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The Connecticut Lottery Corp. (CLC) is building its sportsbook empire.
This week, the lottery announced a plan to open its 11th sportsbook. The new book will open in Bridgeport’s Total Mortgage Arena, home of the American Hockey League’s Bridgeport Islanders.
Retail and online sports betting are legal in the Constitution State. It is also one of just six states to offer online casinos.
CT’s Total Mortgage Arena is a prime location for a sportsbook
Connecticut splits its retail sportsbooks into two categories: those run by the lottery and those that aren’t. For example, DraftKings and FanDuel operate sportsbooks at Foxwoods Resort and Mohegan Sun, respectively.
The lottery operates sportsbooks at 10 non-casino locations, including:
- Four at Winners sports bars
- Two at Bobby V’s Restaurant and Sports Bar locations.
The Bridgeport sportsbook will be the lottery’s 11th location and the first one in a sports venue. Additionally, it will be the only retail sportsbook in Bridgeport.
In a CLC press release, CEO Greg Smith said that the lottery has had its eye on Bridgeport as a sportsbook location since sports betting launched in October 2021.
“The City of Bridgeport has been a focus for the Connecticut Lottery since Day 1, and we thank local officials and Bridgeport’s state delegation for their support in this endeavor. Total Mortgage Arena provides us with a unique space that is already known as an entertainment hub for sports, music performances, and events.
The addition of the sportsbook will help make Total Mortgage Arena an entertainment and sports destination every day with ample and easy parking access.”
New York Islanders look forward to bringing sportsbook to Bridgeport
The Total Mortgage Arena sportsbook will be 2,500 square feet and include all the typical amenities:
- Food and beverage service
- Multiple TVs
- Bar seating
- Betting kiosks and windows
New York Islanders Executive Vice President Zachary Klein said the organization views the sportsbook as an “exciting element” to add to the Bridgeport Islander’s arena.
“We look forward to bringing the sports betting market to our fans and community,” Klein said.
Local leaders say sportsbook will expand opportunities for economic growth
Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim and State Rep. Atononio Felipe were among the politicians who commented on the lottery’s forthcoming sportsbook. Gamin said:
“The sportsbook will be a great addition that will expand entertainment and dining options for the greater Bridgeport area and tourists alike. I thank the CT Lottery Corporation and the Bridgeport Islanders for this collaboration that will provide continuous opportunities to spur economic activity.”
Felipe added that the Bridgeport area’s entertainment options are growing, and the new sportsbook fits in with that growth. “The opening of this sportsbook diversifies and provides opportunities to build off of moving forward,” he said.
