Connecticut Moves to Ban Sweepstakes Gaming with Unanimous Senate Approval

Connecticut’s Senate General Law Committee has unanimously approved a bill aimed at banning sweepstakes gaming operations in the state. Senate Bill 1235 (SB 1235), introduced at the request of the Department of Consumer Protection, seeks to close loopholes that have allowed unregulated gaming platforms to operate under the guise of promotional sweepstakes.

The legislation specifically prohibits businesses from facilitating sweepstakes or promotional contests that resemble real-money casino gaming or sports betting. Additionally, it bans ticket resale services and ticket courier platforms that act as intermediaries for lottery sales.

If enacted, violations of these provisions could result in criminal charges, with professional gambling being classified as a Class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Bipartisan for SB 1235

The General Law Committee voted 22-0 in favor of the bill, reflecting broad bipartisan agreement on the need to regulate the growing presence of sweepstakes-based gambling. Lawmakers have expressed concerns that such gaming models often target vulnerable consumers while operating outside traditional state gambling oversight.

The bill is now under review by the Legislative Commissioners’ Office before moving to the next stage in the legislative process. If approved, it will provide Connecticut authorities with stronger enforcement mechanisms against illegal gaming enterprises.

While SB 1235 has been the primary focus, Senate Bill 1464 (SB 1464) proposes allowing the state to enter multijurisdictional online poker agreements, potentially expanding the player pool for legal online poker. Meanwhile, House Bill 5269 (HB 5269) seeks to regulate gambling ments by prohibiting financial incentives that encourage betting.

Both bills have also cleared the General Law Committee, but the fate of these measures remains uncertain as they advance through further legislative scrutiny.

Industry and Public Reactions

The proposed sweepstakes ban has received mixed reactions from industry stakeholders. ers argue that the bill will curb predatory gaming practices and reinforce consumer protections, ensuring that only licensed and regulated entities operate within the state. Opponents, particularly those in the promotional gaming sector, contend that the legislation may have unintended consequences for legitimate sweepstakes-based businesses.

Recently, The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (D) has suspended High5Games’ license indefinitely after discovering its involvement in illegal online gambling. The company was operating High5Casino, an unlicensed site, and misleading players into thinking it was legal.

Over 1,100 players were affected, with 911 losing nearly $1 million. Some players, including those on the self-exclusion list, suffered significant losses. High5Games faces numerous criminal charges, including illegal gaming activity. D is working to secure restitution for affected players and reminds residents to only use licensed platforms, such as FanDuel and DraftKings, to ensure legal protection and recourse.

As Connecticut lawmakers push forward with these reforms, gaming operators, legal experts, and consumers alike will be closely monitoring the implications of the proposed regulatory changes.

Source:

‘’Trio of Connecticut gaming bills move forward in legislature’’, sbcamericas.com, March 25, 2025.