Connecticut lawmakers were urged Tuesday to finally legalize sports betting and internet gambling after years of debate. But it was clear that disagreement still remains as to whether the state’s federally recognized tribes have exclusive rights to that kind of wagering – an issue that has stymied the state’s efforts in the past. Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Chairman Rodney Butler insisted both sports betting and internet gambling fall under the decades-old memoranda of understanding between the state and the Mashantucket Pequot and the Mohegan tribes. But he voiced optimism that a compromise respecting that exclusivity may be reached with state officials.
