RSI and CLC join forces
Rush Street Interactive (RSI) has signed a new ten-year agreement with the Connecticut Lottery Corporation (CLC). The deal will see both partners launch sports betting together in locations across the state.
US-based online casino and sportsbook operator Rush Street took to Twitter on Thursday to announce news of the partnership:
RSI will serve as the CLC’s exclusive sports betting provider for mobile, online, and retail channels. The lottery has the right to operate a statewide online sports betting skin and open up to 15 retail betting locations. According to a company statement, the deal guarantees CLC a betting revenue share of $170m.
We are honored to be selected”
Richard Schwartz, president of Chicago-based RSI, commented on the new deal. “We are honored to be selected by the CLC to bring sports betting to the state and people of Connecticut,” he said. The Rush Street executive described the agreement as “a milestone”, claiming that it validates the strength of the company’s online gaming platform and customer service.
15 operators to choose from
Connecticut lawmakers finally legalized sports betting in July this year by passing HB 6451. The legislation put in motion the plans of Governor Ned Lamont, who has campaigned for the introduction of legal betting since the beginning of the year. It paved the way for the Mohegan Tribe, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, and the Connecticut Lottery to offer retail and online betting.
In preparation for the passing of HB 6451, the CLC began a Request for Qualification process in April. It announced that month that it had received 15 applications from operators hoping to offer betting in the state. On Thursday, the lottery also took to Twitter to confirm its final selection:
Commenting on the lottery’s reasons for choosing RSI, CLC president and CEO Greg Smith pointed to its experience, quality products, customer service, and responsible gambling efforts. He also noted RSI’s strong performance in other states, including the neighboring jurisdictions of New York and New Jersey.
A busy week for Rush Street
Rush Street is currently active in ten different states through its PlaySugarHouse, BetRivers, and RushBet brands. However, it’s clear that RSI has plans to include more states on its list of active jurisdictions.
In addition to its deal in Connecticut, the operator has also secured market access into Louisiana, Mississippi, and New Mexico this week. On Wednesday, RSI announced a minority investment in Boom Entertainment. The New York-based game developer and technology partner has agreements with brick-and-mortar casinos in the three states.
the widest range of games available in the industry”
As part of the agreement, Boom will also license iGaming products for RSI. Rush Street will roll out these products to its real-money and social players via its own iGaming platform. RSI president Schwartz said the move aligns with the company’s strategy to offer “the widest range of games available in the industry.”