This Oct. Connecticut saw the launch of three new PlaySugarHouse retail sportsbooks.
All three are located within Sportech’s Winners in Milford, Hartford, and Torrington. Another Connecticut sportsbook location is on track to launch in Norwalk.
A collaborative effort for Connecticut sportsbooks
Earlier in the year, Sportech struggled to get a sports betting license approved. Eventually, the company got betting underway both online and at its CT locations.
Then finally, after a contentious struggle, it entered into a 10-year exclusivity agreement with the Connecticut Lottery Corporation (CLC). The agreement also allows the CLC to promote an online and mobile sports betting channel.
In partnership with the CLC, Sportech now offers sports betting at its owned locations via the lottery. Rush Street Interactive (RSI), the CLC’s sportsbook provider, operates the PlaySugarHouse sportsbook used to place bets at the Sportech locations.
President and CEO of the CLC, Greg Smith, said:
“This has been a long time coming for Connecticut players, and we’re honored to be the only statewide retail operator. Together with our partners Rush Street Interactive and Sportech Venues, we can offer bettors world-class, in-person sportsbooks at accessible locations throughout the state and mobile sports betting under the PlaySugarHouse brand.”
CEO of RSI, Richard Schwartz, praised the 10-year deal and said:
“We are thrilled to roll out the PlaySugarHouse retail sportsbooks in the state of Connecticut alongside the Connecticut Lottery and Sportech. By combining the Connecticut Lottery’s brand recognition and retail presence throughout Connecticut, Sportech’s easy-to-access venues, and RSI’s market-proven products and services, we look forward to delivering convenient and exciting sports betting options to PlaySugarHouse players across the state.”
CLC Board Chair Rob Simmelkjaer praised the governor and lawmakers for their role in the agreement:
“We also want to acknowledge that this day would not have been possible without the tireless and collaborative work on the part of Governor Lamont, his staff, and our Legislative leaders,” he said. “Their efforts led to a deal that benefits all of Connecticut.”
PlaySugarHouse online sportsbook is now live
CT residents have even more options for betting aside from in-person sports betting. Now, residents can also place online sports bets from their devices via the PlaySugarHouse CT Sportsbook.
On Oct. 13, RSI and CLC had an online soft launch with the PlaySugarHouse sportsbook app. For a seven-day trial period, the sportsbook offered 750 online sports betting accounts across CT.
After the week’s success, the sportsbook fully launched for online betting in the state on Oct. 19.
The PlaySugarHouse mobile app and online sportsbook offers:
- Multiple deposit methods
- Automated cash-out approvals
- Live streaming content
- Bonus and rewards programs
- Tools for responsible gaming
Connecticut’s sweet 15
With ten retail sportsbooks either opened or planned, CT can expect a total of 15 PlaySugarHouse locations in the state.
The Sportech locations that were already open for retail sports betting:
- Sports Haven in New Haven, CT
- Bobby V’s Restaurant & Sports Bar in Stamford & Windsor Locks
- Winners in New Britain, Manchester, and Waterbury
The added locations mean that many CT residents will be 30 minutes by car from the nearest sports betting venue.
Ted Taylor, President of Sportech, is looking forward to offering sports betting at more locations in the future:
“Our Sportech team is delighted to be Connecticut Lottery’s and RSI’s partner for delivering this exciting product here and in all our other locations soon.”
What to expect at PlaySugarHouse
Bettors who are minimum of 21 can place bets on professional and college-level sports. Using self-serve kiosks or teller stations bettors can play prop bets, in-game bets, and parlays.
The three new PlaySugarHouse sportsbook venues are stocked with wall-to-wall monitors, odds boards, and even food and beverage offerings.
A bright future for Connecticut sports betting
The arrival of sports betting in CT brings promising futures for local businesses and residents. Accordingly, Sportech CEO Andrew Lindley said:
“This is an important step forward for the Connecticut business, further strengthening our relationship with CLC, the state’s gaming division, and with CLC’s sportsbook provider Rush Street Interactive.”
Lindley is also looking forward to meeting customer expectations:
“The demand for sports betting has been around for many years and we are happy to offer it to our customers after a successful soft launch. Customers’ interest in sports betting has grown significantly in the United States and we look forward to becoming part of the story and working with our partners to welcome new customers to the venue.”
