Sportech gets approval for more wagering venues in Connecticut

Sports betting provider Sportech has won State Senate approval to raise the number of wagering venues permitted in Connecticut to 24, from 18.

On 7 June 7, the State Senate voted 22-14 in favour of House Bill 6948, which would become law within 15 days after the bill was presented to the Governor for signing. The governor has a right of veto.

Sportech said that under an exclusive licence it currently operated 15 venues in Connecticut. It would open its 16th venue over the next few days in Stamford, it said.

The House Bill required that the Department of Consumer Protection established a regulatory framework for sports betting in anticipation of a potential change in federal law to permit it.

"Furthermore, the House of Representatives has passed a bill to allow the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes to develop a casino in East Windsor," said Sportech.

Chief executive Ian Penrose said these positive developments would allow the company to further strengthen its business interests in Connecticut.

At 13:18 BST, shares in Sportech were flat at 99.5p each.