Connecticut Bill Seeks to Limit Gambling Ads on College Campuses

bill proposed in Connecticut aims to curtail the exposure of students to gambling-related ments across public higher education campuses, with a particular focus on protecting those under the legal gambling age. The proposed legislation, House Bill 5271, is titled “An Act Prohibiting Gaming-Related Advertising, Marketing, and Promotional Activities at Public Institutions of Higher Education.” The bill was discussed at a public hearing held by the General Law Committee on Wednesday.

Bill Targets Gaming Ads Aimed at College Students

Paul Tarbox, director of public policy and communications at the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, has expressed strong for the bill. Tarbox highlighted the vulnerability of college students, particularly males, to gambling-related harm, especially in the context of sports betting and casino activities. He emphasized that the proposed restrictions on gambling ads are crucial for student safety.

“College students, especially males, are really prone to abusing gambling when it comes to sports betting and casinos,” Tarbox explained. “Expanding the bill to include restrictions on certain displays on campus-wide internet or communication systems just makes sense from a safety standpoint.”

Tarbox’s comments underscore the need to protect student populations from exposure to aggressive marketing tactics used by gambling operators. He pointed out that while banning access to gambling apps entirely could drive students to unregulated, potentially dangerous sites, this bill aims to reduce advertising without encouraging students to engage in more harmful, underground activities.

“If you completely ban access to gambling apps, it’s not necessarily going to stop the behavior,” Tarbox remarked. “They’re just going to go to illegal, unregulated sites where there are no safety measures like time or money limits. Regulated platforms at least provide resources and for those who need help.”

Concerns Over Financial Impact from UConn

Despite strong backing from some lawmakers and advocacy groups, the bill has raised concerns at the University of Connecticut (UConn), particularly regarding its potential impact on university finances. Neal Eskin, UConn’s executive associate athletic director, submitted written testimony voicing partial opposition to the bill. Eskin expressed concerns that certain provisions of the bill could jeopardize the university’s current corporate sponsorships, which are managed through Learfield, UConn’s multimedia rights holder.

Eskin stated that UConn opposes any direct solicitation of students by gambling entities but emphasized that sponsorship deals with companies like Mohegan Sun and the Connecticut Lottery are industry standards and critical to the university’s financial health.

“UConn is categorically against direct solicitation of students by or on behalf of gambling entities,” Eskin wrote. “However, practices such as displaying the Mohegan Sun logo on the floor of Gampel Pavilion and showcasing logos of Mohegan Sun and the Connecticut Lottery in the arena are industry standards and vital to our financial sustainability.”

Eskin also pointed out that UConn’s athletic programs regularly compete in venues like the XL Center in Hartford and Mohegan Sun Arena, where sports betting facilities are visible to all attendees, including students. He urged lawmakers to clarify the bill’s provisions to avoid inadvertently undermining crucial revenue streams for the university.

“We firmly believe this legislation aims to prevent gambling companies from directly soliciting students, especially those underage,” Eskin explained. “If that’s the intent, we request that be made explicit to preserve institutions’ ability to generate much-needed revenue.”

Additional Perspectives on Gambling ments

Other lawmakers, including State Rep. David Rutigliano, R-Trumbull, also voiced opinions on the bill. Rutigliano suggested that the issue of gambling-related advertising on college campuses should be part of a broader conversation. He noted that the bill might only address one aspect of a larger issue.

“I think this should’ve been part of a larger conversation,” Rutigliano stated. “It’s not just about advertising to students. There are certain types of ads we need to examine more closely to determine whether they’re predatory.”

The bill was introduced by the General Law Committee and has garnered from co-sponsors State Rep. Craig C. Fishbein, R-Wallingford, and Rutigliano. The legislation continues to gain attention as Connecticut seeks to find a balance between protecting students from gambling addiction and preserving the financial stability of higher education institutions.

Source:

‘’AN ACT PROHIBITING GAMING-RELATED ADVERTISING, MARKETING AND PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES AT PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.’’

‘’Bill would ban gambling ments at Connecticut public colleges’’, cdcgaming.com, Feb 23, 2025