Connecticut: First of 15 planned retail sportsbooks begins taking wagers today

October 25, 2021 2:03 PM
  • Rege Behe, CDC Gaming Reports
October 25, 2021 2:03 PM
  • Rege Behe, CDC Gaming Reports

Rush Street Interactive, the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, and Sportech Venues Monday announced the launch of in-person sports betting at Sports Haven in New Haven, Connecticut, the first of 15 planned PlaySugarHouse retail sportsbooks in the Nutmeg State when it opens its doors today.

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Retail sportsbooks at Bobby V’s Restaurant & Sports Bar locations in Stamford and Windsor Locks also are expected to open soon.

“This has been a long time coming for Connecticut players, and we’re honored to be the only statewide retail operator,” said Connecticut Lottery Corporation President and CEO Greg Smith in a statement. “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.”

The new PlaySugarHouse sportsbooks in New Haven, Stamford and Windsor Locks will offer entertainment options including wall-to-wall TV monitors, odds boards, and food and beverage menus. Bettors 21 and over will be able to place a range of wagers on professional and collegiate sports, including parlays, prop bets, and in-game bets, through self-service kiosks and staffed teller stations.

“We are thrilled to roll out the PlaySugarHouse retail sportsbooks in the state of Connecticut alongside the Connecticut Lottery and Sportech,” said Rush Street CEO Richard Schwartz in a statement. “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.”

Connecticut players also can bet online using RSI’s platform from their mobile devices, tablets, desktop and laptop computers. The online sportsbook includes thousands of betting options, a selection of live streaming content, bonusing and rewards programs, deposit methods, automated cash-out approvals, and user-friendly responsible gaming tools, including deposit, spend, and time limits.

PlaySugarHouse retail sportsbooks will open in Sportech locations in Hartford, Manchester, Waterbury, Torrington, New Britain, Milford, and Norwalk in the coming weeks. The Connecticut Lottery and RSI are authorized to operate up to 15 PlaySugarHouse retail sports wagering locations.

“Today marks a historic day for sports betting fans in Connecticut as the PlaySugarHouse sportsbook launches in New Haven,” said Sportech Venues President Ted Taylor in a statement.  “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.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by representatives from the Connecticut Lottery, RSI, Sportech, and state and local officials, is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET Monday at Sports Haven.