Connecticut Bill to Ban Lottery Couriers, Sweepstakes Advances

A significant bill in Connecticut aimed at tackling unauthorized online gambling has progressed through legislative channels, bringing with it potential new restrictions for lottery couriers and sweepstakes promotions. The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 1235 (SB 1235), ed out of the Legislative Commissioners’ Office on Monday and now awaits action on the full Senate floor.

Introduced earlier this year by the General Law Committee, SB 1235 is designed to close loopholes in the state’s regulation of gambling-related activities. The bill specifically addresses sweepstakes promotions and the operation of lottery courier services, both of which have raised concerns about their potential role in facilitating illegal online gambling.

Key Provisions of the Bill

One of the bill’s most notable provisions is its outright ban on the operation and promotion of sweepstakes or promotional drawings that use simulated gambling devices or involve real or simulated online casino gaming or sports wagering. The bill clarifies that, while this restriction applies to most sweepstakes activities, it does not interfere with retail grocery chains promoting sweepstakes tied to grocery sales, as long as the prizes are non-cash items.

The language regarding lottery couriers is explicit, stating that no one in the state can operate a ticket courier service. These couriers, which have been linked to illegal gambling schemes, have come under increasing scrutiny, and the bill seeks to eliminate their presence in Connecticut entirely.

Moreover, the bill proposes severe consequences for those caught operating illegal gambling businesses. A violation would be classified as a Class D felony, with offenders facing potential prison time of up to five years and a fine of up to $5,000.

Broad Legislative

SB 1235 has already garnered widespread in the legislature. The General Law Committee approved it unanimously by a 22-0 vote in March, and it ed the Judiciary Committee with a 37-0 vote in late April. Following the approval by the Legislative Commissioners’ Office, the bill now stands ready for the Senate’s consideration.

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (D) has endorsed the bill, which would expand the department’s authority over gaming licensees. If ed, the D would gain the power to seize simulated gambling devices used in sweepstakes or promotional drawings, further strengthening the state’s grip on unauthorized gambling.

Expanding the Scope of Gambling Regulations

In addition to the sweepstakes and courier restrictions, SB 1235 includes several other provisions aimed at broadening the state’s regulatory framework for gambling. Notably, the bill would legalize betting on Connecticut college teams during tournaments with at least four participating teams. However, once all Connecticut teams are eliminated from a tournament, bets would no longer be permitted on the remaining games.

The bill also permits betting on combat sports, such as boxing and mixed martial arts, provided the activity doesn’t conflict with the bill’s anti-gambling clauses.

Furthermore, SB 1235 would allow Connecticut’s governor to enter into agreements with other states to facilitate multistate peer-to-peer online casino games, including poker, blackjack, roulette, video poker, and slots. This move could significantly expand the state’s gambling landscape, potentially attracting players from outside Connecticut’s borders.

Finally, the bill introduces new regulations on gambling advertising. These provisions are designed to limit the targeting of minors and vulnerable residents, ensuring that gambling promotions do not mislead consumers or encourage harmful behavior.

Source:

Connecticut bill to ban sweeps and lottery couriers advances, sbcamericas.com, May 7, 2025.