportunities to spur economic activity.”

Bridgeport Rep. Atononio Felipe (D) also expressed optimism about the new venue.

“Bridgeport is increasingly home to a lot of entertainment in recent years and the opening of this sportsbook diversifies and provides opportunities to build off of moving forward,” he said.

State of the Game and Future Plans

Connecticut is one of six states with a full spectrum of legal regulated gambling.

That includes CT online casinos, as well as retail sportsbooks and online sports betting. Retail sports betting by the lottery is provided by Rush Street Interactive on a 10-year deal which started in 2021.

However, as of 2023, Chicago-based Rush Street is reportedly looking to leave that contract.

For now, Connecticut online sports betting is available through Rush Street and the Lottery, or via DraftKings and FanDuel. The two leading U.S. sportsbooks negotiated deals with two Connecticut tribal casino operators to run retail and online sports betting.

FanDuel and Mohegan Sun have made $96 million in revenues since the market launched in 2021. Meanwhile DraftKings and partner Foxwoods have made $81.8 million. All that activity has resulted in $24.5 million in sports betting taxes for the state over that time.

In other Connecticut gambling news this year, locally-based ESPN, one of the world’s largest sports broadcasters and soon-to-be online sportsbook, moved its flagship sports betting show back to Bristol, Connecticut, after several years broadcasting from Las Vegas, Nevada.