Currently, there is no legal online poker site operating in Connecticut. The state’s Department of Consumer Protection is tasked with overseeing gambling activities in the state. However, it is possible for a company to launch a poker site in the state.
The first step in creating a regulated online poker site in Connecticut would be to negotiate a multi-state agreement with other states. States are now free to enter multi-state agreements, which would combine player pools and address traffic issues on a single platform. This would make Connecticut more attractive to poker operators. However, the state’s legislature has yet to introduce any amendments that would regulate shared liquidity.
Connecticut could join talks to set up the state’s first poker sites, but it is not clear that DraftKings would ever develop an online poker platform for the state. Instead, FanDuel, which is owned by Flutter, would likely set up a site. It is also possible for two sites to launch simultaneously. However, it would not be feasible for a state with a population of just over three million to host two sites.
The state’s legislature is also looking into shared liquidity agreements with other states. This could make Connecticut more attractive to online poker operators. However, the state’s bill does not explicitly address shared liquidity, so it is possible that lawmakers will introduce amendments later.
Shared liquidity agreements are not a new concept. The Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware MSIGA (Multistate Internet Gaming Agreement) is an example of a multi-state agreement. The agreement allows for the licensing and operation of online poker sites in the three states. The agreement is likely to expand into other states in the near future. In addition, the agreement could serve as a role model for future agreements.
Connecticut is one of the few states that has not yet regulated online poker. In addition, the state has not yet regulated poker in its brick and mortar casinos. However, this could change with the new administration. In fact, newly-elected President Biden said during a campaign visit to Las Vegas in December that he would reverse the White House’s opinion and allow states to pursue expanded online gambling.
There are three states that have legal rights to operate and host an online poker site: Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware. These states are also members of the MSIGA. If the state of Connecticut does not enter an interstate poker agreement, it may not be able to offer regulated online poker for another year. However, if the state does enter an agreement, the state’s poker players will be able to play against players from other states.
Online poker is a popular game worldwide, but the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the closure of most live gaming venues around the world. This has resulted in a huge increase in online poker traffic. Several online poker rooms now accept cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals. These transactions do not involve a central financial institution, which is a major benefit for users. However, some operators require players to convert their bankrolls to U.S. dollars.