History of the Division of Special Revenue
The
Division of Special Revenue's history of regulating gaming within
Connecticut began in 1971 with the enactment of Public Act No.
71-865 authorizing a State Lottery, Off-Track Betting, Horse Racing
and a Commission on Special Revenue, the precursor to the Division
of Special Revenue.
In the years since 1971, The Division of
Special Revenue's responsibilities have grown to include oversight
of all present and past forms of wagering in Connecticut. Beginning
with the Connecticut Lottery in 1972, the introduction of the
Northeast's first Jai Alai fronton in 1976, Greyhound Racing in
1976, the Connecticut OTB system in 1976, the New Haven Teletrack
off-track betting facility in 1979, Charitable Gaming in 1987 and
most recently the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos in 1992 and 1995
the Division of Special Revenue has been at the forefront of
legalized gaming operation and regulation.
The Division of Special Revenue operated
the Connecticut Lottery from its inception in 1972 until 1996 when
Connecticut broke new ground by becoming the first state to have its
lottery operated by a quasi-public corporation, the Connecticut
Lottery Corporation. The Division continues its mission to assure
lottery patrons of integrity in gaming through close oversight of
the Connecticut Lottery Corporation and over 3000 lottery retailers
statewide.
The Division was also the operator of the
OTB system from the first wager in 1976 until its sale 1993.
Following the sale of the OTB system the Division moved from
operator to regulator to once again assure the maintenance of the
highest possible standards of gaming integrity.
The opening of Plainfield Greyhound Park in
1976 and Shoreline Star Greyhound Park in 1995 brought the
excitement of live greyhound racing to Connecticut.
In 1976 Bridgeport Jai Alai began operation
followed shortly after by Hartford Jai Alai and Milford Jai Alai.
The Division oversaw the regulation of the fast paced sport in
Connecticut through 2001.
Up until 1987 Charitable Gaming in
Connecticut was the responsibility of the Connecticut State Police.
The Division took over this role in 1987. The Division's oversight
has allowed the state's charitable organizations to fund many
worthwhile activities along with providing an enjoyable source of
recreation for the many patrons of these games of chance.
The advent of casino gaming in Connecticut
in 1992 brought with it additional responsibility for the Division.
With Connecticut home to two of the world's largest casinos, the
Division finds itself with unique expertise in the field of Tribal
State Gaming.