Non-casino sports betting is now available at some locations in Connecticut, under the umbrella of the Connecticut Lottery. One of the first to offer the service was Shea’s Pizzeria and Sports Bar in Manchester; 15 locations have been authorized to offer the bets through the lottery.
Shea’s owner Jack Maloney told Yahoo News, “We’re very excited, it’s been a 3½-year project since we turned the bar inside over to a sports betting bar and it’s been one thing after another with stumbling blocks, but you know, today’s finally happening.”
The sports bar, which has partnered with Sportech and Rush Street Interactive, has added 35 TVs, one with a 10-foot screen.
Maloney added, “They kept saying, if the state gets it, Sportech will get it, and it finally came to fruition.”
Several area politicians and officials are pleased that small businesspeople are finally able to offer sports betting. Senator Stephen T. Cassano, who represents Manchester, noted that Maloney “put his life savings on the line to make this happen.” Manchester Mayor Jay Moran added, “Jack’s a Manchester guy through and through. He deserves to be successful here in this community.”
Previously, gamblers could only place in-person sports bets at Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods Resort Casino. Other off-casino sportsbooks include Bobby V’s in Windsor Locks and Stamford and Sports Haven in New Haven.
