Connecticut’s stance when it comes to sports betting can be rather confusing. While wagering on sporting activities in the state technically became legal back in 2017, no state-sanctioned sports betting activities are currently available. The interest in legal and regulated sports betting in Connecticut began even before the United States Supreme abolished the Professional & Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) which makes it rather hard to understand the situation in the state.
Now, all that could change but it will only be after all of the existing legislative and or legal hurdles are sorted out. Also, while there is a common interest in having sports wagering come to the state, many of the stakeholders have conflicting interests. Meanwhile, sports betting enthusiasts in Connecticut can either wait for things to get better or look for alternatives. So far, the most popular option is the offshore sportsbooks that are tailored to give the bettors everything that they are missing.
Here are our top online sports betting sites for US players in Connecticut:
Top 5 Connecticut Online Sports Betting Sites
BetOnline
- Very generous bonus payment system
- Bonus codes for every major event
- Mobile compatible and accessible
Bovada
SportsBetting.ag
BetUS
MyBookie
Is It Legal to Bet on Offshore sports From Connecticut?
Connecticut is one of the few states that has been very strict when it comes to gambling laws – the state even has laws that prohibit both domestic and offshore online betting. However, these restrictions are not enforced. So, even though it is technically not legal to participate in any kind of online betting, the state has no recorded history of going after people who choose to gamble with offshore online sports betting sites. You barely need to worry about getting arrested or prosecuted.
One of the factors that seem to help with this is the fact that the offshore online sports betting sites are licensed and regulated in other jurisdictions. Both the state’s authorities and the federal government do not have power over those sites.
Why Are Offshore Sports Betting Sites Popular in Connecticut?
Despite the restrictions imposed by the Nutmeg State’s government, sports betting is still very popular among its residents. The delay in passing laws to regulate the sector has only made offshore sports betting sites more appealing. However, there are lots of other reasons that make offshore sportsbooks very popular in the state.
Privacy. – Now, since all kinds of online gambling are prohibited in Connecticut gamblers are always on the lookout for options that offer both anonymity and privacy. Offshore sportsbooks have lots of features that allow players from Connecticut to enjoy wagering on their favorite sporting activities without having to worry about prying eyes.
Safety and fairness. – Even though these offshore sports betting sites offer a workaround to the state’s gambling laws, they are still licensed and regulated albeit in other jurisdictions. This means that they also check the right boxes when it comes to protecting your funds and personal info as well as offering fair odds.
The sports betting markets. – One of the best things about international sportsbooks is that they have to offers as many sports markets as possible to cater to their global audiences. Bettors in Connecticut can therefore enjoy betting on both domestic sports and international sporting activities.
Lots of payment options. – Naturally, since local laws prohibit online gambling, some payment service providers have steered clear of offshore sportsbooks. However, thanks to the existence of alternative payment options such as digital currencies, players can still deposit funds into their casino accounts and safely withdraw their winnings. These alternative payment options are integrated beautifully into the top offshore sportsbooks and they come with additional features such as privacy and low-cost transactions.
Bonuses and promotions. – Online sportsbooks are always battling it out to attract and retain as many customers as possible and there is no better way to stand out than to offer the most compelling rewards. All of the offshore sportsbooks that are available to Connecticut’s residents have amazing bonuses and promotions which can add lots of real value to the betting experience.
The Different Types of Bets Available on Offshore Sportsbooks
Players in Connecticut not only get to choose from several different sports betting sites but they also get to make even more choices once they start betting. Being able to fine-tune their betting options gives them the chance to make more money and have lots of fun while at it. Some of the most popular bets you will come across include:
- Straight bets
- Money line bets
- Total line bets
- Parlay bets
- Teasers bets
- Head-to-head bets
- Spread bets
- Live bets
Popular Sports Betting Markets in Connecticut
The sports betting market in the state is pretty diverse as the bettors have varying interests. Some will prefer sporting activities that are popular in the country while others are fans of international sports. Either way, the available offshore sportsbooks have done a pretty good job when it comes to offering as many sports betting markets as possible. All that is left for the bettors to do is to choose their favorite.
Popular sports betting markets include:
- NBA games
- NFL
- College basketball
- Soccer
- NHL games
- Tennis
- Esports
- Golf
- Mixed martial arts
- Marathons
- Rugby
The state does not currently have any high-profile professional sports teams but this has not stopped them from being avid sports fans. The college teams are very popular and they receive an overwhelming amount of support from the state. A few of the local teams that bettors can wager on at the offshore sportsbooks are Connecticut Sun (WNBA), Yale Bulldogs (NCAA), Fairfield Stags (NCAA), Connecticut Huskies (NCAA), Hartford Hawks (NCAA), Central Connecticut State Blue Devils and Quinnipiac Bobcats (NCAA) among others.
Different Connecticut Events That You Can Bet On
Sports are quite a big deal in Connecticut and thus bettors are always assured of having something to bet on. The offshore sports betting sites allow their users to bet on various sporting activities and events including the Super Bowl, March Madness, and the Stanley Cup among others. International events such as the English Premier League are also well represented.
FAQ
No, Connecticut does not allow any form of online gambling but players can still use offshore sportsbooks since the state does not enforce its rules on these sites.
Yes, the top offshores sports betting sites are licensed and regulated by reputable third parties which means that they are both safe and fair.
The state’s lawmakers and the stakeholders of the gaming industry are still discussing the terms for legal and regulated sports betting. There is, however, no official timeline for this.
Yes, the offshore sports betting sites allow their customer to add real money to their accounts for wagering purposes. They can also withdraw their winnings.
You need to make sure that you are playing for a reputable site that checks all the right boxes for such things as safety, security, design, fair odds, and multiple sports betting markets. A sportsbook guide like ours would be a great place to start.
