Connecticut Lottery seals sports betting operations partnership with Rush Street

Connecticut Lottery has announced Rush Street Interactive as its sports betting operations partner for its soon-to-launch sports wagering business.
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The Connecticut Lottery Corporation (CLC) has announced Rush Street Interactive (RSI) as its sports betting operations partner for its soon-to-launch sports wagering business under a 10-year agreement.

Subject to regulatory approvals, RSI will serve as the CLC’s exclusive sports betting system provider for mobile, online, and retail channels, including as the operator of the lottery’s mobile/online sportsbook.

Rob Simmelkjaer, Chairman, CLC Board of Directors, commented: “Rush Street Interactive is a respected sports betting and gaming company that has established itself as a leading innovator in the industry.

“We are impressed not only with RSI’s successes in other jurisdictions, particularly in neighboring New York and New Jersey, but also its commitment to responsible gambling practices.”

Greg Smith, CLC President & CEO, added: “We look forward to working with the team at Rush Street Interactive. We had 15 quality proposals from well-established gaming companies, and RSI rose to the top through the combination of its experience and commitment to quality products, customer service, and responsible gaming safeguards. We’re excited about this partnership and know our players will be getting an excellent product and customer service.”

As the operator of PlaySugarHouse.com, BetRivers.com, and RushBet.co, RSI is currently in 10 different states, including New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Richard Schwartz, President of RSI, said: “We are honored to be selected by the CLC to bring sports betting to the state and people of Connecticut.

“This partnership represents a significant milestone for RSI, as the trust and confidence of a state-backed organization such as the CLC further validates the strength of our award-winning online gaming platform and customer service.

“Building on our proven track record of success in the tri-state area, where RSI was an early entrant in New Jersey and is the market leader in retail sports betting amongst New York’s commercial casinos, we are thrilled to collaborate with the CLC team to offer Connecticuters safe, convenient, and unique gaming experiences.”

The CLC has also teamed with Sportech to offer sports betting at 10 of Sportech’s current OTB locations, including Bobby V’s locations in Stamford and Windsor Locks; Sports Haven in New Haven; and the Winners locations in Hartford, Manchester, Waterbury, Torrington, New Britain, Milford, and Norwalk. The lottery may operate up to 15 retail sports wagering locations.

Simmelkjaer stated: “We are very excited to partner with Sportech to bring retail sports betting to all corners of the state of Connecticut. Their existing locations and licensed staff will allow us to get to market quickly with RSI’s retail offering, and we look forward to working with them as we ramp up retail sports betting around the state.”

Andrew Lindley, Chief Operating Officer of Sportech PLC, added: “For over 25 years, Sportech has been the exclusive licensee of Connecticut’s off-track betting system and an established state gaming business.

“We are delighted to bring our established locations, local expertise, and licensed betting professionals to support CLC in delivering an exciting sports betting product across our retail network and assist in promoting CLC’s online and mobile channel.”