CLC and Fanatics Roll 11th Sportsbook in Connecticut

The Connecticut Lottery Corporation (CLC) has expanded its retail sports betting footprint by opening its 11th location in partnership with Fanatics Sportsbook and Sportech Inc. 

The new sportsbook is situated at Sportech’s Winners on 24 Burnell Blvd., Norwalk, conveniently located near Interstate 95.

What to Expect as a Bettor 

Equipped with betting windows, eight self-service kiosks, and numerous high-definition TVs, this venue caters to fans of a wide array of sports. 

Bettors can place wagers on professional and college football, basketball, hockey, baseball, tennis, soccer, golf, MMA, and boxing. 

The hours of operation vary by day, with the sportsbook open Monday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m., and extended hours on weekends. 

A recent approval by the Norwalk Common Council allows betting on Sundays, an exception to the state’s usual restrictions that require municipal consent.

Ongoing Retail Sports Betting Expansion

The new Norwalk location is part of the state’s growing network of retail sportsbooks, joining ten other venues. 

These include popular spots like the XL Center in Hartford, Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, Bobby V’s in Stamford and Windsor Locks, and other Winners locations in cities such as Hartford, Milford, New Britain, and Waterbury.

The push to expand retail sports betting comes amid changes in Connecticut’s gaming landscape. 

In December 2023, Fanatics Sportsbook, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, was selected to replace Chicago-based Rush Street Interactive as the state’s official sportsbook. 

Rush Street exited the Connecticut market in March 2023, citing insufficient profitability as the reason for its departure.

The transition to Fanatics has seen mixed outcomes for Connecticut’s sports betting operations. 

For example, the pioneering sportsbook at the XL Center, launched in September 2023, struggled initially and ended its first fiscal year with a $500,000 loss. 

Michael Freimuth, executive director of the Capital Region Development Authority, partially attributed these financial challenges to the vendor switch.

CLC, Optimistic About the Future

Despite these setbacks, the CLC remains optimistic about the future. Andrew Walter, the director of sports betting for the CLC, previously hinted at further expansion efforts, indicating the organization’s ambition to bring retail sports betting to more locations. 

The Norwalk facility, which is the CLC’s third in Fairfield County, was planned well in advance. The venue marks a step in that direction, fulfilling the goal of a non-arena venue for sports betting enthusiasts.

Fanatics Sportsbook also offers a mobile app available for download on iOS and Android devices, providing additional convenience for Connecticut’s bettors. 

The app includes a FanCash loyalty program, where users can earn rewards redeemable for bonus bets or merchandise. 

For in-person bettors, signing up for a Fanatics Player Card at any retail location allows them to start earning FanCash immediately.

At the end of July, a Fanatics spokesperson rejected media reports that suggested a sell-off of Michael Rubin’s share in the company.