Basque pelota form of the word "" which may relate to a hard linen or leather ball filled with "" (fur or hair) or to the Latin words for strike or and is related to the English word "pellet". Today, Basque pelota is played in several countries. In Europe, this sport is concentrated in Spain and France, especially in the Basque Country. The sport is also played in Latin American countries such as Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Cuba. Operated as a gaming enterprise called Jai Alai, it is seen in parts of the U.S. such as Florida, Connecticut, Nevada, and Rhode Island.
Gambling in Connecticut 1992, opened its casino in 1996. Parimutuel wagering on horse racing, greyhound racing, and jai alai is offered at sixteen off-track betting (OTB) parlors around the state operated by Sportech, and also at the two tribal casinos. The Sportech operation had a total annual handle of $168 million as of 2015, with $125 million paid out for winning bets. Two greyhound tracks and three jai alai frontons have previously operated in Connecticut. Horse racing and off-track betting were legalized in 1971. Jai alai and dog racing were added the following year. A horse track named Connecticut Park was proposed to