Connecticut Politician Gaining Insight in Online Gambling in Island Jurisdictions

Believing that online gambling will inevitably come to Connecticut, Rep. Steve Dargan, who chairs the Connecticut Public Safety Committee, decided to make a step forward and visit one of the island jurisdictions in order to ensure that he is well-informed on the issue. Regarding both land and online gambling expansion in other US states, Dargan said that earlier this year Connecticut Off-Track Betting, operated by Sportech, Inc., debuted with a soft launch adding that full online casino gambling would be the next logical step for Connecticut. “It's inevitable that Internet gambling is the next step when it comes to (gambling) expansion. The gaming industry is a fascinating industry and it has always intrigued me, especially Internet gaming, which is a multi-billion dollar business,” he said, adding: “We have all forms of gambling in the state already, and you can actually bet on a Connecticut-based horse racing site now online. We should really look at the issue of Internet gaming, especially sports betting on football and baseball, and how it could be structured to tap into that additional revenue. (New Jersey governor Chris) Christie is trying to get (sports betting) and I think many states out there are waiting to see how that turns out.” Dargan also revealed that “Next month I'm going to one of the islands on a fact-finding trip to see how the operation works," noting that wagering on sporting events is quite common in Europe, and that states around Connecticut are going to do it. “When it comes to the sports leagues who fight hard against it, they're hypocrites sometimes because you have people on the NFL and NBA preview shows talking about point spreads. Right now, we have added online horse racing and keno in our state and it's a sign some people are looking at gambling a different way these days,” he said, opining ”If it's operated and approached the right way, if it doesn't interfere with the two Indian casino compacts where we would lose any revenue from them, then I think we should consider tapping into that billion-dollar revenue that is out there.” However, it appears that a full-blown Internet wagering operation in the state is at a standstill until the authorities see what happens in Massachusetts, where legislation has been passed to let three casinos be built in the state. The bids submitted for the casinos will be considered by Massachusetts officials with a decision expected early next year. If the bids do not go through, there will most likely be a shift of focus to expanding Internet gambling. “We are waiting to see what happens to our bid in Massachusetts. But Mohegan Sun's position for some time now is we believe Internet wagering is inevitable. Either the state or federal government has to step in and regulate online gambling,” said Chuck Bunnell, chief of staff for Mohegan Sun, which submitted a bid, adding: “It's illegal, but people are finding ways to get around the system and finding ways to bet at these offshore online wagering sites. And with no regulation there is no protection to the consumer. People are naive if they think it isn't happening. Everybody's waiting to see what happens in New Jersey and Las Vegas, because in Nevada they're also looking hard at Internet gambling. “We are actively investing in the potential of online wagering with our free online poker site. With that site we are ready once Internet wagering is legalized.” On a gloomier note, a not-so-positive opinion came from Ted Taylor, managing director of local Sportech operations, who does not seem to be so optimistic about online gambling coming to the States any time soon. In his opinion: “Sure, there is a great deal of online gambling revenue out there, and expanding Internet gambling would also create new jobs, but it might happen a lot slower than some people might think. “First, everyone is waiting to see what happens in Massachusetts. If the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun bids fail, then they'll look at other options. “If the focus turns to Internet gambling, the two state casinos will be the driving forces. But absolutely nothing will happen unless all three parties, the two casinos and state officials, work together. All three have to get on the same page.” However, according to Dargan, Connecticut should explore all options in order to boost revenues, not just turn to online gambling.