Mohegan, FanDuel Pen Connecticut Betting, Online Casino Deal

Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE), the casino and hospitality arm of the Mohegan Tribe, has tapped FanDuel as its sports betting partner in Connecticut as the state is entering the final stages of introducing the practice to local sports fans.

Under the terms of this new partnership, FanDuel will provide online and mobile sports betting and casino services and daily fantasy sports in the state and will operate a physical sportsbook at MGE’s flagship casino, Mohegan Sun, in Unscasville, Connecticut.

Subject to licensing and regulatory approvals, FanDuel expects to launch its digital and retail products in the state in partnership with MGE this coming fall. Local sports fans will be able to place bets on professional football, basketball, baseball, and hockey, among a number of other sports.

In addition, FanDuel will provide an online casino experience under the Mohegan Sun brand. The company’s alliance with MGE also enables it to deliver its DFS product across the state.

In March, Gov. Ned Lamont and Connecticut’s two federally recognized tribes – the Mohegans and the Mashantucket Pequots – signed a ten-year gambling compact that authorized the two tribes to conduct sports betting and online casino activities on the territory of the state.

The state Legislature passed a bill on the deal in late May and Gov. Lamont quickly signed it into law. The compact is now under review by the US Department of the Interior. Subject to federal approval, sports betting and iGaming could go live in the state as early as this fall.

FanDuel to Open a Temporary Facility First

FanDuel and MGE said that Mohegan Sun will initially feature a temporary FanDuel Sportsbook while a permanent facility is under construction. The temporary venue will have four betting windows and 16 self-service betting terminals.

The permanent wagering location is expected to open doors this winter, subject to regulatory approvals.

Commenting on their partnership with MGE, FanDuel President Amy Howe said that Mohegan Sun is “an iconic casino and entertainment destination in the Northeast, and we are excited to announce our first tribal gaming partnership with one of the leading tribal operators in the United States.”

The official teased “some incredible plans” for their future retail space at Mohegan Sun, saying it could be the largest FanDuel Sportsbook in the US. Ms. Howe further pointed out that when they combine retail sports betting with the opportunity for online wagering and iGaming, “Connecticut is going to be a key state for us as we look towards the start of football season.”

Ray Pineault, President & CEO of MGE, said that they are excited to now be working with “one of the leading sports-tech entertainment companies in the US” and bring FanDuel’s innovative sports betting and iGaming solutions to their flagship casino.

Mr. Pineault went on to add that this alliance is a priority for Mohegan Digital as they “look to grow and enhance our casino, sportsbook, and online operations in Connecticut – and beyond.”

It was late last month when MGE announced the launch of its interactive division, Mohegan Digital. The company said at the time that its goal would be for its newly established online gambling arm to “lead the charge” in the provision of “cutting-edge” digital solutions to its loyal fan base.

MGE earlier this year debuted its first Las Vegas gambling venue – Mohegan Sun Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The casino operator announced its partnership with the hospitality business of British tycoon Richard Branson in September 2019. The facility features a Betfred-operated sportsbook.

Source: FanDuel Announces Market Access Partnership with Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment to Operate Sports Betting, iGaming and DFS in Connecticut, PR Newswire, July 7, 2021