Connecticut Online Casinos: Best Casino CT Apps and Bonuses 2023

Among all the US states where online gambling is legalized, very few are as interesting as Connecticut. The state’s gambling landscape is shaped by a delicate balance between the state and its two federally-recognized Indian tribes – the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribes. These tribes play crucial roles in the legality of online gambling in Connecticut, and the legitimacy of FanDuel and DraftKings casino operations in the state.

The Land of Steady Habits has seen much action since online casinos were first legalized, with the state recording double figures in gambling revenue. These and more reflect the quirks of online casino operations in Connecticut, which we will dive into below.

The preceding section has given a short overview of the Connecticut online gambling landscape. If you are looking to get in on the action, a good place to start would be acquainting yourself with Connecticut online casinos. That should be a breeze, considering the fact that there are just two live online casinos in the state of Connecticut.

Welcome Bonus: Play Your First Day Risk-Free Up To $1,000.

FanDuel has partnered with the Mohegan Tribe to launch the Mohegan Sun Casino platform. While it is branded under the Mohegan Sun name, it comes with all the bells and whistles you would get from FanDuel. That includes their fantastic welcome bonus that refunds players losses up to $1,000 after their first 24 hours of play.

Mohegan Sun offers around 700 different games for players to choose from. That includes over 600 slots, 18 video poker games, 17 table games, and more. The game categories are listed atop the page, along with an option to visit the FanDuel Sportsbook. 

If there is one drawback to the Mohegan Sun online casino, it is the limited payment options available for deposits and withdrawals. They allow you to choose from an online bank transfer, e-check, Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cards, cash at cage, and the MoheganSunCard.

Last but not least, Mohegan Sun has a fantastic mobile app that is available on the Apple App and Google Play Stores.

DraftKings Casino

Welcome Bonus: Play $ Get $50 OR Deposit Match up to $100 OR $1,000 Lossback.

The perfect counterpart to FanDuel’s Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut is DraftKings Casino, another major player in the industry. Our first consideration would be the legality of DraftKings in CT, and it is totally explicable that it derives that from its partnership with Foxwoods, a casino and reservation site on Mashantucket Pequot territory.

DraftKings are offering new Connecticut players a chance to choose their own welcome bonus. The first option is a “Bet & Get” promo that gives plaers $50 in Casino Credits when they play $5. The second is a 100% deposit match of up to $100 in casino credits. Last is the lossback promo, where DraftKings will refund a player’s losses with up to $1,000 in casino credits.

Delving into finer details, DraftKings offers a huge selection of high-quality games from some of the best providers in the world, posting a portfolio of over 1200 titles from which you can win real money. Some of the more familiar names of the bunch include Da Vinci Diamonds, the Gonzo’s Quest series, and Starburst. Apart from slot games, you can also play jackpots, live dealer games, blackjack, roulette, video poker, megaways, baccarat, craps, keno, and table games at the casino. You can also dabble in the sportsbook and several other services. 

A distinctive feature of DraftKings is the availability of 60+ exclusive games, including the crash game, DraftKings Rocket. Deposit methods available at the casino include Apple Pay, credit and debit cards, Venmo, and PayPal, amongst others. All casino services are usable on mobile and desktop devices, although the interface may be rather overwhelming on mobile. Customer support channels at DraftKings are the Help Center, live chat, and the support request channel.

Online casinos are in fact legal in Connecticut. However, it took quite a long time for it to get there and that the legal infrastructure in CT is unlike what you would find in many other legal casino states. In this section, we will take a deeper dive into the intricate legal details of online gambling in Connecticut.

Gambling itself was legalized in Connecticut after a lengthy legal battle between the state government and the major tribes, stemming from the US Supreme Court’s decision 1987 ruling. To keep it simple, nation’s highest court ruled that gambling can only be banned on tribal reservations if the state prohibits gambling of all forms. Charitable gambling was legal in CT prior to that time, and the Mashantucket Pequot tribe used that as leverage to secure an operational casino license in 1991.

This backstory offers some insight into why the two operators – FanDuel and DraftKings – are partnered with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes, respectively. The agreements to support online gambling via these casinos came from the 1991 breakthrough, but didn’t go into effect until much later in July 2021. The tribal reservations and the government agreed to amend the regulatory effect of the 1991 procedure to cover electronic wagering, e-sports, and other relevant definitions.

The legal age under the Connecticut online gambling law for daily fantasy sports, lottery tickets, or playing keno is 18-years-old. For other forms of gambling – online or in-person – as well as sports betting, the legal gambling age is 21-years-old.  All legal gambling in CT is regulated and overseen by the state’s Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Gaming Division.

Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling is a critical movement that has gained widespread adoption and regulatory force globally, and there are things you can do to keep your gambling safe. 

Ensure you only gamble as much as you are able to lose. Set a limit for the money and, time spent gambling. Legal Connecticut online casinos often have a number of measures and tools available to encourage responsible gambling.

Always remain on the lookout for obsessive behaviors relating to gambling. If you feel like you cannot temper your urge to hit the casino or you are already going out of your way to obtain funds to wager, you may be addicted to gambling or on your way there at least. If you notice signs of gambling addiction in yourself or others, reach out to either of the following organizations:

CONNECTICUT COUNCIL ON PROBLEM GAMBLING

75 Charter Oak Avenue, Ste 1-309, Hartford, CT 06106.

Telephone: 959.230.4034

Email: info@ccpg.org 

Website: www.ccpg.org 

Helpline: 888.789.7777

NATIONAL PROBLEM GAMBLING HELPLINE
Call: 1-800-GAMBLER

Text: 800GAM

Chat: www.1800gamblerchat.org

Identifying Legal Online Casinos

It is easier to guarantee the legality of a physical casino due to a stronger level of compliance, but the same cannot be said for online casinos. That is why you need to know how to identify legal online casinos.

In Connecticut, any online casinos outside of Mohegan Sun (FanDuel) and DraftKings are a huge red flag. If necessary, locate the Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection and confirm what casinos have been cleared to operate in the state. Another point is that most licensed casinos indicate it on their sites, either by sporting the necessary agency’s logo or by unequivocally stating it.

With such a complex gambling space in Connecticut, the industry has a far-reaching history in the state. Connecticut has taken decades to grow its gambling industry to where it is presently, with some of the biggest milestones documented below.

📰 1939 - Bingo was legalized in Connecticut.

📰1955 - Bazaars and Raffles became authorized forms of gambling.

📰1972 - Non-profit casino gaming during Las Vegas Night fundraisers became authorized, a license that persisted till 2003.

📰1976 - Legal off-track betting began in Connecticut.

📰1987 - Sealed tickets became the next form of gambling to be authorized by the state.

📰1988 - The IGRA was passed by Congress, which gives tribes the authority to carry out legal gaming on their lands in states without criminal prohibition.

📰1992 - After years of legal tussling, the Mashantucket Pequot tribe opened the Foxwoods Resort Casino with table games but no video facsimile games.

📰1993 - The Mashantucket Pequots reached an arrangement with the government to legalize video facsimile gaming.

📰1996 - The recently recognized Mohegan Tribe opened the Mohegan Sun Casino.

📰2021 - After lengthy deliberations, the MOUs between the government and the tribes were modified to cover online gambling activities.

One thing that poses a certainty is the constant evolution of laws and development, especially in a rapidly growing industry such as online gambling. Where we are right now with the legal status took decades of work and growth, and there are still decades of work and growth ahead. There is money to be made by the government and fun to be had by the CT players, making for a pretty advantageous recipe. That is why this section monitors and sheds light on updates so you can stay ahead of the curve.

• 📰December 2021: Connecticut reports $1.7 million in tax revenue after first month of online gambling and sports betting
• 📰 March 2023: Rush Street Interactive, Inc. departs from the Connecticut online gambling scene
• 📰June 2023: International Gaming Technology signs partnership to deliver online casino games to the Connecticut Lottery, replacing Rush Street
  
• 📰August 2023: Connecticut Department of Consumer Production begins to crack down of offshore gambling sites marketing to customers in the state
  
• 📰September 2023, Connecticut Lottery announced their 11th sportsbook will be opening in at the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport
  

Rush Street Interactive, Inc., the company behind Play Sugarhouse, announced on March 27, 2023, that it would be wrapping up operations in Connecticut. You may be wondering what another online gaming operator is doing in the picture. It sounds complicated, but it is not when you take a deeper look. FanDuel and DraftKings offer online casino games and sportsbooks for Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods, and are the two online casinos operators.

Play-Sugarhouse, on the other hand, works in partnership with the Connecticut Lottery Corporation to provide online lottery services in the state. That partnership is drawing to a close, with the provider expected to close shop before the end of the year. This is backed up by the later announcement that Delaware Lottery has selected as the vendor for its online gaming activities.

There is no cause for panic, though, as the lottery operations are expected to continue hitch-free pending the final termination of the partnership. They have agreed to a deal with International Gaming Technology to take over once PlaySugarhouse has exited.

What’s Next?
In all the hustle and bustle of the Connecticut gambling industry, there are some things you could look forward to in the near and distant future.

• A Third Online Casino?

With two online casinos firmly established in the current market, could a third force be coming soon? The Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes have been in talks with the state government since 2016 to establish a third casino at East Windsor jointly. The Mohegan tribe has been able to secure federal approval of amendments in accordance with PA 17-89, but the Mashantucket Pequot is not quite there yet.

It only seems a matter of time though, and when it does happen, you can expect that a corresponding Connecticut online casino app will be launched almost immediately. After all, there is an existing online gambling infrastructure already. So, what mega online casino would be making its way into Connecticut soon? Your guess is as good as ours!

You deserve to know what exactly is on offer at each Connecticut casino before you dive in with full force. We already have you covered, as the below section details what to watch out for at the CT online casinos.

Connecticut Online Casino Bonuses and Promotions

Online casinos in Connecticut have an array of games to keep players entertained for hours on end. To make things even juicier, they go out of their way to throw in bonuses and promotions that would help you explore their features to the fullest.

💰Welcome Bonuses

If you are considering registering with an online casino or just joined one, you definitely want to take advantage of their welcome bonus. This is the bonus casinos have in place for new players just joining the casino. The Welcome Bonus may come in different shapes and sizes, but they’ll always get you started out on the right foot. Connecticut online casinos have different welcome bonus structures, and you have the option of checking them out and choosing whichever appeals to you more.

🎁Deposit Bonuses

Deposit bonuses are among the most straightforward ones available. If you choose this bonus, the online casino will match all or part of your initial deposit in site credit. Those credits can’t be withdrawn for cash but will become available once the wagering requirements are met.

🤑 No Deposit Bonuses

No deposit bonuses work very differently from deposit bonuses. It is practically free money, as the casino gives you the reward without requiring any financial commitment in return. Since they are not dependent on your deposit, no-deposit bonuses are often fixed and smaller than deposit bonuses.

💸 Cashback Bonuses

Cashback bonuses are another popular offering at online casinos in Connecticut. Since recording losses is common in gambling, online casinos have decided to combat this by offering to refund portions of the money you lose while gambling. It is returned to you as a bonus, and you can use that to go again and retest your luck.

🆓Free Spins

Free Spins are specially designed bonuses for slot games. This bonus basically offers you a fixed number of chances at playing a slot game at no cost at all. Free spins bonuses may be restricted to a single slot game, and they may also be usable across several games.

🏀Sportsbook Bonuses

Connecticut online casinos are also famous for coming with their elite sportsbooks since sports betting is also legal in the state. If that is what tickles your fancy,  you can still claim some incredible welcome bonus offers. These casinos have huge sportsbook bonuses in place, offering you the chance to enjoy the thrill of sports betting without breaking your bankroll.

Wagering Requirements

Wagering requirements are common with online casino bonuses, and Connecticut online casinos are not excluded. These stipulate a certain number of times you must play through a bonus before you can withdraw your winnings. While this may cast some gloom, it lets you know that these bonuses are fair. And even better, the wagering requirements at Connecticut online casinos are better than you will find in most places. So that should not hold you back at all!

Now that you have a grasp on the different types of bonuses that are available, it is time to explore which games you can use them for. This brings us to the next consideration in our review – what online casino games in Connecticut should you start with.

Online Casino Games in Connecticut

♣ Poker

It is not much of a casino if there is no poker now, is it? This classic game of chips and cards comes with different variations and rules, several of which you can find in Connecticut online casinos. Pick a from the several different games offered to enjoy one of the most casino games available.

🎰Slots

Slots are the modern standard for online gambling, posting the largest number of titles in online gaming. Online casinos in Connecticut offer you the chance to play over a thousand slot games. This includes some of the very biggest games in the online gambling industry, such as Gonzo’s Quest, Starburst, and the Jumanji Series. With an industry average RTP of 96%, innovative storylines,engaging themes, and state-of-the-art animation, online slots avail you of everything you seek at an online casino.

Roulette

Roulette is yet another casino classic that you can enjoy at a CT online casino. A pure and proper game of luck, roulette allows you to spin against the odds and hope for success. You can enjoy the vivid graphics and a transparent system from the comfort of your home. 

♠ ️Blackjack

Enough of slots for now. Blackjack is the kind of casino game that gets off your casino bucket list first. This card game offers a theoretical RTP, usually around 98% to 99%, offering you an ample chance against the house. Very often, you can also play with other players, and there are different varieties to suit your fancy, making it a mainstay you want to enjoy in a CT casino.

Live Casino

Do you want to enjoy the feeling of playing in a physical casino without having to leave home? Let us introduce you to the live casino gaming. This category usually features several casino games that are streamed live from a physical casino location, and you get to take part in them remotely. Needless to say, they are incredibly popular, and it is a must-try at CT online casinos.

💸 Payment Methods in Connecticut Online Casinos

Before you go on testing your luck at the games we have looked at, consider what banking methods to opt for while gambling at online casinos in Connecticut. For the sake of convenience and comfort, each casino offers multiple payment methods for you to choose from. Each comes with a different kind of allure, so you have to be intentional with whichever you opt for. In the meantime, this section will detail some of the most popular online deposit methods that you can use in Connecticut.

• Apple Pay: Apple Pay is one of the most popular banking methods in Connecticut casinos, offering a safe, private, and secure payment option for you to bank on your casino account. It is especially convenient as it is automatically installed on all your Apple devices, allowing you to bank at any time. It also allows you to link your cards to the app so you can make payments faster without missing out on any benefits.
• Venmo: If you want to look beyond Apple Pay, look to Venmo. This e-wallet is hugely popular due to its two-way transaction option that not only allows you to deposit, but to also withdraw your winnings. Even better, Venmo payments are free. You can also obtain a Venmo credit card to pay, though that attracts a 3% fee.
• PayPal: If convenience is the watchword, you have PayPal there for you. Little wonder it is one of the most popular banking methods in Connecticut, and the US as a whole. The wallet offers an ultra-secure payment network, as well as a seamless interface. It also processes payments free of charge, and you can do everything you want with just your email address and password. What more could you ask for? 
• Credit/Debit Cards: These need little introduction. Connecticut online casinos provide you with a safe and secure transaction portal to fund your account through your credit and debit card details. No third-party wallets. Just you, your card, and your casino.
• Online Banking: Online banking allows you to create a virtual account with your bank and carry out transactions using just your username and password. That way, your money goes straight from your bank account to the casino, and you can withdraw your winnings directly into the same account.
• PayNearMe: PayNearMe is a third-party payment platform that helps to simplify your banking with the biller - your online casino - for a token charge. With this banking method, your horizons are greatly broadened, allowing you to fund your account through multiple channels, even cash. No excuses for you now!
• ACH/eChecks: ACH, short for Automated Clearing House, is an online banking method that facilitates interbank transfers. eChecks are a form of ACH, and they allow you to fund your account just like you are using a normal check. Easy much?
• Play+ Cards: Security. Speed. Simplicity. Those are what you put your money in when you use the Play+ Card online banking option at your chosen CT online casino. It is a prepaid virtual card that allows you to deposit and withdraw from the casino in cheap and simplified transactions.
• Cash at Casino Cage: Since Connecticut online casinos have land-based partners, cash at Casino Cage presents a splendid banking method for you. You go to the land casino, make and see through your payment in person, and get an instant guarantee on the transaction status immediately.

There are many things that set FanDuel and DraftKings apart from other online casinos, and it is no surprise that they are the only legal options in CT for now. Apart from their huge popularity in the US and the delectable games and promotions on offer, what other features make these casinos so unique yet equally mesmerizing? Let us look into them.

📱Mobile Optimization

One of the standout features of Mohegan Sun and DraftKings is that they are fully adaptable for mobile play. After all, online casinos exist to give you more control over when and how you play casino games. So having functionality limited to desktops kind of defeats the purpose. Thankfully, both casinos can be used on mobile devices, including  both Android, and iOS. This allows you to enjoy your favorite games anywhere and anytime, although you are legally required to be in Connecticut while using their services.

🖼️User Interface

Online casino gaming is not all about placing bets and hoping for the best. A core part of the process is, the process. The look and feel of the user interface all contribute to the experience, and it is safe to say that you are well-covered in that regard at the Connecticut online casinos. FanDuel incorporates a bright blue and white theme, while DraftKings opts for a dark theme with patches of color here and there. FanDuel boasts a more convenient interface, with distinct categorizations all available from the home page. DraftKings has a relatively interesting interface but requires some more moving around.

🚀Extras

These casinos have proven to be versatile, offering way more than you would normally find at many other online casinos. You may want to explore these features as you go, some of which you can find below.

1. Sportsbook: Both casinos have very well-developed sportsbooks, which would appeal to you if you want to try your hand at sports betting.
2. VIP: The royal treatment is available for you at each casino, offering you exclusive deals, bonuses, rates, and rewards. If you want to spend much at the casino, you might as well receive much to go along.
3. Responsible Gambling: Responsible Gambling is a big deal in Connecticut, and you can see that from the number of tools in the Responsible Gambling repertoire of both FanDuel and DraftKings. These include betting limits, self-exclusion, and third-party exclusion.

⏩ At this stage of the proceedings, you are aware of all the things you would need to start playing at Connecticut online casinos. That leaves you with just one more thing – creating your very own online casino account. The process is pretty straightforward, making it easy for users of all experience levels. However, if you could use some help, we have you covered. Below we will cover every step of the of the sign-up process.

1. Download one of the Connecticut online casino apps, or visit their official site.
2. Click on the “Sign Up”, “Register” or “Create an Account” tabs. If you want to claim a bonus directly, search for it in the “Promotions” section and create an account from there.
3. Fill up the required fields on the registration page.
4. Set up your password and verify your contact details.
5. Get your account logged in, and enjoy every pleasure it affords you.

Pre-Registration Essentials and Recommendations

Now that you know the step-by-step process of registering your online casino account in Connecticut, there are some other things you will need to do. These include rules and laws you must adhere to, as well as documentation that you are required to provide.

🔑Key Requirements

·         Age Restrictions: Plainly speaking, you need to be 21 and above in age before you can create an online casino account or play a slot game. This is clearly indicated on the casino website, as it is an absolutely crucial requirement. Even if you want to surf the casino site or play demo games before creating the account, you still need to confirm you are old enough.

·         Residency Requirements: Recall that we mentioned in passing that you need to physically reside in Connecticut to use the casinos and their services. While you may not be permanently resident in CT, you must be physically located there to use the online casino services.

·         Identity Verification: This is stipulated by Title 12 of the Connecticut Administrative Code. You are required to give online casinos adequate information to prove your age and identity before creating an account. These include at least the last four digits of your Social Security Number, government-issued ID, and Tax Identification Number. Connecticut online casinos are requires to conduct extensive checks using these documents and your information to confirm your age and identity, so you might be required to submit even more documents before you can start playing casino games.

🤝Best Tips and Tricks

Now for some advice on how to enjoy your online casino experience;

·         Access the online casinos from stronger devices. That optimizes speed and functionality.

·         Make the most of Responsible Gambling tools to prevent addiction.

·         Try out demo games before playing with real money. It allows you to get the hang of it before committing your funds to it.

·         Ensure you read and understand the casino’s terms before using the bonuses and services.

·         Only gamble money you can afford to lose.

👩🏻‍💻Customer Support

There are few things that are more important than customer service, especially when your money is involved. This includes gambling at online casinos. Many casinos have customer support services in available 24/7 to support CT players. These support channels include live chat, email support, phone numbers, and self-help centers.

With the myriad of customer support channels available, you have ample resources to answer your questions and challenges during and after registration. If you have any inquiries, you could visit the self-help center or FAQs section to get a quick answer or engage the live chat feature. For further issues, you may want to send a mail, a support ticket, or even place a call the customer service line.

Customer support channels are usually extensively detailed in the Support or Help Center section. While responses are often instant, it may take some hours to get some issues resolved. To get your problems resolved out faster, try to check if there is something on it in the self-help section. If not, you can move on to other support channels. Try to have records of processes and transactions readily available to get your problems resolved faster.