The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, which operates Foxwoods Resort Casino, is eager to expand into online poker and potentially link players with those in other states like New Jersey. Chairman Rodney Butler confirmed that the tribe is planning to offer online poker in Connecticut through a multi-state agreement. This would allow players to compete against others from states such as New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware, which are already part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement.
Butler emphasized that liquidity is essential to a successful online poker network, especially considering Connecticut’s population of only 3.5 million. He stated that agreements with other states or tribes are necessary to create a viable player base. “We only have 3.5 million people in the state of Connecticut, and how many of those are going to play poker online? So we’re going to need to have those agreements with either other states or other tribes,” he said.
Currently, Connecticut’s gambling compacts with its tribes do not include language about multi-state poker agreements. However, Butler is optimistic that the state will be open to the idea, especially with the potential for increased tax revenue. Connecticut’s Governor, Ned Lamont, maintains good relationships with the governors of New Jersey and Delaware, which could help facilitate a multi-state poker agreement.
Butler believes such an arrangement would benefit the state and the tribes, stating, “I think we’ll figure it out because it benefits the state as much as it benefits us, and other states have done it. I think it will happen.”
Online Poker Plans Take Backseat to Sports Betting and iGaming Launch
While online poker is in the tribe’s long-term plans, it’s taking a backseat to the more imminent launch of sports betting and online casinos, expected to begin in Connecticut this fall. The Mashantucket Pequot have partnered with DraftKings, a major player in sports betting and online casinos, but not in online poker.
Butler expressed excitement over the tribe’s entry into iGaming, noting that Connecticut will be just the seventh state to offer such services. He remains confident that the growth of iGaming will not harm the brick-and-mortar casino business. Despite concerns about potential cannibalization in states like Pennsylvania, Butler pointed out that online gambling is growing rapidly and that Foxwoods’ physical casino will continue to thrive alongside it.
“There’s been some suggestion in New Jersey and Pennsylvania the last couple of months that there may be some cannibalization. I think that’s a blip. I’m not ready to accept that. I think there’s potential that it can be cannibalizing, but if overall the pie is growing then is it really cannibalization?” Butler said.
Additionally, with just two iGaming platforms in Connecticut, Butler doesn’t expect the highly competitive environment seen in other states with many operators, allowing for more controlled and stable growth in the market.
Source : https://www.playct.com/news/foxwoods-multi-state-poker-plans/