HARTFORD, CT (AP) - Gov. Dan Malloy says it’s inevitable that online gambling will come to Connecticut and his administration is investigating what can be done to protect jobs associated with the state’s two tribal casinos.

The Democratic governor said Monday that his administration is also looking at other issues, such as whether to allow the casinos or the state lottery to handle online gambling operations based in Connecticut and could financially benefit the state.

Last month, the U.S. Justice Department issued an opinion that in-state Internet gambling does not violate federal law. That has prompted New Jersey lawmakers to consider a new state law allowing online gambling there.

Malloy said it’s clear online gambling will become a reality, given the federal decision. He said Connecticut now must decide how to address it.

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