Connecticut iGaming Licence
What is the Connecticut iGaming licence?
A Connecticut iGaming licence is the approval that lets a company take part in the state’s legal online casino market. First, the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) regulates the market and issues the licences. In addition, the tribal gaming commissions co-regulate the platforms that run under their compacts.
Connecticut legalised online casino gaming and sports betting through Public Act 21-23 in 2021, and the market launched in October 2021. Since then, it has settled into a compact, tightly held market.
In practice, the top-level authorisation is a master wagering licence, and the online casino master licences are already allocated. Therefore, a commercial company enters Connecticut by working with a master licensee and holding its own operator or service provider licence.
Who can hold a Connecticut iGaming licence?
Two federally recognised tribes hold the online casino master wagering licences: the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe. Each works with a commercial platform, currently DraftKings and FanDuel. Separately, the Connecticut Lottery Corporation holds a master licence covering sports betting, fantasy contests, keno, and lottery, rather than online casino games.
Because the online casino master licences are allocated, a company does not apply for one directly. Instead, there are two practical routes. A technology platform that partners with a master licensee holds an online gaming operator licence. Meanwhile, a business-to-business supplier holds an online gaming service provider licence.
Players must be 21 or older and physically located in Connecticut. If you are planning to supply or partner in this market, book a free consultation and our team will map the route and licences you need.
Types of Licences
Connecticut iGaming licence types
Connecticut sets out clear licence categories, and the right one depends on what a company actually does.
Master wagering licence
First, this is the top-level authorisation to offer online casino gaming. The two tribes hold the online casino master licences, and the Connecticut Lottery Corporation holds a master licence for its own products. As a result, this category is not open to new applicants.
Online gaming operator licence
Next, a technology platform that partners directly with a master licensee holds an online gaming operator licence. For most commercial brands, this is the licence that matters, and it sits alongside the commercial agreement with the tribe.
Online gaming service provider licence
In addition, business-to-business suppliers hold an online gaming service provider licence. Specifically, this covers payment processors, geolocation providers, know your customer vendors, and live dealer studios.
Occupational and key employee licences
Finally, individuals whose work affects gaming integrity, data security, or equipment testing hold occupational licences. Notably, under a 2025 requirement, live online casino dealers also hold individual state licences, which supports the integrity of streamed games.
Licensing Requirements
Connecticut iGaming licence requirements
To begin, the DCP reviews the suitability, integrity, and finances of every applicant and its key people. Beyond that review, several operating requirements shape a Connecticut project.
Platform and server approval
The DCP approves servers and certifies the platform before it goes live. For that reason, technical certification is planned early, alongside the commercial agreement with the master licensee.
Geolocation and player age
Operators verify that players are 21 or older. In addition, geolocation must confirm that every wager is placed inside Connecticut, and the state expects a high accuracy standard, set at 99.99%.
Responsible gaming
Responsible gaming obligations are detailed. Platforms integrate with the centralised statewide self-exclusion programme, apply net loss limits, and display problem gambling support details. Moreover, each master licensee contributes $500,000 a year to responsible gaming programmes.
Tribal co-regulation
Because the master licences sit with the tribes, platforms are monitored by the tribal gaming commissions as well as the DCP. Consequently, a supplier reports into two oversight structures rather than one.
Product scope
Connecticut also sets the boundaries of what may be offered. In 2025 the state acted to prohibit sweepstakes-style casino products that imitate real-money play, so product design should be checked against current rules before launch.
Company Requirements
Connecticut iGaming licence cost and tax
To start, the fees depend on which licence applies, because the online casino master licences are already held.
| Licence | Fees |
|---|---|
| Online gaming operator licence | $250,000 initial application, $100,000 annual renewal |
| Online gaming service provider licence | $2,000 annual fee |
| Occupational employee licence | $50 initial, $50 annual renewal |
| Fingerprint background check | $200 initial, $100 every two years |
| Minimum player age | 21 |
Online casino tax
In addition, Connecticut applies a tax that steps up over time:
| Period | Tax on gross gaming revenue |
|---|---|
| First five years from launch | 18% |
| After the first five years | 20% |
Alongside the state tax, a federal excise tax of 0.25% applies to the handle. Because the state rate steps up, financial models should reflect the change rather than assume a flat rate.
Player tax withholding
One operational detail is easy to overlook. Platforms must withhold Connecticut state income tax at 6.99% on reportable winnings, meaning proceeds above $5,000 after the wager. In addition, Connecticut does not allow players to deduct gambling losses for state tax purposes, so player communications should be clear on this point.
Wider cost of entering the market
Beyond fees and tax, budget for incorporation, the compliance function, platform and certification work, legal support, and the commercial terms agreed with the master licensee.
Benefits
Why suppliers and platforms enter Connecticut
The Connecticut market in numbers
Connecticut runs a compact but active regulated online casino market. Specifically, iGaming revenue reached about $537.4 million in the 2025 fiscal year, within roughly $761.3 million across all gaming. In addition, player engagement is high, and iGaming wagers reached a record $1.55 billion in December 2025, while combined wagers across the year passed $23 billion.
What a Connecticut licence gives you
For a platform or supplier, a Connecticut licence opens a settled market with a small number of well-defined partners. In particular, it offers:
- Legal access to an active regulated player base
- A clear licence structure, with defined operator and service provider categories
- Modest annual fees for business-to-business suppliers
- Published responsible gaming and player protection standards
- Access to mainstream payment providers and banking that support a fully regulated operation
Get started in Connecticut
DD Consultus supports platforms and suppliers through the full Connecticut process, including licence applications, suitability and disclosure preparation, compliance readiness, and the agreement with the master licensee. To begin, book a free consultation, or contact contact@licencegaming.com or +356 99408536.
Reviewed by Denitza Dimitrova, Managing Partner. Former Manager for Legal and Enforcement at the Malta Gaming Authority. About the team
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Connecticut iGaming licence.