Connecticut’s New Online Poker Bill Could Spark Gaming Expansion in 2025

Nevada. Senate Bill 1464, unveiled by the t Committee on General Law, aims to expand the state’s gaming opportunities while simultaneously introducing key protections for problem gamblers.

The Path to a Multi-State Poker Compact

The heart of SB 1464 lies in the proposal to allow Connecticut to enter into agreements with other U.S. states and federally recognized Indian tribes to facilitate multijurisdictional online poker. The bill stipulates that the Governor would have the authority to enter into such agreements, provided they align with state and federal regulations. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes that all online gaming would need to be confined to the United States. As outlined in the bill, “The Governor may enter into agreements with one or more states or territories of the United States, or federally recognized Indian tribes engaged in Indian gaming operations, to authorize online gaming operators to conduct multijurisdictional Internet gaming for peer-to-peer casino games.”

This move could significantly alter Connecticut’s online poker scene, which has struggled due to the state’s small population. While the bill does not specify an exact timeline, it has been set for review, with a public hearing scheduled for March 12. The potential for a July 1, 2025, effective date indicates that Connecticut could be ready to launch its multijurisdictional poker offerings by mid-2025, though this timeline is not guaranteed.

SB 1464 addresses several other areas within the state’s gambling laws. Among its provisions are consumer protections aimed at minimizing the risks associated with gambling. These include the establishment of deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and additional safeguards for problem gamblers. The bill also contains measures to regulate online sports betting, including a requirement for sports betting operators to disclose a toll-free helpline for s who may encounter -related issues.

Another significant aspect of the bill is its focus on multi-ing. The provision stipulates that players are restricted to creating only one on any Connecticut-based online gaming platform, even if the platform operates under multiple brands or skins. This helps ensure fair play and prevents abuse of the system.

Connecticut’s Online Poker Landscape

While Connecticut has already legalized online poker, the state’s relatively small population has hindered its online poker scene from flourishing. The state’s online poker market has remained underdeveloped, as there simply aren’t enough players to sustain a thriving ecosystem. However, by ing the MSIGA, Connecticut would gain access to a much larger player pool, which could enhance the competitiveness of its poker offerings. The inclusion of Connecticut in the MSIGA would allow local players to compete against those in states like New Jersey and Nevada, potentially attracting a wider audience to the state’s online poker platforms.

The bill’s potential to attract more players could be crucial for the state, as increased player liquidity often leads to larger prize pools and more diverse tournament options. With this shift, Connecticut’s poker operators could experience revenue growth, while also expanding their reach to players across state lines. However, the bill’s success hinges on the Governor’s ability to negotiate favorable agreements with other states and tribes, a task that may prove challenging but holds significant rewards.

One of the more notable aspects of SB 1464 is its focus on protecting players. The bill mandates that all gaming platforms operating within Connecticut must include clear, easily accessible responsible gambling information, such as a toll-free helpline and voluntary time-out options. Players will also be notified of the time spent on gaming platforms, promoting responsible play and minimizing the risk of addiction. Additionally, operators will be required to correct any betting odds errors promptly, issuing full refunds to players affected by such errors.

Sports Betting Adjustments and Limits

The bill also includes provisions aimed at regulating sports betting, particularly concerning maximum wager limits. While the bill doesn’t specify the exact dollar amount for the maximum bets, it does note that such limits will be addressed in further regulations. This decision, however, is likely to stir debate among sportsbooks and bettors alike, as the issue of wager limits has been contentious in states that have already legalized online sports betting.

Connecticut’s sports betting landscape is currently dominated by three operators: FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook. These platforms operate in partnership with the state’s tribal casinos, Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun. If SB 1464 es, the added regulations could alter how these sportsbooks operate within the state.

With the bill now in the hands of the Senate’s t Committee on General Law, SB 1464 has a long road ahead. A public hearing is scheduled for March 12, and lawmakers will have until June 4 to make decisions on this and other gaming-related proposals. If the bill es, Connecticut could see its online poker market grow substantially by mid-2025. Additionally, the state’s ability to the MSIGA could have a profound impact on the region’s overall iGaming landscape, making it more competitive and attracting a larger player base.

While ers of the bill are optimistic, the proposal may face opposition from those concerned about the potential social consequences of expanding online gambling. Critics worry that broader access to online gaming could lead to increased gambling addiction and related issues. Furthermore, legal experts have raised concerns about potential challenges posed by federal laws such as the Wire Act and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which govern interstate gaming transactions.

Despite these hurdles, SB 1464 is a promising step toward reshaping Connecticut’s online gambling framework. If the bill is ed, the state could soon see its online poker industry flourish, providing new opportunities for both operators and players.

Source:

‘’Connecticut bill proposes ing online poker pool compact’’, poker.org, March 09, 2025.