(Press Release) State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) and members of the Southeastern Connecticut legislative delegation have submitted a bipartisan bill for the 2019 legislative session that would amend Connecticut’s existing state laws to allow for online and in-person sports betting at Connecticut casinos.

The proposed law would include age and location verification requirements designed to block online access to persons under the age of 21 from betting on sports.

Since last May, when the United States Supreme Court struck down a 1992 federal law banning sports wagering, eight states now offer legalized sports betting, including nearby Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. New York has passed enabling legislation but has not yet instituted sports betting, and several other U.S. states – including Connecticut – are now considering it.

Rhode Island – which just launched sports betting in November – estimates it will collect $11.5 million in new state revenue in its first seven months of operation.

“Connecticut needs to play catch-up with surrounding states if we’re serious about modernizing our existing gaming industry. Fortunately, we can do that with a relatively simple regulatory fix,” said Sen. Osten, who represents Ledyard and a portion of Montville, home to Connecticut’s two Native American tribes that already operate gaming casinos.

She continued, “The U.S. Supreme Court decision last year paved the way for the expansion of private-sector sports betting, and I think Connecticut is in a good position to take advantage of that. We have the infrastructure with the tribal casinos, we can use the new revenue, and we’ve got bipartisan support. This should be an early session success story.”

“Neighboring states are already ahead of Connecticut on sports betting, but I think it’s an issue we can quickly catch up on that will have positive employment, economic and revenue impacts on Connecticut, “ said Sen.-elect Norm Needleman (D-Essex). 

He noted, “Two of Connecticut’s top-10 largest employers will benefit from this bill. The U.S. Supreme Court has already cleared the way legally, so I believe it’s incumbent on us as state policymakers to do what’s necessary to remain relevant and profitable in a rapidly expanding new national industry.”

The bill, with the current working number of LCO 578, is co-sponsored by Sens. Osten, Steve Cassano, Paul Formica, Heather Somers, and Sen.-elect Needleman, and by state Reps. Ryan, Christine Conley, Emmett Riley, Joe de la Cruz, Susan Johnson, Doug Dubitsky, Mike France and Holly Cheeseman.

State Representative Devin Carney, pictured above in a file photo, whose district includes both Lyme and Old Lyme, has received his appointments regarding the committees on which he will serve on during his third two-year term.

House Republican Leader Themis Klarides named Carney to her 2019-2021 leadership team as Assistant House Republican Leader, which provides for a stronger voice at the legislative bargaining table and gives him leadership responsibilities on the House Floor during floor debate.

Rep. Carney will return to the legislature’s Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee where he will serve as the Ranking Member of the Transportation Bonding Subcommittee, which oversees state bonding for transportation projects.

Rep. Carney will also return as a member on the Transportation Committee, where he previously served as Ranking Member. 

New this term, Rep. Carney will be a member of the Planning and Development Committee which oversees matters relating to local governments, housing, regional planning, conservation, and economic development. 

He was also named to the House Republican Screening Committee, a select committee that reviews all legislation.

“During his time here in the legislature Representative Carney has proven himself to be a trusted leader and legislator,” said Rep. Klarides on her appointment of Carney. “These committee assignments and his position as Assistant House Republican Leader prove that he is someone I have come to depend on.”

“I am honored to be appointed to these committees for the 2019-2021 legislative term,” said Carney. “There are many important issues that will arise within each of these committees. I look forward to dedicating myself to the work ahead and advocating for the people of the 23rd District.”

Rep. Carney represents the 23rd District, which, apart from Lyme and Old Lyme, also includes Old Saybrook and part of Westbrook.