Right now, in-person poker is a type of gambling that is illegal in Connecticut under Section 53-278a of the General Statutes. Section 53-278b provides an exemption for people who gamble “incidental to a bona fide social relationship,” as long as no one other than the participants receives anything from the game.

Both the Department of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General have determined that the hosting of poker games or tournaments at commercial bars or similar establishments would violate Connecticut law.

Online poker was authorized by Public Act 21-23 but no operators are licensed in Connecticut. Online poker is not currently legal in Connecticut.