Those who play poker in Connecticut may want to keep a close eye on the next few months as the state moves closer to establishing its first regulated online poker sites. The state will be looking for the right way to proceed with the process, as well as an opportunity to enter multi-state liquidity agreements. It’s likely that a couple of sites will be launched simultaneously, although there’s no word on when those sites may go live.
Currently, Connecticut is waiting for the US Department of Justice (DoJ) to issue a final ruling on the Wire Act. This decision will determine whether the state will be able to launch online poker sites. Before then, online poker in Connecticut will likely be a non-starter. The state has a small population, and it’s unlikely that an online poker platform could gain traction there.
Until then, the state’s Department of Consumer Protection will oversee gambling activities in the state. While the state’s Department of Justice (DoJ) is still reviewing the latest OLC opinion, it’s likely that enforcement will limit the growth of the online poker industry across the state.
The Department of Justice has not set a deadline for when it will release the final ruling. However, it’s likely that the decision will be made in the near future. While it’s not a certainty, it’s possible that the state could get its online poker sites up and running in time for the fall of 2021. However, it’s also possible that unexpected developments could push the deadline back, so it’s important to keep an eye on developments.
The state’s first regulated online poker sites are likely to launch in the fall of 2021. However, it’s possible that they’ll be delayed for another year while the state waits for a final ruling on the Wire Act. Until then, players will have to stick to foreign-based platforms. These foreign-based platforms don’t have any control over the USA, and therefore, players aren’t subject to the same penalties as they would if they were depositing or withdrawing money from a US-based site.
The Department of Justice is not currently considering whether it will appeal the Wire Act’s decision to the US Supreme Court. However, it’s likely that the DoJ will follow the OLC’s lead in the event that the Wire Act is reinterpreted to allow states to enter multi-state liquidity agreements. This will allow states to develop shared networks and gather larger player pools. It’s possible that Connecticut could enter such an agreement, but it’s not clear that the state would be able to do so.
However, the Department of Justice is still working on the final interpretation of the Wire Act, and it’s possible that it will end up being reinterpreted in a way that will allow states to enter multi-state liquidity agreements. States will be able to use the Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware MSIGA as a model for future agreements. If these agreements work out, Connecticut will likely be able to enter shared liquidity agreements with other states, which could increase the interest in the state’s online poker industry.