Sportech Defends Connecticut Online Sports Betting Rights

Sportech, which is the only official licensee to run online and phone sports betting services in the state of Connecticut, has defended its rights as exclusive operator in a public statement.  The group’s announcement comes as the state’s Department of Consumer Protection and Attorney General George Jepsen confirmed that cease and desist letters were sent to 28 sports betting operators, warning them against serving Connecticut gamblers with real money wagers.

The authorities told the sports betting operators, based in ten different states,  that “you must immediately cease and desist from accepting wagers placed from within the State of Connecticut …”

Courant.com quoted the Commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection, William M. Rubenstein as saying that “some companies responded that they wouldn’t accept any wagers. Others had questions about Connecticut laws, and some said they are evaluating the order and they will respond soon.”

The operators, based in Kentucky, North Dakota, Florida and Ohio, among others, were told that while it may be legal to offer sports betting services in their own states, it was considered a violation of Connecticut laws.

In the meantime, Sportech said in a public statement: “No other site is regulated here or pays the tax that the state should be receiving. Our operations are closely monitored by the Department of Consumer Protection, thereby ensuring that the highest standards of player protection are in place for local residents.”

In the meantime, it was reported that Sportech has received approval from authorities for a second sports bar, restaurant and betting venue in Connecticut, to be located in downtown Stamford.  Earlier this year, Sportech opened the multi millon dollar, 10,000 square foot sports bar in Bradley, which is a popular destination for gamblers from the state and across-the-border New York.