diff --git a/database.py b/database.py
index f3e8ea4..b9ee505 100644
--- a/database.py
+++ b/database.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ from dotenv import load_dotenv
 load_dotenv()
 
 
-DATABASE_URL = os.environ["DB_CONNECTION_STRING"]
+DATABASE_URL = os.getenv("DB_CONNECTION_STRING", "sqlite:///data/wrongmove.db")
 
 
 debug = os.getenv("ENV", "dev") == "dev"