© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

All Bets Are Off For Keno Repeal

purple_onion
/
Creative Commons

The electronic lottery game keno could come to Connecticut after all. Keno surfaced at the very end of last year's legislative session as a way to balance the new two year budget. But earlier this year, when a $500 million surplus was announced, lawmakers distanced themselves from the bingo-like game, and a bill to repeal keno seemed like a done deal.

As the session draws to a close, many lawmakers are taking a practical approach to the game.

Fast-forward two months, and keno is still the law, and the repeal bill is stuck in a legislative committee.

While keno has virtually no support in the legislature, as the session draws to a close, many lawmakers are taking a practical approach to the game. Democratic State Representative Matt Lesser said, "I don't think there was a whole lot of enthusiasm for this, but right now, it's the law. If we replace it, then the question is, with what?" 

The Connecticut Lottery Corporation said keno could bring in anywhere from $15 to $26 million a year to state coffers when it's up and running. The quasi-public agency said it's nowhere near ready to launch -- not because of the legislature's repeal efforts, but because agreements have not been reached between Connecticut's two Indian casinos and the governor's Office of Policy and Management.

"The Pequot Nation had some issues with specific language," said Frank Farricker, chairman of the board for the Connecticut Lottery Corporation. "Not with the deal itself -- they are working that out with OPM as we speak, I'm sure." He said that once an agreement is reached, it will take six to eight months to get keno into participating bars and restaurants in Connecticut. 

Ray Hardman is Connecticut Public’s Arts and Culture Reporter. He is the host of CPTV’s Emmy-nominated original series Where Art Thou? Listeners to Connecticut Public Radio may know Ray as the local voice of Morning Edition, and later of All Things Considered.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content