House Bill 7215 Moves Forward to Address Gambling Addiction

The Connecticut Public Health Committee has voted to advance House Bill 7215, a legislative proposal focused on addressing problem gambling, particularly the rise of internet gaming disorder. The measure was approved by a 20-10 vote, with two absent or not voting. The bill now moves to the House for further deliberation. Lawmakers introduced this measure in response to growing concerns over gambling addiction, which has become increasingly prevalent since the state legalized online sports betting and casino gaming in 2021.

Proposed State Intervention for Internet Gaming Disorder

Under the proposed legislation, the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) would be tasked with establishing a program dedicated to treating and rehabilitating individuals suffering from internet gaming disorder. Additionally, the initiative would extend to affected families by providing resources aimed at mitigating the social and psychological effects of gambling addiction. While the disorder is not officially classified as a standalone condition by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), it is listed as a “condition for further study” in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Nonetheless, health officials and lawmakers in Connecticut have raised alarms over its increasing prevalence and impact.

Connecticuthas witnessed a significant surge in gambling activity since the expansion of online betting and casino games in 2021. According to data from the Department of Consumer Protection, nearly $45 billion has been wagered across various platforms. The state has generated more than $383 million in revenue from sports betting and an additional $160 million from online casino gaming.

While these figures highlight the financial benefits of legal gambling, they also underscore a growing public health concern. The state’s 2022 Epidemiological Profile: Problem Gambling revealed that 35.2% of individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 engaged in some form of gambling, with an increasing number demonstrating signs of problematic gambling behavior following the introduction of legalized online betting.

A separate study conducted by DMHAS in 2024 further highlighted the issue, showing that approximately 50% of all sports betting revenue comes from fewer than 2% of bettors who are classified as problem gamblers. These findings have fueled concerns that gambling addiction disproportionately affects a small percentage of s, prompting calls for targeted intervention programs.

Challenges in Defining and Treating Internet Gaming Disorder

Despite the growing urgency to address gambling addiction, implementing effective solutions presents challenges. DMHAS Commissioner Nancy Navarretta testified before the Public Health Committee, explaining that the lack of formal recognition of internet gaming disorder by the APA complicates efforts to develop standardized treatment approaches.

“DMHAS is very interested in continuing to monitor the progression of this analysis,” Navarretta stated, “but think it is premature at this time to fully develop a program without clear clinical standards or official recognition in the broader behavioral health field.”

Although the disorder has yet to receive full classification, ers of the bill argue that Connecticut must act preemptively to curb gambling-related harm. They emphasize the importance of creating systems for individuals and families struggling with addiction, even as clinical guidelines evolve.

With the Public Health Committee’s approval, HB 7215 now proceeds to the House, where it will undergo further discussion. Lawmakers have until April 2 to determine whether to advance the bill for broader legislative debate. If enacted, the legislation would represent a proactive step in addressing the challenges associated with online gambling and its impact on public health.

Source:

‘’Bill To Address Gambling Addiction Sent To House’’, ctnewsjunkie.com, March 28, 2025.