Connecticut lottery goes shopping for new sportsbook partner following RSI exit
State-licensed operator eyes June debut as well as “smooth transition” from current partner
The Connecticut Lottery Corporation (CLC) has opened a request for proposals (RFP) from interested operators to become its next sports betting partner following the end of its partnership with Rush Street Interactive (RSI).
Issuing a 38-page document, the CLC outlined its expectations for RSI’s successor, which include the provision of wagering platform that can manage both retail and online sports betting plus a new daily fantasy sports offering in the state.
This contract will cover an implementation period, in which the winning bidder will be expected to work with RSI, with the eventual aim of agreeing a partnership with CLC for an eight-year period.
“In order to effectuate a smooth transition of the online channel, the successful proposer must work collaboratively with the current operator to import all player data into its system and to create a messaging and marketing plan to address the transition period from current system to the successful proposer’s system,” the RFP states.
Other requirements for the winning bidder include bonusing engines, risk management software, compliant AML and know your customer (KYC) software, and a player account management system compliant with current CLC demands.
“Proposers should describe whether the online offering will be specific to Connecticut, or whether the mobile application uses a ‘single wallet’ across jurisdictions,” the tender specifies.
Currently, CLC has nine operational retail sports betting locations, with another location under construction in Hartford’s XL Center arena – expected to reach completion by this fall.
In the RFP, the CLC has indicated its desire to conclude the tender process as quickly as possible, with a series of optional meetings between CLC officials and potential applicants scheduled for April 17-21.
Bidding operators will also be given the option of asking the CLC questions about the process, with a deadline of April 24 and a CLC response deadline of May 1.
All tenders must be submitted by May 19, with the CLC review process taking place over the next month, before announcing its preferred bidder by June 14, ahead of a potential launch in the fall.
Last month, RSI and the CLC confirmed an intention to end their partnership during the second half of 2023, just two years after initially signing a 10-year deal.
Connecticut is home to just three licensed operators including the CLC, with DraftKings and FanDuel each partnered with tribal gaming operators the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and the Mohegan Tribe, respectively.
The US sportsbook heavyweights dominate the local market, a prospect which may discourage any potential CLC partner from entering the Constitution State.