“So that these two different operations stand together in parallel and create a really good experience for customers.” “Thought was given right from the beginning by (the Capital Region Development Authority) about making this not just a sports bar that has betting but making the focus when you walk in on the betting,” said Andrew Walter, director of legal and business affairs at the Connecticut Lottery Corp.’s sports betting division, a partner in the venture.

There also is optimism that the sportsbook - a major new amenity at XL - will be the lead-in to a much larger, $107 million renovation contemplated for the 16,000-seat arena, perhaps beginning as early as next year.

Hopes are high for the new, state-financed downtown sportsbook: attracting visitors to an arena even when there isn’t a sporting or entertainment event and earning sorely needed revenue for a coliseum that has struggled financially for decades. HARTFORD - When sports betting comes to Hartford’s XL Center next month, the $5 million venue will be one of the largest to open in Connecticut since the state approved a sweeping expansion of legalized gambling nearly two years ago.

Xl center for casinos