Connecticut blackjack hasn’t been around for a long time. The first table games in Connecticut were
placed at Foxwoods in 1992. While the lottery and bingo were available before blackjack in Connecticut,
slot machines weren’t available in the state until 1993. The second full-service casino, Mohegan Sun,
would offer blackjack when it opened a few years later in 1996.
There are only two casinos Connecticut today. Both casinos use a regulatory framework for Indian
gaming from the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). Foxwoods Casino operates under federal
procedures and Mohegan Sun operates under a tribal-state compact.
One major difference between tribes operating casinos in Connecticut and other states is that they don’t
share table game earnings – only slot machines. Connecticut casinos deal similar player friendly
blackjack games.
Connecticut casinos offer similar rules for blackjack:
- Natural blackjack normally pays 3-to-2.
- Dealer may hit or stay on Soft 17
- Player may double down on any two cards
- Player may double after splitting a pair
- Player may not re-split Aces
- Player may Surrender
Casinos Dealing Blackjack in Connecticut
There are only two casinos dealing blackjack in Connecticut. However, gambling in Connecticut isn’t limited to casinos. Gamblers on the lottery and bingo may take place outside of casinos.
Table Games Revenue in Connecticut
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection does not require casinos to report revenue from table games by the two casino operators. However, the state does keep detailed records on slot machine revenue from the two casinos. The state also keeps track of current revenue from charitable games, off-track betting, and lottery.
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection keeps historical statistics on greyhound racing, jai alai, and other pari-mutuel facilities. Visit the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection for more information.
History of Blackjack in CT
The mass expansion of legal gambling doesn’t have a long history in Connecticut. Gambling has a unique history before the state started a lottery in 1983. Previously Connecticut allowed limited Pari-Mutuel betting on horses and dogs. Charitable gambling was also allowed. The charities in the state were allowed to offer bingo and raffles along with duck and frog racing.
Foxwoods started as a bingo hall in 1986. They opened a Foxwoods Casino with blackjack and other table games in 1992. They added slot machines in 1993. Mohegan Sun opened as a full-service Vegas-style casino resort in 1996. This casino has offer both table games and slot machines since first opening.
Both casinos offer relatively player-friendly blackjack games. Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun offer blackjack games that pay 3:2 when a player is dealt a natural blackjack. Deck penetration may differ at the two casinos. Additionally, some Mohegan Sun blackjack games may use a continuous shuffle machine.
State Pages: PA blackjack / Florida Blackjack
