The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs has published notice of its approval of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe’s amended gaming agreement with the state of Connecticut, a final preliminary step in the launch of sports wagering and online casino gaming.

Notice of the approval appeared in Monday’s edition of the Federal Register, which issues proposed and final administrative regulations of U.S. agencies. The notice indicates the Mashantuckets' gaming amendment took effect Sept. 10.

The BIA published notice of its approval of the Mohegan Tribe’s amended gaming agreement with the state on Sept. 15.

Online sports wagering in Connecticut is scheduled to begin Oct. 7. On-site wagering at the Mashantuckets' Foxwoods Resort Casino and the Mohegans' Mohegan Sun could begin sooner. A “soft” opening during which the state Department of Consumer Protection will test all systems, is expected to begin this week.

The Connecticut Lottery Corp. also will provide both online sports wagering and on-site sports betting at locations in northern and western parts of the state. The tribal-state amendments also authorize the tribes to provide online casino gaming.

— Brian Hallenbeck