From New Haven Register

Decades ago, the idea of a casino in Connecticut wasn’t on anyone’s radar. But in 1992, Foxwoods opened its doors and, four years later, was joined by Mohegan Sun.

Up until recently, a Connecticut-based online horse race wagering operation wasn’t on anyone’s radar. But on June 8, Connecticut Off-Track Betting, operated by Sportech, Inc., debuted with a soft launch. Sportech is still working out a few “minor kinks” and plans an official debut with a hard launch in about three weeks.

Massachusetts launched its statewide keno operation in 1993, but Connecticut state officials were concerned that bringing keno to the Nutmeg State would violate the Indian casino compact. But in June, the state legislature, with an agreement to pay the casinos 12.5 percent each from the revenue, approved keno at non-casino venues. The state will allow 1,000 yet-to-be-determined sites to operate keno. Today, full-blown Internet gambling — poker, casino wagering and sports betting — may not be on anyone’s radar, but it’s the next logical step in expanding gambling in the state.

“It’s inevitable that Internet gambing is the next step when it comes to (gambling) expansion,” said state Rep. Steve Dargan, D-West Haven, chairman of the Connecticut Public Safety Committee. “The gaming industry is a fascinating industry and it has always intrigued me, especially Internet gaming, which is a multi-billion dollar business.

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