Currently, Connecticut is the seventh US state to authorize and regulate online poker. The state’s online poker bill was signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont on May 27, 2021. While the bill does not mention shared liquidity, lawmakers may introduce amendments to regulate the shared liquidity aspect of online poker.
In order to play poker online, a player must be at least 18 years of age. In order to play, a player must download poker software and install it on their computer or laptop. The software will need a minimum amount of memory and processing power to operate. A player can then choose from a wide range of stakes and game variations. A player can also use a smart phone or tablet to play. The player can deposit and withdraw money from the poker site using cheques or wire transfers.
Connecticut has flirted with a bill to regulate online gambling for a while. The state has had two Indian tribes and a gambling company, Mashantucket Pequot, owning Foxwoods Resort, which would be required to partner with an online casino company to operate an online poker site. However, the tribes and gambling company have not partnered with an online poker site. They could still set up two sites, but it is not likely that they will.
Connecticut has been negotiating with the two Indian tribes to reach an agreement that will allow them to operate online poker sites. However, Connecticut lawmakers are not clear on how they would handle the shared liquidity issue. In the meantime, Connecticut is waiting on the Department of Justice’s Wire Act ruling. Until the Wire Act ruling is finalized, Connecticut will not be able to enter into shared liquidity agreements with other states. However, lawmakers say they are open to the possibility. If Connecticut can enter into shared liquidity agreements, the state’s market for online poker will be more attractive.
The Connecticut online poker bill does not include any language on shared liquidity, which could make Connecticut’s market for online poker less attractive. Connecticut has a relatively small population, 3.5 million, which does not lend itself to an online poker market. In order to get a large player pool, the state would need to join with other states to set up shared networks. There are also concerns about player liquidity. For example, it is hard for a poker site to start a tournament if there are not enough players to make up a full table. If Connecticut operators could pool their player pools with other states, it would solve many of the traffic issues of having an online poker site in Connecticut.
Connecticut is not yet at the point where regulated online poker will be legal, but it is likely that the first regulated casinos and betting sites will be launched in the state by the fall of 2021. However, it is possible that Connecticut’s online poker legislation could be delayed until the Wire Act ruling is finalized. If unexpected developments occur, the target date may be pushed back.